essay about how america inspires you

25 Reasons Why America Is the Greatest Country in the World Despite Its Problems

America has a lot of amazing things – its beautiful natural scenery, vibrant cities, unique culture, and some of the world’s most iconic landmarks — it’s no wonder many choose to make America their home. We have compiled a list of 25 things we adore about America that may inspire you to consider living in this great country.

Freedom of Speech, Religion, and Expression

One of the most amazing things about America is its commitment to protecting freedom of speech. Everyone in the US is free to speak their mind and express themselves without fear of censorship or punishment. Americans are also guaranteed the right to practice any religion they choose.

Diverse and Inclusive Communities

America is home to people from all walks of life. The country’s diverse communities offer various cultures, languages, lifestyles, and traditions for individuals to explore. America is also a leader in representing and advocating for marginalized communities. The nation is committed to building an inclusive society where all citizens feel safe and respected.

Amazing Cuisine

America’s culinary landscape is diverse and delicious — from regional specialties like New Orleans’ beignets to national favorites like Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. You’ll find classic southern diner dishes and high-end fusion cuisine, allowing you to explore the rich flavors of America.

A Rich Arts and Music Scene

America is home to some of the world’s most talented visual artists, musicians, and performers. The country has an incredible music scene with genres like rock, hip-hop, folk, blues, jazz, and more. It also boasts a national theater circuit that showcases talent from Broadway to off-Broadway shows.

World-Class Universities

America has some of the world’s best universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds. These universities provide various academic and research opportunities for students to explore. Here you can find top-notch professors and access cutting-edge facilities.

A Strong Economy

The US economy is one of the strongest in the world. It is known for its low unemployment rates, high per capita income, and strong consumer spending. The country has led the world in technology, finance, manufacturing, and much more. It also provides security in times of need with various social programs designed to help citizens.

Vibrant Cities

Some of the most vibrant cities in the world are in the US. From New York’s iconic skyline to Los Angeles’ bright lights, these cities offer unique energy. They have diverse neighborhoods of culture, life, and popular attractions like museums, shopping, and restaurants.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

People from all over the world come to America for a better life, and the country welcomes them with open arms. The US embraces and celebrates different cultures, allowing newcomers to make their mark in society.

The Parks and Outdoor Spaces

America has abundant natural beauty that you can explore in its national parks, beaches, forests, and other outdoor spaces. Visitors and residents alike can explore some of the most stunning public lands in the world. Whether you prefer hiking or camping, America’s parks have something for everyone.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the US to celebrate the harvest and share a meal with friends and family on the fourth Thursday of November. It often includes delicious traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. This holiday symbolizes unity, gratitude, and joy — something everyone can enjoy.

Black Friday Shopping

If you love shopping, then the US is definitely for you. Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days in America and occurs every year after Thanksgiving. On the day, shoppers can find amazing deals on various products, from electronics to clothes and everything in between.

A Strong Military

The US military is one of the strongest in the world, with a long history of defending freedom and protecting America from its enemies. The country also has an active national guard, which provides training, support, and deployment assistance for those who serve.

If you’re looking for a timeless American pastime, look no further than road trips. America is a great place to explore with its expansive highways and well-maintained roads, and road trips are an excellent way to discover amazing places in the country at your own pace and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Friendly People

Another great thing about America is its people. Americans are known for their friendly attitude, making meeting new people easy and forming meaningful relationships. Whether it’s a stranger on the street or a long-time friend, Americans are willing to lend a helping hand and strike up conversations with ease.

The American Dream

The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States and involves achieving success and fortune through hard work, determination, and innovation. It has inspired generations to come to America to pursue their dreams and helped shape the values that make this country so great.

July 4th and Fireworks

July 4th celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is seen as America’s birthday. People across the country celebrate with parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays. It’s a beautiful time to be in America and experience its patriotism and love for freedom.

Sports Culture

America has a vibrant sports culture with different professional teams and fanbases. They also have some of the world’s most popular and beloved teams. Whether you watch football, basketball, baseball, or hockey, you can find them in the niches of American sports.

High School Experiences

High school in America is a unique experience that allows students to pursue their passions and hobbies while getting an education. From sports teams to clubs and activities, high school is a time for students to explore their interests and meet lifelong friends.

Stand-up Comedy

Stand-up comedy is an American tradition that has existed since the mid-20th century. Comedians from all over the world come to America to perform, and it’s easy to find a great show in almost any city. Comedy is a fun way to experience American culture and enjoy some laughs simultaneously!

Drive-Through Everything

Drive-throughs are an American specialty and can be found all over the country. Drive-throughs make it convenient for people to get what they need from fast food, coffee shops, banks, pharmacies, and more without leaving the comfort of their cars.

Superbowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest events in America. The annual championship game for the National Football League draws millions of viewers worldwide. People from all over the country come together to watch the big game and enjoy good food and drinks with friends and family.

Craft Beers and Microbreweries

In recent years, craft beers and microbreweries have become increasingly popular in America. There is a wide variety of unique flavors for everyone, and many states even host beer festivals throughout the year. Beer lovers will feel right at home in America!

Wild Flowers and Wild Berries

America is home to some of the most beautiful wildflowers and wild berries, like lavender fields in California and blueberry bushes in Maine; these natural wonders make for a colorful landscape. You can explore the natural beauty of America!

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the US. It’s an awe-inspiring force of nature that will leave you speechless from its sheer size and grandeur. Whether you hike, raft, or take in the views by air, it’s an experience you will remember!

Fast Internet Connections

Who doesn’t love fast internet connections? America is a leader in broadband technology, which means you can find fast and reliable internet connections in almost every city. With high-speed internet, you don’t have to worry about waiting for pages to load or streaming movies of low quality.

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15 Things Foreigners Hate About America

What’s not to love about the United States? From its culture to its economy, there is a lot to appreciate. Unfortunately, not everyone sees America as the perfect place they might like it to be. Here are 15 things foreigners hate about the US.

25 Things to Never Do in the United States

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This article was produced on Inspired by Insiders.

Confidence Anadi

Confidence enjoys writing content that informs, educates, and helps readers discover new and enjoyable experiences. He is passionate about writing to share knowledge and insights, hoping to inspire readers to pursue their passions and interests. Besides writing, he plays the bass guitar and loves to explore different genres of music.

Why I Love America: a Land of Opportunity and Freedom

Categories: American Identity American Values

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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Freedom and democracy, cultural diversity, economic opportunity, global leadership and philanthropy, resilience and progress, conclusion: a nation to cherish.

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In 2020, I became a proud American citizen. Native critics don't know how good they have it.

In today’s america it almost feels subversive to be proud of becoming — or being — a u.s. citizen..

I closed out 2020 with one of the best moments in my life. On Dec. 8, I became a citizen of the United States of America. It ranks in significance right behind marrying my wife and the births of my children.

If being born here is like suddenly winning the lottery, becoming a naturalized citizen is like slowly and steadily reaching financial independence. The United States has been such a source of inspiration for immigrants that we hope to create our own lottery by working to become citizens and embodying the appreciation for everything that is good about America — sometimes even more so than locals.

I waited years to become American. I first came to the United States from Uruguay in 2008 for my graduate studies and received my green card in 2014. Five years later, I could apply to become a citizen.

In today’s America it almost feels subversive to be proud of becoming — or being — a U.S. citizen. We are in the middle of a national conversation about the true origin and character of our nation. Some insist on debasing America’s origins by asserting that it was fundamentally based on slavery and began in 1619. Others assert that bold but flawed people came together to form America in 1776 . That this was the true beginning of an unprecedented experiment that included injustices, yet consistently strives to improve and live up to its stated ideals.

