AP English Language & Composition P1 Definition Essay: American

What is an American?- This question lingers in our minds as we try to execute a proper rendition for a culture so diverse that it renders the reputation as one of the most influential societies in the world. What makes an American goes beyond the definition of the book; its strategic geographical location on the western hemisphere or the acquisition of an American passport inadequately defines the characteristics of being an American. Being an American is more than being a legalized citizen of the country, but rather, recognizing the vision and ideas of a better society - the American Dream that surrounds the belief of equality and liberty reflected by the Founding Fathers as they forged the Declaration of Independence. Despite the diversity between ethnic appearance and language that prospers in America until today, what makes a true American is the shared belief of Freedom, Equality and the ambition for prosperity. Americas population is composed of a wide variety of ethnic groups that migrated in search of a better opportunity to prosper. Being dubbed as the land of the Free ethnicities from different parts of the world, may it be the first settlers during Columbus time or to the ancestral immigrants who came in from nearby countries like Mexico or from a far-flung peninsula in South East Asia. Regardless of their racial roots and appearance, these settlers has established their cultural identity around the American culture and traditions and has accepted it as their own are enough characteristics and qualities to be defined as an American.

Point taken to the different ethnical backgrounds of the modern American, bilingualism is considered one of the most prominent traits of being an American. With the amount of different ethnicities coming in, it is bound that the American culture will be influenced to use not just one language in whole. Bilingualism in America is encouraged, most especially in schools, that enforce the learning of not just the English language but as well as Spanish, Chinese, French or even Japanese. This encouragement to learn and develop not just one language is a good indication of the unity and flexibility that comes from being part of a very diverse society. Furthermore, what really defines an American is its belief in equality and the will to fight for their freedom. Americans are known to be more vocal as well as liberal compared to other cultures. The American Dream and other cultural trait of America is molded by the same belief and encouragement to the people to be united without having to sacrifice and to be subjected under the scrutinizing eyes of social conformity. What really makes an American goes far beyond and is not limited to the passport one is holding, but in the communal belief of the culture and traditions - the belief in the American dream- is what makes a true American.