The word “America” brings with it many different definitions and ideas. To some, Americanism, may be a positive topic, and to others a subject laced with bitterness and hatred. America contains many unique characteristics and ideals, and these are what help make America a bright example to others across the world. To be an American means much more than citizenship; it means to be charitable enough to give to others, even when there is nothing left to give; it means to appreciate, share, and defend our exclusive liberties; and above all, it means to hold pride in our beautiful “Land of the Free”, because we have had to endure a great deal to gain this title.
The overall concept of American charity is not helping others when convenient for us, but is giving help to any, and all, whenever it is needed. America has always been a large advocate of aiding others in their time of need. This idea of charity and generosity has grown in our country since its beginning. We give charity freely, ranging anywhere from supporting others in horrific World Wars, or giving aid to distraught earthquake victims, or even to helping the struggling Syrian refugees. Over time, American leaders have found it necessary to reiterate our enthusiasm for helping others. Our most recent president, Barack Obama, said in his inaugural speech: “To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.” Our goal is always to help others even if it is ultimately hurting us. According to Forbes.com, America has a national debt just topping 18 trillion. Even though our national debt is extremely high and our poverty rate is ever increasing, we are still offering our help to other countries and causes. Why, do you ask? Because we have been taught that generosity is a prized characteristic, and over time have come to appreciate the value of benevolence. And because this American ideal of charity is so ingrained upon our minds, we as a nation feel obligated to ease the suffering of others even before realizing our own issues and helping ourselves.
Being an American also means to appreciate your freedom so much so that the desire to share and protect it is overwhelming. By having to fight for our own country’s rights, liberties, and ultimately its establishment, we have learned the value of our freedoms. America has been built upon these principles of freedom. Our First Amendment in the Bill of Rights states that we have the freedom of speech, press, assembly, petition, and religion in America. Said freedoms have been debated over the years and have withstood the contention within our nation, even through hard times such as the Civil Rights Movement, and the recent controversy over same sex marriage. The resilience of our rights and liberties has led us to the American tolerance in place today. Many people are welcomed into America and are welcome to enjoy our unique privileges. In America, our freedoms are taken very seriously because we as a nation can empathize with others over the difficulty of putting these same freedoms in place. We protect our liberties through physically waging wars, socially wrestling the rising distress in the world, and emotionally battling the loss of our citizens to both fights. We have had to fight for our own independence and defend it over the years. Due to our knowledge on the real cost of these rights and liberties, we are willing to fight for them in our homeland, and for others across the world.
Another, and possibly the most notable characteristic of America, is that of our pride and loyalty. Often our love and devotion for our country is mocked and exaggerated by others who know not the obligated respect we hold. Citizens remain unfazed by this mockery because we are firmly rooted in our American nationality. People from across the world might be unfamiliar with our patriotic pride and love, and some even seek to destroy it. Attacks have been made against America and yet we remain resilient and unified. After the heartbreakingly horrible attack in New York on September 11, 2001, Leonard Pitts Jr. created a speech addressing the terrorists who staged this terrible crime. In his speech Pitts asks, “Did you want to tear us apart?” he immediately replies to his question by saying “You just brought us together.” This dramatic declaration emphasizes America’s unity, even in times of crisis. Because our pride in, and loyalty to, our country is so strong, even in disastrous times, America is and always will be resilient. It is this resilience that gives our country its great power.
America is a name bound with many different titles and emotions. The ideals and characteristics of America are what contribute to these varying identities. Our ever present charity makes us as a shining light to other nations. Our appreciation for America’s freedoms has provided motivation for defending and sharing these unique liberties. Our pride and loyalty to our country have allowed for America to be a unified and strengthened nation. We have fought for the right to hold these special values in our beautiful country. Over time the ideals of charity, freedom, and pride have built America into the generous, loyal, and resilient haven that it is today.