A divided perception of America

The public perception of America coming from the intellectual class is wholly different from popular opinion. It is not unlike the common discrepancy on Rotten Tomatoes between a professional critic's score and the audience's score . A recent survey , conducted by my public policy non-profit, the Archbridge Institute, asked a nationally representative sample if they are proud to be American and 87% of adults agree. The responses cut across party lines, gender, and ethnicity.

Education is failing Americans: My generation is being raised to hate America — it’s time to stand up for our history

In a similar survey we conducted, 74% of Americans claim they have either achieved the American Dream or are on their way to achieving it.

A country that regularly denies opportunities to significant portions of its population would not see the majority of people ( 85% of Americans , across age, ethnicity, and education level) saying they have either about the same or more opportunities as their parents had. Only 15% of Americans (and just 11% of Black Americans) say they have fewer opportunities.

Gallup has similar findings. Americans are largely satisfied, 63% , with the opportunity for economic mobility in the United States, according to an early 2020 poll. And, prior to the coronavirus hitting, Americans had more confidence in the U.S. economy than at any other point in about two decades.

Thinking about our core values the night before my citizenship oath ceremony, the first values that came to mind were the philosophical pillars outlined in the Declaration of Independence: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

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But, most of all, the United States is a country built on freedom and meaning. The pursuit of meaning drives all of us, both as individuals and collectively. Americans seek to live better, richer and fuller lives, regardless of our origins. Here, people are encouraged to combine that pursuit of meaning with a sense of personal agency, inspiring what psychologist Clay Routledge calls “existential agency.” This is the belief that people can “find and maintain meaning in life.”

I am grateful to be an American citizen

That is why I am grateful to become an American citizen. For me, the ethos of the American dream remains the vision statement for the United States.

It cannot be comprehensively quantified, since it is partly an attitude, a promise of better days to come, and an invitation to pursue happiness and human flourishing. In one of the questions posed in our surveys , participants were asked what the American dream meant to them, and to rate various statements as “essential,” “important but not essential,” and “not important,” to the American dream. Freedom of choice in how to live ranked the highest, in terms of how many people said it was essential to the dream.

We must continue to remove barriers that stand in the way of people seeking to live better, richer and fuller lives. As a new citizen, I am excited to play my part in making sure that the American dream is alive and well in my own imagination and in everyday life.

My own dream has a number, 4.92, which was my Uber driver rating when I needed to make ends meet while launching my nonprofit. I was promised neither success nor an easy ride (many Uber rides weren’t), but America did offer me an opportunity. That’s all we need.

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Embracing America’s core values is part of the reason why immigrants are crucial to the American experiment. The United States was first started by immigrants who exercised their existential agency to pursue their own dreams. As an immigrant who has lived in other parts of the world, I can attest to America’s unique, self-improving nature. America faces its problems, and seeks to create better versions of itself.

The American experiment continues to be re-energized by immigrants like me, who choose to be part of the shining city on a hill. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to become an American citizen. Thank you to all Americans for welcoming me into what is now our country.

Gonzalo Schwarz serves as president and CEO of the Archbridge Institute , a public policy think tank analyzing social mobility and human flourishing.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page , on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter . To respond to a column, submit a comment to [email protected].

What does America Mean to Me? a Personal Reflection on Identity, Opportunity, and Values

How it works

In 2016, Donald Trump used the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ as a platform for his presidential race. The slogan implied that the United States of America was no longer great and needed major repairs. Although I acknowledge that America is facing many critical issues, I feel that it is still a great country. This is probably best exemplified by the fact that many people facing oppression, poverty, and warfare in their own country choose America as a refuge. So, what makes America special above other countries? Some of the things I love about this country include the Constitution, opportunity, National Parks, and people who give.

1.1 References

What America Means to Me: A Sanctuary of Freedoms and Opportunities

I believe our founding fathers were inspired when they wrote the Constitution. They looked at other governments, primarily England, and considered issues that could arise between governing bodies. Our Constitution sets rules for government structure, voting, the relationship between Federal government and State governments, and a variety of freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

The government structure and voting rules provide a system of checks and balances so that no one entity can usurp power. The freedoms guaranteed that people can express ideas and practice religion as they choose without being suppressed by the government. The original Constitution set a model that other countries have partially followed. It is a unique document and one worth preserving.

Many people have immigrated to America because they saw it as a place to start over, realize dreams, or build a life free from tyranny. People have come here with almost nothing in their pockets and have managed to build a life for themselves and their descendants. Other people come from war-torn countries and find peace and a new life. Granted, building a new life is more difficult for some than for others, but the opportunities are still better here than in many countries.

The model for creating a national park system started here in America. It is so important to protect wilderness areas for everyone to enjoy, or else many of them will be destroyed. I love the outdoors and visiting some of the beautiful areas in our country. I think it is important to preserve areas so that people of all types can learn about ecology, nature, and environmental impacts. I think it is also important that all have an opportunity to take a break from the urban scene and enjoy the serenity of wild areas.

I don’t know how America compares to other countries for people helping others, but it seems that we have a lot of individuals and groups who take the time to help others for all kinds of reasons. A giving spirit creates good relations between all parties involved. Good relations can lead to more constructive solutions to issues as opposed to being only concerned about one’s own desires.

America has a lot to offer its citizens, from an inspired constitution to people that are willing to help others. Granted, it has its challenges, and many of its good ideals are being challenged. We as a people need to realize what a great country this is and always work to preserve our privileges and freedoms.

Johnson, M. (2019). The Making of the Constitution. New York, NY: Academic Press.
Smith, L. (2020). “Checks and Balances in the U.S. Government”. Journal of Political Studies, 45(2), 300-318.
Anderson, P. & Williams, J. (2017). “Immigration and the American Dream: A Century Review”. Sociological Review, 62(4), 629-652.
Davis, R. (2021). “Challenges and Ideals: The State of Modern America”. American Sociological Review, 86(3), 482-510.
Washington Post. (2016, May 15). “The Story Behind ‘Make America Great Again'”. The Washington Post.

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What Makes a Great American Essay?

Talking to phillip lopate about thwarted expectations, emerson, and the 21st-century essay boom.

Phillip Lopate spoke to Literary Hub about the new anthology he has edited, The Glorious American Essay . He recounts his own development from an “unpatriotic” young man to someone, later in life, who would embrace such writers as Ralph Waldo Emerson, who personified the simultaneous darkness and optimism underlying the history of the United States. Lopate looks back to the Puritans and forward to writers like Wesley Yang and Jia Tolentino. What is the next face of the essay form?

Literary Hub: We’re at a point, politically speaking, when disagreements about the meaning of the word “American” are particularly vehement. What does the term mean to you in 2020? How has your understanding of the word evolved?

Phillip Lopate : First of all, I am fully aware that even using the word “American” to refer only to the United States is something of an insult to Latin American countries, and if I had said “North American” to signify the US, that might have offended Canadians. Still, I went ahead and put “American” in the title as a synonym for the United States, because I wanted to invoke that powerful positive myth of America as an idea, a democratic aspiration for the world, as well as an imperialist juggernaut replete with many unresolved social inequities, in negative terms.

I will admit that when I was younger, I tended to be very unpatriotic and critical of my country, although once I started to travel abroad and witness authoritarian regimes like Spain under Franco, I could never sign on to the fear that a fascist US was just around the corner. I came to the conclusion that we have our faults, but our virtues as well.

