What Defines Us as Americans - 894 Words

Anthony Smith Mrs. Williams U.S History March 16, 2012 What Defines Us as Americans Over the years there have been many events that have taken place. These events not only affected the people and the world of the present at that time, but also the future and even the way things are today. Knowing this we must ask ourselves what defines us as Americans? There are series of events that all together add up to define us as Americans such as, the Constitution, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. What do you think defines us as Americans? The Constitution states â€Å"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common†¦show more content†¦When the U.S admitted Texas to the union the Mexican War was started and upon victory the U.S gained control of Texas, New Mexico, California and the entire western land to the Pacific Ocean after Oregon land was annexed. By the early twentieth century, the organization of the We st was completed, and the United States consisted of all 48 contiguous states. This was a major part of defining us as Americans by setting the tone for our 50 states we are allowed to visit and/or liveShow MoreRelatedMyths and Stereotypes909 Words   |  4 Pagesstories all over the news today and automatically assume that an African American, probably male, committed the crime. These crime stories, might indeed, involve African American males, but not all crimes are committed by African Americans. A few myths are to blame for this certain stereotyping. One myth is that most crimes are committed by African Americans. Another myth would be that African Americans are preying on White Americans in our country. There could be some truth to these myths but most likelyRead MoreDemocracy in America647 Words   |  3 Pagesnot. Democracy has meaning, and multiple values. Democracy a certain type of system a government uses to abide by. This government’s values are meant to please the American citizens, and their needs. Democracy looks different to the types of citizens that make up the American society. The multiple values that make up democracy define the country in this time period. Democracy is a type of government used in different countries, including America. A Democracy is a system of government by the populationsRead MoreAnalysis Of Kenny Chesney s Song American Kids1532 Words   |  7 Pagesidentity of many Americans is also developed by their actions. Some groups develop an identity by speaking their native language, like some members of â€Å"Chinatown† in various American cities. Others develop their identities by the way they dress, music they listen to, and their sexual identity. We can clearly see some of the largest factors used to develop one’s identity is the area in which they live in and their actions throughout their day to day life. In Kenny Chesney’s song American Kids we see theRead MoreWho I Am Essay1144 Words   |  5 PagesI am, because I was born to immigrants of Nigerian descent, and I am a first generation American, that term is sometimes used so loosely. By looking at my name they assume that I am from some is land, but I am so quick to tell them that â€Å"I am Nigerian†, there is another statement that normally follows this. â€Å"You do not have an accent†. I wonder if I had an accent would I be considered Nigerian and not American; then I say that â€Å"My parents are Nigerian† and then that changes, so to them I am just associatedRead MoreMy Experience At College Is The Way People Greet Each Other Around The World1285 Words   |  6 Pageshomes define who we are but we also define our homes. I still remember a year ago, in the cold winter day when I first came to America; I and my sister looked so tiny in thick, coarse sweaters. In the middle of the large airport with thousands of people around us, I felt so different. As a young girl who grew up in a small town in Vietnam, I had never seen so many people with different nationalities like in this airport. The languages they used, their appearances were so different from what I imaginedRead MoreSummary Of The Seals Call On An Arab Stereotype945 Words   |  4 Pagestheir superior calls him, â€Å"the crown prince of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.† The SEALs call on an Arab stereotype to define Zarqawi’s position and the representation of the Butcher is even more sinister. He is Al-Zarqawi’s henchman who does the dirty work to keep the Iraqi citizens in line. This includes using a drill to murder or maim people. This sets up a dichotomy between the Butcher, a cowardly evil man who uses barbaric methods to harm hi s enemies, against Chris Kyle, whose sniper is a quick clean killRead MoreDeception Theory Essay1272 Words   |  6 PagesErica Simonetti Reading Objectives August 24, 2011 Chapter 1: * What is the definition of communication embraced by the authors of this text?   * The authors define communication as â€Å"a social process in which individuals employ symbols to establish and interpret meaning in their environment.† * From their perspective, they use five key terms that coincide with defining communication: social, process, symbols, meaning, and environment. * Communication involvesRead MoreEssay about Living or Dying with the American Dream1274 Words   |  6 Pagesobtaining their dreams. We see the American Dream through the eyes of many different characters, giving us perspective of our own priorities and goals. 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Some people said having a goodRead MoreThirteen American Arguements1084 Words   |  5 PagesThe Thirteen American Arguments 4th period – Bookmeyer Kelsey Larsen August 29th, 2013 The Thirteen American Arguments is a book designed to explain and explore the idea of argument all throughout the world. How the government is ran, and how every past argument this country has had has been a similar one to the one presented beforehand. This process is a never ending argument and debate. The freedom of debate keeps us inspired and free; that this shows strength and not weakness. Not only