What is America Mean to me Response

In response to essays about What American Means to Me? I was very interested but not at all surprised by most of your responses that spoke about race, poverty, diversity, icons and pop culture in America. I have to say that many of your statements are true and others have understandable arguments that validate them to many audiences. At the end of the day I would say America means more that I can even put into words on so many levels but I am going to do my best to address the most prevalent topics proposed in your essays.

To me America is simply home. I was born here into a country that is just as powerful as it has been shameful at moments. America has a past deeply rooted in oppression and racism. America was once a country that survived purely on the backs of slaves. Slavery is probably one of the most horrible shameful atrocities that can happen to a people. Yes, African Americans were snatched from their homes and transplanted into a country that valued them as less than human but it is our history. We may not be proud of it but all nations even those great and strong make mistakes. We have seen oppression and racism in other parts of the world. For Example the Jewish Holocaust. Many Jewish people were tortured and killed simply because they were Jewish. No, it wasn't right but it is the history of our world.

Many people think of Americans as over the top. People perceive Americans as the super rich, materialistic and selfish and it some ways I agree. America is a society based solely on the individual ,most people think about themselves but there are those instances of people who really cares about their communities and how to help people be better. America is one of the very few countries where you can be born dirt poor and truly grow up to be anything you want to be. I think that's why people come here they want to take advantage of the opportunities America has to offer, often sadly as Americans we do not always take advantage of the opportunities we have here.

Popular culture often feeds into the myths about American Culture. Someone mentioned in their essays the O.C. , The Hills and Gossip girls shows like that are not even realistic to most Americans. I mean they don't appeal to me. Shows like them only portray a particular segment of American culture. Most people do not live by the beach and driving flashy cars and gossip all day. Most people in America are middle class hard working people who have families to provide for. There are places in America I am even afraid to go but you would never see them on TV because its just not part of are global image. After the economic turn America has experienced things are changing people who were once gainful employed are losing their homes and jobs. As a result the middle class is shrinking and poverty is growing. There is a lot to be done to climb out of the rut that Americans have dug for themselves but we know we will be okay America has been tough times before and excelled and that is a major part of why we are one of the most powerful nations that ever stood on this earth.

America is iconic. You all seemed to know so much about America. Many of you spoke about Disney and Hollywood films you saw in your youth. Those films are just as iconic to many of us. When I was a little girl I wanted to be a Disney princess like many of you. Disney sells the fairy tale fantasy world that is truly unique and magical. Much like the American dream that is not only a dream for other all around the world but for Americans. We as Americans are constantly trying hard to reach levels of success that for many just won't be attainable.

America is changing daily as a result of the economy, race relations and diversity. Today all American are treated equally theoretically. So yes, it is not perfect but yes it is better. I feel like progress is often a slow process and over time America will grow stronger as the economy and race relations approve. America is different that it was when I was a little girl and the America my children experience will probably differ from my America but I can't think of another place I rather be.

Reading my response may make you think you know me as a American but like I said before America is complicated. I am not making excuses I am just seeing America as a work in progress. I want America to be the best I want my children to have a good life here, like I said before this is home. Am I patriotic? maybe never really thought about it. Do I love me country? Yes but does my country make mistakes? sure. I have a very complex relationship with the America I grew up in but at the end of the day I am proud to be African American women hoping to support my countries in its efforts to be a better America.