The more I’ve become interested in American history, the more I’ve seen how today’s problems and possible solutions are nothing new, but keep returning in cycles: economic booms and recessions, anti-immigrant sentiment, regional competition, racist Jim Crow policies followed by human rights advances, vigorous federal regulations and pendulum swings away from governmental intervention.

Part of the thrill in putting together this anthology was to see it operating simultaneously on two tracks: first, it would record the development of a literary form that I loved, the essay, as it evolved over 400 years in this country. At the same time, it would be a running account of the history of the United States, in the hands of these essayists who were contending, directly or indirectly, with the pressing problems of their day. The promise of America was always being weighed against its failure to live up to that standard.

For instance, we have the educator John Dewey arguing for a more democratic schoolhouse, the founder of the settlement house movement Jane Addams analyzing the alienation of young people in big cities, the progressive writer Randolph Bourne describing his own harsh experiences as a disabled person, the feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton advocating for women’s rights, and W. E. B. Dubois and James Weldon Johnson eloquently addressing racial injustice.

Issues of identity, gender and intersectionality were explored by writers such as Richard Rodriguez, Audre Lorde, Leonard Michaels and N. Scott Momaday, sometimes with touches of irony and self-scrutiny, which have always been assets of the essay form.

LH : If a publisher had asked us to compile an anthology of 100 representative American essays, we wouldn’t know where to start. How did you? What were your criteria?

PL : I thought I knew the field fairly well to begin with, having edited the best-selling Art of the Personal Essay in 1994, taught the form for decades, served on book award juries and so on. But once I started researching and collecting material, I discovered that I had lots of gaps, partly because the mandate I had set for myself was so sweeping.

This time I would not restrict myself to personal essays but would include critical essays, impersonal essays, speeches that were in essence essays (such as George Washington’s Farewell Address or Martin Luther King, Jr’s sermon on Vietnam), letters that functioned as essays (Frederick Douglass’s Letter to His Master).

I wanted to expand the notion of what is an essay, to include, for instance, polemics such as Thomas Paine’s Common Sense , or one of the Federalist Papers; newspaper columnists (Fanny Fern, Christopher Morley); humorists (James Thurber, Finley Peter Dunne, Dorothy Parker).

But it also occurred to me that fine essayists must exist in every discipline, not only literature, which sent me on a hunt that took me to cultural criticism (Clement Greenberg, Kenneth Burke), theology (Paul Tillich), food writing (M.F. K. Fisher), geography (John Brinkerhoff Jackson), nature writing (John Muir, John Burroughs, Edward Abbey), science writing (Loren Eiseley, Lewis Thomas), philosophy (George Santayana). My one consistent criterion was that the essay be lively, engaging and intelligently written. In short, I had to like it myself.

Of course I would need to include the best-known practitioners of the American essay—Emerson, Thoreau, Mencken, Baldwin, Sontag, etc.—and was happy to do so. As it turned out, most of the masters of American fiction and poetry also tried their hand successfully at essay-writing, which meant including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Walt Whitman, Theodore Dreiser, Willa Cather, Flannery O’Connor, Ralph Ellison. . .

But I was also eager to uncover powerful if almost forgotten voices such as John Jay Chapman, Agnes Repplier, Randolph Bourne, Mary Austin, or buried treasures such as William Dean Howells’ memoir essay of his days working in his father’s printing shop.

Finally, I wanted to show a wide variety of formal approaches, since the essay is by its very nature and nomenclature an experiment, which brought me to Gertrude Stein and Wayne Koestenbaum. Equally important, I was aided in all these searches by colleagues and friends who kept suggesting other names. For every fertile lead, probably four resulted in dead ends. Meanwhile, I was having a real learning adventure.

LH: Do you have a personal favorite among American essayists? If so, what appeals to you the most about them?

PL : I do. It’s Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was the one who cleared the ground for US essayists, in his famous piece, “The American Scholar,” which called on us to free ourselves from slavish imitation of European models and to think for ourselves. So much American thought grows out of Emerson, or is in contention with Emerson, even if that debt is sometimes unacknowledged or unconscious.

What I love about Emerson is his density of thought, and the surprising twists and turns that result from it. I can read an essay of his like “Experience” (the one I included in this anthology) a hundred times and never know where it’s going next. If it was said of Emily Dickenson that her poems made you feel like the top of your head was spinning, that’s what I feel in reading Emerson. He has a playful skepticism, a knack for thinking against himself. Each sentence starts a new rabbit of thought scampering off. He’s difficult but worth the trouble.

I once asked Susan Sontag who her favorite American essayist was, and she replied “Emerson, of course.” It’s no surprise that Nietzsche revered Emerson, as did Carlyle, and in our own time, Harold Bloom, Stanley Cavell, Richard Poirier. But here’s a confession: it took me awhile to come around to him.

I found his preacher’s manner and abstractions initially off-putting, I wasn’t sure about the character of the man who was speaking to me. Then I read his Notebooks and the mystery was cracked: suddenly I was able to follow essays such as “Circles” with pure pleasure, seeing as I could the darkness and complexity underneath the optimism.

LH: You make the interesting decision to open the anthology with an essay written in 1726, 50 years before the founding of the republic. Why?

PL : I wanted to start the anthology with the first fully-formed essayistic voices in this land, which turned out to belong to the Puritans. Regardless of the negative associations of zealous prudishness that have come to attach to the adjective “puritanical,” those American colonies founded as religious settlements were spearheaded by some remarkably learned and articulate spokespersons, whose robust prose enriched the American literary canon.

Cotton Mather and Jonathan Edwards were highly cultivated readers, familiar with the traditions of essay-writing, Montaigne and the English, and with the latest science, even as they inveighed against witchcraft. I will admit that it also amused me to open the book with Cotton Mather, a prescriptive, strait-is-the-gate character, and end it with Zadie Smith, who is not only bi-racial but bi-national, dividing her year between London and New York, and whose openness to self-doubt is signaled by her essay collection title, Changing My Mind .

The next group of writers I focused on were the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, and a foundational feminist, Judith Sargent Murray, who wrote the 1790 essay “On the Equality of the Sexes.” These authors, whose essays preceded, occurred during or immediately followed the founding of the republic, were in some ways the opposite of the Puritans, being for the most part Deists or secular followers of the Enlightenment.

Their attraction to reasoned argument and willingness to entertain possible objections to their points of view inspired a vigorous strand of American essay-writing. So, while we may fix the founding of the United States to a specific year, the actual culture and literature of the country book-ended that date.

LH: You end with Zadie Smith’s “Speaking in Tongues,” published in 2008. Which essay in the last 12 years would be your 101st selection?

PL : Funny you should ask. As it happens, I am currently putting the finishing touches on another anthology, this one entirely devoted to the Contemporary (i.e., 21st century) American Essay. I have been immersed in reading younger, up-and-coming writers, established mid-career writers, and some oldsters who are still going strong (Janet Malcolm, Vivian Gornick, Barry Lopez, John McPhee, for example).

It would be impossible for me to single out any one contemporary essayist, as they are all in different ways contributing to the stew, but just to name some I’ve been tracking recently: Meghan Daum, Maggie Nelson, Sloane Crosley, Eula Biss, Charles D’Ambrosio, Teju Cole, Lia Purpura, John D’Agata, Samantha Irby, Anne Carson, Alexander Chee, Aleksander Hemon, Hilton Als, Mary Cappello, Bernard Cooper, Leslie Jamison, Laura Kipnis, Rivka Galchen, Emily Fox Gordon, Darryl Pinckney, Yiyun Li, David Lazar, Lynn Freed, Ander Monson, David Shields, Rebecca Solnit, John Jeremiah Sullivan, Eileen Myles, Amy Tan, Jonathan Lethem, Chelsea Hodson, Ross Gay, Jia Tolentino, Jenny Boully, Durga Chew-Bose, Brian Blanchfield, Thomas Beller, Terry Castle, Wesley Yang, Floyd Skloot, David Sedaris. . .

