General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat is your definition of an American? This is mine.
An American is a person who is a fiercely independent island on to themselves. Who has the courage, the will, the ability to leave their island when called upon to defend their country and the common good.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,121 posts)and help others when you can, believe in science not conspiracy theories and above all, dont be a racist bigot.
Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)I would amend:
"...person who imagines they are an fiercely independent island.."
Independence is relative and imagined. In reality, it's a delusion. Send one into outer space in a space suit and tell them to take it off. That will settle the matter.
shockey80
(4,379 posts)We have strong views, beliefs. We have always been that way. However, we have also been a people who will listen if you earn our respect. Don't lie to us, tell us the truth, show leadership and then American people will set aside their independent views and do what is right, even if they do not completely agree with it.
That is the definition of the American revolution.
totodeinhere
(13,059 posts)Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)The USA did co-opt a more general term, huh? North America and South America are the Americas.
We are United Statesians.
Glorfindel
(9,736 posts)An American is a person who:
A. Was born within the borders of the USA because of the actions of his or her ancestors
B. Came to the USA for reasons of his or her own, asked to become a citizen, and did so
I lost any illusions I had about "the courage, the will, and the ability," etc., when my sweet young ass was drafted in 1966 and shipped unceremoniously to Vietnam.
shockey80
(4,379 posts)I am also a veteran. We follow orders, period. Soldiers count on their leaders to do the right thing.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,448 posts)shockey80
(4,379 posts)We are all Americans by name, by citizenship. There is more to it than that. How American is a Trump voter who blindly follows Trump?