Who IS a 'Real American?'

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By Rowan Wolf (about the author) Page 2 of 3 page(s)

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I am sick and tired of waving the (heroic) troops as those who have fought for our "freedom," or paid the "ultimate price" for our nation. While most of those who have served under uniform may have thought they were fighting for our "freedom," they were largely fighting to further political and economic agendas of the powerful. Fighting the (illegal) war in Iraq, does not protect our freedom of speech or association in the United States. It does not protect the people of the United States from the abusive use of power of the government. It doesn't even make us "safer."

What about those who did (and do) fight and die for our freedom? What about those who were freedom riders, and those who marched in the streets for civil rights? What about the abolitionists and suffragettes? What about the millions who have marched against wars, police brutality, racial profiling, the right to vote? What about those who have fought to ensure equal protection under the law? What about the union organizers and activists who gave us protection from abusive employers and worker safety standards? What about the environmentalists who struggled and have laid down their lives to protect us from hazardous wastes? What about the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, ACORN, Public Citizen, and a thousand other "grass roots" organizations?

DON'T THEY COUNT?!!

Being American is not an economic ideology. One can be a "real" American and be a capitalist, a socialist, a communist, or none of the above.

Being American is not a political ideology. One can be a "real" American and be of any political party or ideology.

Being American is not a racial ideology. One can be a "real" American and be of any race or combination of races.

Being American is not a religious ideology. One can be a "real" American and be Hindu or Deist; Muslim or athiest; Wiccan or Christian; Buddhist or Jewish.

Being American is not a social class placement. One can be a "real" American and be living under a bridge, or move between your numerous houses across the country.

So what does it mean to be an American? Where is the essence of "American?"

That is more difficult to answer concisely, but I believe possible.

A real American is one who wants to see the United States be the best it can be, and works to make it so.

A real American realizes that the uniqueness of our nation lies in the belief that freedom and self-determination go hand in hand and must be protected.

A real American understands that one cannot have freedom without equality and voice in our daily lives, and so fights to extend the protections of liberty to all members of our society.

A real American believes in fair play, honesty, and opportunity.

A real American believes that dissidence is critical for a functioning society that is "of, by, and for the people,"

A real American realizes that we are not in this alone; that we depend on our neighbors and our communities.

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Rowan Wolf is an activist and sociologist living in Oregon. She is the founder and principle author of Uncommon Thought Journal, and a Senior Editor for more...)

The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.

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