Such a banquet of names speaks to the intergenerational appeal of the form. We’re going through a particularly rich time for American essays: especially compared to, 20 years ago, when editors wouldn’t even dare put the word “essays” on the cover, but kept trying to package these variegated assortments as single-theme discourses, we’ve seen many collections that have been commercially successful and attracted considerable critical attention.

It has something to do with the current moment, which has everyone more than a little confused and therefore trusting more than ever those strong individual voices that are willing to cop to their subjective fears, anxieties, doubts and ecstasies.

__________________________________

The Glorious American Essay , edited by Phillip Lopate, is available now.

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Home ➔ Free Essay Examples ➔ What Makes America Great Essay Ideas and Tips

What Makes America Great Essay Ideas and Tips

When you are assigned an essay about what makes America great and so unique, reflect on your passion and patriotism to ace the paper. Good writing skills alone are not enough. To impress the audience, basically made of your tutors and classmates, decide what side of the American world you want to discuss. You may take various reflective perspectives as this country has a rich history.

Both residents of the US and exchange students will benefit from such an assignment. If you are an international student, writing an essay about why America is great will significantly expand your knowledge of the culture, traditions, and social trends of the country. Natives will get a chance to prove that they belong to a truly great nation. It’s possible to discuss the theme of American exceptionalism endlessly. You have found a great place to get inspiration for an essay about a country where everyone can say out loud whatever they want thanks to the freedoms secured by its founding fathers.

Note: To learn more about essay writing in general, check out our guide: What is an essay?

Example: (image)

Topics About America for Various Classes

The issues you cover will depend on the class you take. Here is how your topics can be connected to the academic disciplines and covered in your essay.

Economics — the standard of living in the US.
Law — who should protect the rights of American citizens?
Macroeconomics — the economic consequences of immigration reform.
Culture studies – the new nationalists’ movement.
History of the world — the role of the United States in World War II.
Healthcare and medicine – the American system of health insurance (medicare).
Arts — the concept of the American dream in the works of famous painters.
English composition 101 — analyze the most famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
History of the United States — life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin.
Anthropology – the American creed.
Religious studies — basic religions promoted by people living in the US.
Literature — the best books about the American founders.
Political science — the political ideals in the United States today.

All points above and many other things make America great and can be written about in an essay. If you have to come up with an argumentative piece to encourage debates, try something like critics of America offered, for instance, by the Soviet authors or government representatives. Starting from its humble beginnings and finishing with the declaration of independence, there are many things to include in an essay about what makes the US such an incredible country.

Essay Sample About America by a Student

America’s greatness can be attributed to various exceptional things, which are the reason for the country’s happiness, comfort, and success. They include its incredibly creative people, the right to marry one’s choice, free speech, gun rights, and a high ability to harness entrepreneurial spirit, among others. Although each of them contributes to some extent in making the country great, I think that most of the greatness is brought about by the commitment to supporting businesses through their investment in harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit.

First, Americans are supportive of small entrepreneurs who have a zeal for doing business, and this empowers many people to take what has been just ideas and make them a reality. The support is given in various forms, such as reducing interests for borrowed loans, providing a conducive environment for small businesses and startups, providing free entrepreneurship classes, and reducing the import of goods that can be produced locally. I believe this supportive character is the main reason why many citizens take risks by venturing into new businesses that ultimately grow into large enterprises. The habit encourages them to pursue their entrepreneurship passions and also ignites the creativity spark driving continual innovation.

Another method used by Americans to harness the entrepreneurial spirit is through their continual fight for citizens to get good-paying jobs providing for their families comfortably. I believe this fight is the reason why many people across the world would wish to work in the country, considering the employees’ interests are put ahead and hence, guaranteed employment gains. With a good income, people are also able to take care of other life issues such as healthcare, entertainment, education, sports, and proper housing, among others. Therefore, life is made comfortable and enjoyable.

Also, I believe that America’s value for diversity has dramatically impacted businesses significantly by contributing to the robust growth of jobs in the already set small-business community. It is true that where there are increased job opportunities, people from different walks of life benefit as there are no biases based on gender, color, or disability. In such settings, everyone is contended and hence, eliminating the issue of occupational competition. For example, the country has a software startup known as ULTRA testing that embraces the topic of neurodiversity and is currently a leading method of hiring people with autism. The reason is their skills and talents for enhanced focus, pattern recognition, and attention to detail. With quality software assurance, businesses thrive well with the appreciation of diversity.

Although harnessing the entrepreneurship spirit makes America abundant, I understand that there are several factors that, if not well taken care of, may lead to its fall. For instance, if honor, justice, and opportunities are not made available to all, then the idea of harnessing Americans’ entrepreneurship potential will not bear any fruits at all. A good example is where foreigners are, to some extent, discouraged and in other cases, forced to leave the country. Such an attempt to some degree inhibits cohesion that is good for any economy to grow. In addition, other nations may get disappointed, forcing them to refrain from setting businesses in the country and hence, reducing the amount of foreign exchange. However, the United States has tried to find solutions for these challenges and thus promising for continual success.

Although many factors are leading to the prosperity of America, its approach in harnessing the entrepreneurship spirit has earned much of the achievements. It is attributed to loan waiving, motivation, value for diversity, and fight for well-paid jobs and, therefore, boosting other sectors such as health, education, and sports. I also believe that coupling the idea with other measures such as ensuring harmony, respect, and equal opportunities would propel the country to much greater heights.

How to Write an Essay about America

One of the keys to an A-grade essay is a good thesis. You should develop your statement to introduce the key aspects to the target audience and let them know what position you will defend. If you are not sure whether you have enough information to write such a paper, this is where a researching stage will help you gather enough data.

Enter proper keywords to speed up the process. Those could be something like “the concept of life liberty,” “things that make us a great country,” “the Islamic society and the United States,” “American government,” “the president’s elections in the US,” etc. Facts and statistics that you gather from reliable and up-to-date sources will help you see different dimensions and ideas related to the US. Except for that, when working on an essay about features that make America unique, consider the following:

Categorize suitable and inspiring topics to select the best one for your assignment (e.g., Free society and equality for all: Was America the first country to announce it?).
Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to develop a powerful thesis.
Leave some space to define any related terms like the “American dream.”
Insert some relevant quotations linked to the selected topic or aspect.
Appeal more to the audience by providing real-life examples.
In conclusion , summarize the main details and give the topic some broader context.

Outlining Your Essay

No matter whether your topic is “Should the United States protect and support the Third World even today” or “Top proofs that America has all rights to be called the first democratic country of the modern world,” an outline will follow a pattern. The integral parts to include are an introductory paragraph, a body section, and a conclusion (excluding a bibliography or a reference page). You may drop or mix potential parts when outlining. The first draft might have repetitive points, which can impact the final impression negatively. An outline provides an effective way to define the strong and weak points of your essay, and you can turn to it each time you feel like getting lost in your writing.

While it is obvious what an intro and conclusion should include, we will add a few words about the body part. Make sure that each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence, provides enough evidence, and ends with transitions.

Discuss the potential and achievements of your country and show how proud you are. Besides your love for America, show respect for different parts of the world. You may choose and discuss one place in the US like New York City — your task is to present and open this country to both its citizens and guests from the rest of the world. Thus, stay creative and patriotic, and you’ll make it through!

