This article was updated at 1:58 p.m. to correct the following line:
“I did get into this university because of it, but haven’t received a ‘Hey, you’re a disadvantaged minority! Here’s a million dollars!’ check in the mail.”
It should have read:
“I didn’t get into this university because of it and haven’t received a ‘Hey, you’re a disadvantaged minority! Here’s a million dollars!’ check in the mail.”
This past year I have noticed many Americans talking about the “true American” and what it should mean. Depending on what political background and life experiences you have had, your definition may vary from someone else’s. A “true American” should value progress, though for some, this is not the case.
The ideology of this country was based on change. Our nation would not exist if people were satisfied with the old ways. This past year has been a beacon of progression — our president is a perfect example of progress and all the ways we as a people have come together.
What makes someone a true American is the intention of making changes that are best for our society and having your country’s best interest at heart. I know some individuals with different beliefs tend to have problems with diversity. They think the idea of diversity and all of the policies that go along with it are giving out free rides. This is false.
As an African-American, being stigmatized is an everyday thing for me. If the civil rights activists along with the government hadn’t stepped in to create change in this country, African-Americans as well as others would not be able to pursue their lives as to their fullest potential. The debate about big government versus small government is never ending, but without some government input, many people would be more disadvantaged than they are today. A true American should realize this.
Also, being from a minority group is in no way a ticket to success. Just because people recognize I am black doesn’t mean I get any type of special treatment. I didn’t get into this university because of it and haven’t received a “Hey, you’re a disadvantaged minority! Here’s a million dollars!” check in the mail. What matters is that the anti-discrimination policies are here to make sure everyone is given a fair chance. But at the same time, these actions to eliminate discrimination have caused even more animosity, which creates a whole new set of negative issues.
True Americans should advocate for freedom and progress. Women work just as hard as men, so there should be equal pay. Women should have the final say when it comes to abortion. Let’s face it, men get the easy (and fun) part of making a baby, but women get stuck with the heavier burdens, and the more rights you give the fetus the more you take away from the mother. I am not suggesting the mass killing of the unborn, but women should legally be able to have a choice in whether to continue with a pregnancy. The same goes for same-sex marriage. Members of the LGBT community are American citizens as well — they should be able to marry who they please. To me, this is progress.
A true American should realize society cannot be stagnant or it will die. As the years change, so do the people. No matter what your belief system may be, you should think about America and what it really stands for. Traditions are here for a reason, but that does not mean they cannot be modified. Before you point the finger and call someone out for not being a true American, look at your own life. True Americans look out for the well-being of their country and also embrace the change that comes along with it.
