Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean C
To me, an American is someone who values freedom and equality.
In my life here, I have met many, many people from all over the world who are Americans. Figuratively and literally. They are rich, poor, young, old and from every imaginable background.
But we all have one thing in common: we believe that the government derives its power from us ... the people, not the other way around. And that is, IMHO, the core of what really makes this country great. The idea, and the [somewhat imperfect] realization that literally anyone can achieve anything and reap the rewards.
I have also met a few people who, although technically able to claim to be "American", bear no resemblance.
YMMV
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This is about as good as it gets with regards to an explanation of what an American is.
With that being said, I think most people the world over have much the same core values as you have mentioned. Family is important to them as is trying to do the right thing. They do their best in their respective countries to embody many virtues and we are more alike that not. I have met people from around the world and it has never ceased to amaze me that they have reminded me in a good way of someone I grew up with or know.
I made light of being American in post # 15 as I tend to view things with humor. In all seriousness, your post goes a long way toward defining a true American and what we believe in.