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What Does It Mean to Be an American?: Reflections from Students (Part 5)

The following is Part 5 of a multiple-part series. To read previous installments in this series, please visit the following articles: Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 .

On December 8, 2020, January 19, 2021, March 16, 2021, and May 18, 2021, SPICE posted four articles that highlight reflections from 33 students on the question, “What does it mean to be an American?” Part 5 features eight additional reflections.

The free educational website “ What Does It Mean to Be an American? ” offers six lessons on immigration, civic engagement, leadership, civil liberties & equity, justice & reconciliation, and U.S.–Japan relations. The lessons encourage critical thinking through class activities and discussions. On March 24, 2021, SPICE’s Rylan Sekiguchi was honored by the Association for Asian Studies for his authorship of the lessons that are featured on the website, which was developed by the Mineta Legacy Project in partnership with SPICE.

Since the website launched in September 2020, SPICE has invited students to review and share their reflections on the lessons. Below are the reflections of eight students. The reflections below do not necessarily reflect those of the SPICE staff.

Giyonna Bowens, Texas Growing up as a military brat, with my father being a retired sergeant major (SGM) of 30 years, I realized that there is so much to explore in the world, and behind every face, there is a story. It has taught me to be an open-minded individual and to look past racial/socio-economic stereotypes and to truly get to know people for who they are. While being an African American female has inspired me to speak up against racial and social injustice, it has ingrained in me that anyone can do anything they set their minds to, so long as they have a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. What it means to be an American to me is to be educated on other cultures and ethnicities, to fight against gender inequality, and to accept people, no matter their sexuality/gender identity, to progress forward in America.

Austin Akira Fujimori, California My family loves to travel, so I have been able to experience and observe different types of people and cultures across the world. Because of my Chinese and Japanese heritage, I have frequently visited Japan and China, where it seems that traditional culture has had a very strong effect on people. Based in part on how their citizens dressed and acted, I could easily tell that there was a distinct difference between Chinese and Japanese people. In the U.S., there doesn’t seem to be a dominant culture that influences people. Because America is so diverse, many cultures are brought to the table, allowing people born in the U.S. to live without the influence of one dominant culture. For me, to be American is to be unique, to be born with the freedom to be whoever you want to be.

Eddie Shin Fujimori, California Being born in a family that comes from China and Japan, I have often considered other countries’ views of Americans. Confidence especially has always stood out as an essential part of what it means to be American. In my experience, this confidence is usually interpreted by people in other countries to be haughty and arrogant. However, I don’t see this “overconfidence” as negative. The trait is directly correlated to Americans strongly believing that working towards what they believe in—as evidenced in the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the murder of George Floyd and the anti-Asian hate protests following the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans—can lead to considerable amounts of change. Being American means having the confidence to aspire towards a better society, knowing that we can have an enormous influence on the rules and laws passed.

Nāliʻipōʻaimoku Harman, Hawaii He Hawaiʻ i au. I identify as a Native Hawaiian, but I am of mixed race. The word American has little to no cultural relevance to me. The truth is, I do live in the United States but the American ways don’t match up with my life, how I think and what our traditions and values are. Every day, I wake up and speak Hawaiian, not English, with my family. When I watch the television and see people refusing to wear masks citing individual rights as justification, I feel angry. I am in the habit of wearing a mask in public and even when meeting with family because I know that others’ safety is more important than my personal discomfort. My choices affect others, and my successes are not mine alone.

Lanakila Jones, Hawaii Being American to me is about having freedom in doing what I love. It’s being able to express myself in the ways I want to. As a Hawaiian, I am truly aware of the history of our nation. Our Queen, Liliʻuokalani, fought her hardest for her people and her beloved nation until the end. As a Hawaiian living in America, I value her integrity and feel the need to pursue it. We need to implement change to stop the ongoing challenges of today. We can’t change the past, we can only build a better present. Being American to me not only means grasping the thought of change, but actually engaging in it to primarily stop ongoing hatred amongst the citizens of our country. To be American means to fulfill equity amongst us to be greater.

Violet Lahde, California For me being American means assurance; a positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. As many of us have learned through our years living in America, we bear many privileges that others don’t, whether inside or outside of our borders. While we may still be fighting for those who can’t, I can still say America has offered me many opportunities, along with a feeling of freedom. This America isn’t and may never be perfect, but holds promise for the future. It allows me to have confidence in anything I want to achieve or change. So regardless of the injustice and prejudice that has become so apparent, I can say I am grateful for the safety and optimism America allows me to have.

Kristine Pashin, California If I asked you to draw an American, who would you draw? At its core, America is a country nurtured by unique individuals who foster ethnic and cultural diversity. As the daughter of two Bulgarian immigrants, I’ve oscillated between being “too American” and “not American enough.” To avoid confusion, I got used to separating my Bulgarian American identity into two personas. When I wore my nosia (a traditional folk outfit), I considered myself Bulgarian; in Western clothes, I was American. However, I realized that my outfits were a guise—covering up insecurities about my identity. An “American” isn’t someone who can simply be identified by their appearance, as we cannot typify America with one identity. Thus, there is no way to draw an American, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ernesto Saenz Peña, California To me, “being an American” means being open-minded to new ideas and change. My teachers would always stress the importance of these qualities. Embracing these qualities has allowed me to learn about the diverse cultures in America. I learned Spanish from a young age, and it has allowed me to not only communicate with my parents and family in Mexico, but also has allowed me to see different points of view from others outside of and within America. Seeing other points of view has helped us to bring about changes throughout our history. For example, we abolished slavery, created more rights for farmworkers, and we continue to push against systemic racism. Being American means that we can speak up against what we think is wrong without fear of being punished.

What Does It Mean to Be an American?: Reflections from Students (Part 4)

Spice’s rylan sekiguchi is the 2021 franklin r. buchanan prize recipient, what does it mean to be an american: a webinar for educators, february 20, 2021, 10am pst.

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Remembering what inspires the american dream.

The celebration of our Nation’s independence is an occasion to remember what has inspired many of the world’s best and brightest to join our way of life—the American Dream.

As far back as 1884, Thomas Edison—America’s most prolific innovator with over 1,000 patents to his name (including the telegraph and light bulb)—took a chance on a bright young electrical engineer from abroad, Nikola Tesla, by employing him at his Edison Machine Works company. Tesla would later become an American citizen and start businesses commercializing his patents in the areas of electrical power systems and AC power.

In the decades that followed, countless immigrant entrepreneurs came to the US and helped grow American jobs. From 1990 to 2005, a study found that 25 percent of venture-backed public companies in the U.S.—including Google, eBay, Yahoo!, Sun Microsystems, and many others included immigrants as founders, creating over 220,000 jobs here in America.

The President believes that we need to reform our immigration system to compete in the 21st century economy. Ensuring that immigrants can start businesses and create jobs here in America is an important pillar of The Administration Blueprint on 21st Century Immigration Reform . For example, the President supports legislation that would create a Startup Visa for job-creating entrepreneurs, so our economy can more directly benefit from their creativity and ingenuity.

It is a message I hear very clearly throughout my travels. Following the President’s call for a national conversation on immigration reform to build a broader consensus on how to fix our broken immigration system, I’ve hosted roundtables in Omaha , Silicon Valley , and most recently, Boston, MA where entrepreneurs, business and civic leaders all expressed concern that our inability to retain top talent is hurting our competitiveness.

In Boston, I heard from MassChallenge , an early partner in Startup America whose 2010 finalists created over 300 new jobs in the US (after only seven months) and raised over $30 million in outside funding. The accelerator invites entrepreneurs from all over the world to enroll in its annual Massachusetts-based startup competition, which in 2010 attracted applicant startups from 26 countries.

