Journal Posting #1. The American Definition

My definition of being an American has definitely been challenged in many aspects. Whether it be disastrous conflicts, such as the September 11 attack, or influences from other people, American or not; my perception of what it means to be an American has been tested, but never altered. To me, being an American has three basic yet significant words: freedom, opportunity, and pride. As depicted in De Crevecoeur's Letters from an American Farmer, people traveled with uncertainty to the United States in hopes of change, freedom, and new opportunities. These pioneers shaped the symbolic importance of our country with their perseverance and aspirations. However, De Crevecoeur's portrayal of freedom was drastically different from my view. Freedom involves everyone of all race, ethnicity and gender. As known from historical context, freedom once was not granted equally to all but rather to hierarchy and men. Furthermore, Thomas Bailey Aldrich's perception of the American Identity is rather seclusive and almost demeaning, in which I oppose his view. Aldrich declares the need to be protective and selective towards "invaders" who are coming to the United States for freedom, opportunity, and pride. By being selective towards America's immigrants, how can someone from another country search for change and freedom just like our own Jamestown establishers once wanted as well? I feel that being seclusive is not a good depiction of the American Identity. To be an American is to have perseverance towards a better change, the desire for uncertain opportunities, and the belief that freedom is achievable in the "land of the free."