What does it really mean to be American? Some people say it's for learning a whole new language, being religious, that you're supposed to be born here in the US (or if your parents were born here), or have an ethnic background. But it’s really about committing to the political ideals of liberty, equality, and republicanism. Also be nationalist and patriotic towards your own country. Today, there are many reasons or ways to be American, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights/Constitution, the National Anthem, and much more. The defining quality of being an American is the right way to have freedom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment talks about freedom of speech, meaning that an American has the right to speak his mind; also contribute to serving our country by defending what we believe to be right; to make their own decisions. In the Ninth Amendment, it simply describes the government granting us certain rights. The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect us from government overreach to encroach on our rights. In the Bill of Rights, there are so many concepts of "America", such as freedom of religion, the right to conduct proceedings, the right to bear arms, and much more. Freedom of religion allows people to choose which religion to believe in and follow. , or perhaps not to believe it at all. As an American, everyone should be honored to have these privileges because most other countries are not fortunate enough to have all the freedoms compared to ours. Freedom is what sets us apart from other countries, and many people have lost their lives fighting for their freedoms. As an American, everyone should be proud of their own country. In the Declaration of Independence, the key phrases that explain everything are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This sentence says that all human beings have received, from their Creator, the protection with which they establish governments. Another expression would be “separate but equal”. This explains that people are different, but also the same, and should be treated as complete equals. The Declaration of Independence pursued many goals based on freedom, personal responsibility, private property and much more. Our respect for the rule of law and our commitment to ensuring equal justice for all. And finally, in the national anthem, whose purpose is its source of pride and cultural significance for citizens, it creates allegiance and loyalty to one's respective country, a reminder of important national, cultural and patriotic events. The national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key as he watched the attack from a British prison ship. As the battle ended the next morning, Key turned his telescope toward the fort and saw that the American flag was still flying. From that day, Key was inspired to write a poem that was later adopted as the national anthem of the United States – “The Star Spangled Banner.” America plays a pretty big role in what it means to be American, but some parts of literature have connections to the idea of ​​America, such as the American dream. The American Dream represents the traditional social ideals of the United States, such as equality, freedom, and opportunity. In addition to a life of personal happiness, material comforts as traditional as sought after by individuals in the United States. A good example of failing to achieve the American dream is “The Great Gatsby”. "The Great Gatsby"..