While fully addressing comprehensive immigration reform will take legislation, we’ve already taken several administrative steps that can improve our situation in the near-term. In May, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services proposed to streamline the EB-5 visa process , designed for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs who create at least 10 U.S. jobs. Also in May, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted an expanded list of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees that enable graduates to qualify for an extra 17 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).

We understand, however, the limits of these actions. At the Boston Roundtable, I heard from a STEM PhD graduate who is currently on OPT as an entrepreneur. He has hired three people and raised $350,000 in competitive grants for his clean energy startup. Unfortunately, the clock runs out for him next February.

On a personal note, I spent the 4th of July weekend with my immigrant parents who reminded me of their path to achieve the American Dream. My dad enrolled as an engineering graduate student in Villanova and went on to receive three patents in the 1970s for his work on air conditioning products. He grew up in a village that lacked indoor plumbing and electricity, but like millions of others throughout the world, he believed in the story of America.

Let’s work together to rekindle that spirit for the generations that follow.

Aneesh Chopra is US Chief Technology Officer

Aneesh Chopra

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What Does It Mean to Love Your Country?

Readers tell us how their faith in the American ideal has fared this election season.

By Rachel L. Harris and Lisa Tarchak

Ms. Harris and Ms. Tarchak are senior editorial assistants.

In her essay, “ Don’t Give Up on America ,” Marilynne Robinson describes the “deep if sometimes difficult affinity” she has for her country. At the end of a long, contentious election season, it’s not surprising that Ms. Robinson has become disillusioned with that love affair. “Resentment displaces hope and purpose the way carbon monoxide displaces air,” she writes.

We asked readers to share what makes them love their country, what causes that devotion to waiver and what, if anything, restores their adoration.

“I love most what this country has been at different times in its brief history: a defeater of tyrants, a promulgator of liberty, a beacon of opportunity and hope,” wrote Michael B. Trosino, a reader in Michigan.

Jenn Monroe in New Hampshire focused on the future:

“To love your country is to desire to see it become the best version of itself, to point out its failures, to recognize how we each have been complicit in allowing its worst to persist, to work together to create a community in which every resident has all that they need — love, food, shelter, health, peace, prosperity — and are truly treated as equals in every regard.”

More thoughts from our readers follow. They have been edited for length and clarity.

‘Be proud of it, but not afraid to confront its problems’

To love your country is to be proud of it, but also to not be afraid to confront its problems and work to solve them. I love our blatant freedoms, despite all of the cries of “communism,” “social justice warriors” and “cancel culture.” We are still largely free to do what we want!

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Americanism Essay: Examples, Tips & Topics [2024 Update]

It’s not hard to see why Americanism is one of the most popular essay topics. The concept of Americanism is in the center of the US identity. Writing an essay about it is an excellent way to find out more about this great country.

That being said:

From this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Americanism and essay writing. Choose your topic, follow our tips, and write your perfect composition! Besides, you’ll find out the Americanism definition and history in the article.Before we move forward, check our custom writing services and bookmark our website. Our free tips will help you with all kinds of essays.

❓ What Is Americanism?

☑️ Ideas & Tips
💡 Essay Topics

📚 Americanism Essay Examples

🔍 references.

Americanism is a set of ideas specific to the United States. Among its key concepts are freedom, equality, individualism, and democracy. It is believed that the United States is an exceptional nation because of these values. In short, you can say that Americanism is what makes people in the US American.

☝️ The Meaning of Americanism

First, let’s see the Americanism definition. It is an idea that celebrates the freedom and individualism of the US citizens. Opportunities and possibilities make the USA distinct from other countries. Carl Schurz, an American statesman and reformer, once said about it:

“This is not a mere idealistic fancy. It is the natural position of this great republic among the nations of the earth. It is its noblest vocation, and it will be a glorious day for the United States when the good sense and the self-respect of the American people see in this their “manifest destiny.” Carl Schurz

Americanism has no counterparts in other cultures. At the same time, it is a way of life, a set of beliefs, and a national character.

What else makes Americanism unique? For instance, it doesn’t depend on a person’s place of birth. Anyone can become an American. They only need to accept the US values, such as:

To be in control of one’s fate;
To be oriented on future goals;
Not to be afraid of changes;
To believe in equal opportunities;
To appreciate individuality.

As you can see, Americanism has a lot in common with nationalism and patriotism. Indeed, it emphasized the love for one’s country. It includes its symbols, such as the flag and Declaration of Independence. But, unlike nationalism, Americanism doesn’t regard ethnicity as vital.

There are also some other terms associated with Americanism:

“Melting pot” is a metaphor of the US as the place where diverse cultures melt into one. You can see it explored in various Americanism essay examples.
The American Dream is the idea of a perfect way of life. People come to the United States to achieve it.
Some people identify as US citizens, as well as belonging to an ethnicity ascribed at their birth. For example, one can be Asian-American or Italian-American. It is called hyphenated Americans.
Pan-Americanism is a movement that promotes good relationships between all countries on the American continent.
There are many positive traits to Americanism. Still, it is sometimes seen as a hypocritical idea. Critics point out that the US doesn’t always follow its ideals. Also, they say that US policies do more harm than good. The dislike of America’s values is known as anti-Americanism.

📜 History of Americanism

Did you know that Americanism has a long and exciting history? Well, you’ll see it in this section:

Americanism has its roots in the 17th century Protestantism. Back then, people proclaimed the US the “chosen country.” It meant that America, with its morals and democratic principles, should be an example to others.
Later the colonists won the Revolutionary war. People saw it as proof of the country’s special status. They believed that new land offers unlimited opportunities. You only had to work hard.
Soon the idea of Manifest Destiny was born. The US was supposed to spread its values throughout the continent. When the era of globalization came, Americanism became even more widespread.
After World War I, veterans started an organization called the American Legion. They wanted to promote patriotism, democracy, and freedom. Besides, they came up with the concept of “100 percent Americanism”. By it, they meant the complete adherence to the US values. The organization still exists today and holds annual Americanism essay contests.
Theodore Roosevelt is associated with the popularization of Americanism. He encouraged immigrants to come to the US and adopt the American way of living. People from all over the world moved to the United States in search of a better life.
The idea that all men are created equal is written in the Declaration of Independence. While this statement is many centuries old, it still inspires millions of Americans.

🏆 American Essay Contest

Americanism is an excellent topic for an essay. Want to know why? It helps to raise patriotism and promote knowledge about our fundamental rights. No wonder there are even competitions held between students.

Colleges and universities usually announce Americanism essay contests as an opportunity for the winners to obtain a scholarship.

What is it exactly?

Americanism essay contest is an annual essay writing competition organized for high-school students. The sponsors of the event are the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion. Generally, the contest is oriented to promoting national values and discovering new perspectives.

According to the rules, participants need to conduct research and compose a paper on America’s topic. The ideas can be completely diverse: patriotism, foreign relations, religion, etc.

The participants of the Americanism essay contest are divided into three classes:

Class I – grades 7 and 8;
Class II – grades 9 and 10;
Class III – grades 11 and 12.

Besides, there are specific participation requirements . Students who are allowed to take part in the competition should be:

American citizens
Lawful permanent residents.

Regarding the formatting requirements , the essay should be either typed or handwritten. The maximum length is 500 words. No visual aids are allowed.

The work should be submitted to the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit. Before sending your essay, make sure the document includes:

title page (with essay title on it);
the participant’s name and address (city, state, zip, street, house, apartment number);
school grade;
school name.

The contest winners usually receive money awards or scholarships: the higher the class, the more prestigious the prize.

Would you like to participate in the competition? Below, you will find the essential tips and useful advice on how to write a perfect paper for the Americanism essay contest.

☑️ Americanism Essay: Ideas & Tips

Now you’re ready to write your paper on Americanism. Follow our how-to guide to get the best results.

📝 Types of Americanism Essays

You might be wondering: what kind of composition should I write? There are many ways to discuss Americanism. Let’s see which design you can choose depending on your topic.

Definition essay on Americanism

When writing about Americanism, it would be your first choice. This type of composition is focused on the concept’s meaning. For example, if your topic of choice is “What Americanism means to me,” it would be logical to write a definition essay.

You can start by introducing the definition of the word “Americanism.” Look into several different dictionaries. Then, write your thoughts on the topic. Think of what you can add to the definition based on your personal experience.

Argumentative essay on Americanism

In this case, you research the topic and then discuss it. You also provide evidence to support your ideas.

Let’s imagine that your topic is “Why Americanism is important.” State your personal opinion in the intro paragraph. Then, prove it by using facts. You can sum it up as “Americanism is important because…”

Descriptive essay on Americanism

It’s a type of composition that involves creativity. Convey images, sounds, and textures through words.

For example, an essay titled “Why America is a beautiful country” is likely to be descriptive. You can discuss the landscapes and places you’ve seen. Choose ones that left the impression on you. Similarly, you can honor your relatives by writing a composition about them.

Compare and contrast essay

Sometimes you want to talk about two different things in your composition. For instance, you choose the subject “Americanism and nationalism.” A compare and contrast essay would be the perfect choice for you.

In it, you enumerate the common elements between two things (compare.) Then, say what makes them different from each other (contrast). This way, you gain a deeper understanding of both concepts.

Choose the essay design that suits you best and follow the instructions below.

✍️ Before You Start

Now let’s see what other prompts can make your writing experience better.

Qualities of a perfect topic for Americanism essays.

First of all, decide on your essay topic. Ideally, it should be something that you care about. This way, it will be easier for you to express your personal opinion.
Search credible websites when you look for information. Sites ending with .gov and .edu usually have the most competent data.
Try to avoid using biased sources when you’re writing about Americanism. This topic can be sensitive to some people. So, it’s better to stick to the facts.
Another thing to keep an eye on is relevance. Check the date of the source before using it. For instance, you want to explore the attitudes towards Americanism from ten years ago. Look for the information from this period. If you’re writing about the current situation, avoid outdated sources.
Finally, create a draft for yourself. In it, you can outline the basic structure of your essay. It will help you to work in an organized manner. An outline will also make your ideas flow logically.

🖊️ Americanism Essay: Introduction

Now you’re ready to start writing! And the first thing to consider is the opening paragraph.

Every good introduction starts with a catchy sentence. It is intended to grab the reader’s attention. This sentence is also called a hook. There are many different ways to formulate it. For example, you can say what makes your topic exciting. Alternatively, you may start with a famous quote about America.

For instance, you can begin your essay with this quote:

This is America: A brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light, in a broad and peaceful sky. George H.W. Bush

Keep in mind that the introduction is a crucial part of your essay. It provides the reader with the necessary background information. It also contains the thesis which you will be discussing.

So, you start by telling the reader what they need to know before reading your composition. Namely, it can be the definition of Americanism and other key ideas.

America is the country full of choices and opportunities. It impresses with its astonishing landscapes, tasty cuisine, fascinating traditions, and rich cultural heritage. Yet, the most significant distinctive feature of the USA is the wide diversity of ethnicities and ideologies presented among the country’s citizens and residents. Even though people’s beliefs differ to some extent, each member of the American community has a right to speak up their mind and state their point of view. This is what makes the country strong and unique.

The next step is to state your thesis. It sums up your position on the topic. Let’s say your essay is titled “Why should I be proud to be an American?” The thesis can be, “I am proud to be an American because I have freedom of voice and freedom of choice.” Remember to connect everything with your thesis statement!

📄 Americanism Essay: Main Body

Now it’s time to develop it in the body paragraphs. Their structure depends on the type of composition.

In Americanism definition essays, it’s your explanation of the central concept. For example, you can say which parts of the dictionary explanation you disagree with.
In argumentative essays, it’s the reasoning and evidence which support your point of view. For instance, you can analyze the statistics showing the attitude towards Americanism.
In descriptive essays, it’s the picture you convey through words. Describe a national park, a city, or a person.
In compare and contrast essays, it’s the similarities and differences between the things in question. You can alternate between comparing and contrasting. Or, you might focus consecutively on similarities and then differences.

For example, in an argumentative essay, the first body paragraph can look like this:

I am proud to be an American because I have freedom of choice. The USA is a truly liberal country where every individual is capable of setting life goals and principles and satisfying them. In America, people have a right to decide upon their religious views, choose educational institutions, express their sexual orientation, etc. Being capable of determining the way of life the citizens prefer to lead, the Americans feel more fulfilled and satisfied with their lives. The freedom of choice opens a considerable number of opportunities. Moreover, it provides people with the ultimate right to build their own life – the one they desire to have.

How to write a body paragraph of an Americanism essay.

Here’s another tip: use enumeration in your paper. Start each paragraph with “firstly,” “secondly,” etc. It will give your composition a clear structure.

✅ Americanism Essay: Conclusion

And now it’s time to finish your essay. In the closing paragraph, you sum up the main ideas that you’ve arrived at. For example, go back to your thesis statement and say if you’ve proven it.

Naturally, there are different ways to conclude different types of compositions:

Recommend your readers to visit the most beautiful US locations.
Say that despite many similarities, the things in question are different.
Finish your definition essay by formulating your short explanation of Americanism.

For example, the concluding paragraph might look like this:

Overall, the idea of Americanism is based on the liberal society where every member is capable of speaking up their mind and defending their position. America opens the door to the world of liberty and justice. Offering freedom of voice and choice, the country provides its citizens and residents with the possibility to take the preferred life path. Here, people feel independent and fulfilled because their points of view are taken into consideration. Due to the constant development of the Americanism concept, the USA remains one of the most powerful countries in the world for the past couple of centuries.

Keep in mind that sometimes there’s no definitive answer to the thesis question. Don’t worry if there are some objective contradictions in your composition. You can state in the conclusion that there exist various points of view on the subject.

Now you know everything, you need to write a perfect essay. We hope our tips will help you do your best.

💡 Americanism Essay Topics

Can’t choose a topic for your composition? Check our list and get inspired. See a few Americanism essay examples that illustrate our ideas below:

Describe the women who made an impact on American history .
Discuss how the film Armageddon reflects the American culture of patriotism .
Is teaching patriotism in schools a possible task?
The peculiarities of American communication culture .

🪄 How Are You Inspired by America Essay Ideas

Looking for some inspirational ideas for your paper about the US? Check the ideas for your “How Are You Inspired by America?” essay that we have prepared for you:

How does the American flag inspire you? For more than 225 years, the American flag has represented freedom and justice. It’s been serving as both a warning to opponents and an assurance to partners that democracy still exists. In your essay, you can reflect on what the US flag means to you.
The US culture of independence and freedom. Write about a sense of individualism that exists in the US. In addition, you can provide examples of the individual achievements of American citizens.
The evolution of American values. Examine the shifting character of American values and trace their evolution from the country’s founding to the present. Discuss how historical events, social movements, and cultural shifts have shaped these values. How do they affect your life?
American volunteerism and its impact. When someone is in need, Americans are there to help, whether it is across the world or just next door. In your essay, you can share a specific story or example of American volunteerism that has inspired you. Why did it resonate with you?
Why is the US designed around convenience? In your essay, discuss the importance of convenience for Americans in various aspects, such as transportation, consumerism, and social norms. Analyze critical factors contributing to America’s convenience-driven culture.
America as the most diverse country in the world. One reason why people dream of visiting the US is to meet individuals from around the world. You can write an essay exploring how encountering diverse cultures and perspectives in America has enriched your life.
The summer weather in America. People often think of California and Florida when they imagine the US. Write about your experience visiting these or other states in the summer. Describe the weather, lakes, beaches, campfires, and other memorable aspects.
The most iconic dishes of American cuisine. Here, you can dwell on the distinctive features of American cuisine – from hamburgers to deep dish pizza in Chicago. Explain how food has impacted your love and appreciation for the US.
Why do you want to go to the US? In your essay, share your personal experience of when you fell in love with America. Maybe you are dreaming of visiting this country because of the films and TV shows you have watched in your childhood. Or, perhaps, you were impressed by the stories of your classmates who had already been there.
The role of the United States in the global community. Examine America’s historical involvement in international affairs and its current geopolitical position. Discuss its challenges and opportunities in shaping a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

🦅 Patriotic Essay Topics

Why I am proud to be American. This topic is all about your personal attitude towards the US. Describe the things that you love most about America. For example, it can be the right to speak your mind, have a good education, etc.
Why is patriotism important for America? Discuss the significance of patriotism for your country’s well-being. A nation that loves its homeland does everything to make it better. Besides, working for the common good helps to prevent conflicts between people.
What can we do to promote American patriotism? Think about the ways of spreading the love for the United States. For instance, we can teach the history of the early colonies and the Founding Fathers. We can also talk about how patriotism helped us win in sports, conflicts, and even wars.
Can patriotism be harmful? It’s an exciting and controversial topic. Think of its deleterious forms. For example, the ones that fuel prejudice, such as nativism.
What is the difference between constructive and blind patriotism ? It can be a compare and contrast essay. Discuss the meaning of these two concepts and say how to tell them apart.
Why do we pledge allegiance to the flag? This topic is concerned with official symbols of the US. The flag is one of them. You can talk about its history or describe what it stands for.
Is American patriotism voluntary or obligatory? It’s an excellent topic for an argumentative essay. Traditionally being American means adhering to a set of values, including love for one’s country. Does it make patriotism required?
Is patriotism a reasonable justification for conflicts? Loyalty to the country played a crucial part in several clashes. For instance, you can explore its role in the Red Scare, the Cold War, and Iraq operations.
Patriotism and the beauty of America. From canyons to big cities – describe the most stunning places in the US! Say if the beauty of your country makes you love it even more.
The role of patriotism in my life. And here, you can focus on your personal experience. Do the outstanding achievements of the American nation inspire you? Do you have a relative that you’re incredibly proud of? Discuss it in a composition!

💰 American Dream Essay Topics

There have been at least a hundred thousand movies, songs, books, and manifests about the all-famous American dream. Writing an essay on this subject would be an exciting experience.

Concepts of the American Dream. Study various dictionary definitions and come up with one of your own. Try to sum up the critical elements of this concept. Then, describe it the way you see it.
Is the American Dream still relevant today? Some people say that its popularity is on the decline. Study the facts and learn about the attitude of the majority.
American Dream: then and now. As you probably know, the idea of the American Dream is several centuries old. Throughout history, its meaning has changed. What used to mean perfect living conditions for everybody now has to do with fame and money. You can explore the changes in the American Dream and the reasons behind them.
Is it worth pursuing the American Dream? Some think the pursuit causes more harm than good, while others feel inspired by it. A person’s attitude toward achieving the American dream largely depends on how they interpret it.
American Dream in The Great Gatsby . Here you can conduct a short literary analysis of the novel. See how F.S. Fitzgerald describes the ambitious, self-made men of the United States. Say if you agree with the characterization or not.
What do the skeptics say about the American Dream ? It’s always important to hear the arguments from both sides. Find a competent opinion against the American Dream and analyze it. You may choose a speech, a book, or a poem.
Who can achieve the American Dream? Discuss if everybody can attain the status associated with it. Think about people from different social groups: aristocracy, new immigrants, or people of color.
Can the American Dream be destructive? Centuries of pursuing wealth and happiness have plenty of negative consequences. For example, many people have unrealistic expectations. Others still exploit the poor for their profit. See how it is connected with the American Dream.
What makes people disillusioned with the American Dream ? Here you can focus on dubious things associated with it. For example, there can be obstacles beyond one’s control. Similarly, a lack of privilege can make the dream unattainable.
Is the American Dream useful? Despite its downsides, the dream remains an essential concept for the nation. However, because of its ever-changing meaning, it’s hard to keep up with it. Say if this concept has outlived itself or is still useful despite the changing times.

🗽 American Identity Essay Topics

The United States consists of people coming from all over the world. Like a melting pot for different cultures, America combines them into one identity.

What makes the American identity unique? Here you can enumerate the character traits typical for US citizens. It can be exceptionalism, individualism, etc.
What elements of American identity are borrowed from other countries? Think about food or traditional holidays. You may also discuss things like the legal system and religion that helped to shape national identity.
Multiculturalism in the US . America is an amalgamation of various nations and ethnicities. Some of their traits merge into one collective identity. Others remain specific to the countries they originate from. You can write a fascinating essay on cultures co-existing in the US.
What is the American Spirit? It’s an exciting concept that is hard to define. You can talk about the American Spirit at war. Or, you may choose to describe people who embody it, such as George Washington.
Why is optimism essential for the American identity? Without a positive attitude, you can’t build a successful future. Result orientation, action, and love of change make Americans optimistic.
Manifest Destiny in the US. As you already know, Manifest Destiny is an integral part of Americanism. Discuss its origins and effects on the nation in a fascinating essay.
American national symbols . You’ve heard of Uncle Sam, stars and stripes, and a bald eagle. But what do these symbols mean? Explore their history and impact in your essay.
The role of historical knowledge in the US identity. You will probably agree that knowing the country’s history is essential. It teaches us valuable lessons, inspires us, and sets examples. You can describe your personal experience in your composition.
The Constitution as the beginning of US identity. Here you can write about what made the Constitution a crucial document. Back when it was created, it allowed both democracy and slavery. Think about similar contradictions in the American identity.
The importance of sports for the US. Sports have always played an important part in uniting people. Baseball, football, basketball – the list goes on! Choose your favorite games and describe their importance for the nation.

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏾 American Values Essay Topics

US citizens have particular sets of values. Find out what rules govern the lives of Americans.

Freedom as a fundamental American value. This topic covers all kinds of liberty—from religious to political. Think about the role freedom played in the formation of the United States.
American home as a value. It’s traditionally accepted to take great care of your home. At the same time, there’s a tradition of moving often. Think about what this contradiction can mean.
Equality: the essential American value. See what equality means for America and discuss its milestones. Don’t forget to mention the civil rights movements in your essay. For example, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP.)
Hard work as an American value. As you know, work is one of America’s greatest virtues. The idea is that everyone gets what they deserve. Thus, those who put more effort—gain more profit. Do you think it’s true?
Change in American society. Many cultures around the world treat change as something negative. It’s not the same in the US, where people welcome changes. Variation is believed to bring progress and a brighter future. You can compare the attitude towards change in the United States and other cultures.
The value of democracy in the US. Democracy helps to prevent conflicts and promote development. Many people think that it’s a superior form of government. Say whether you agree with this statement and why.
What makes materialism a national value? You may be interested in exploring this topic and its history. In America, material wealth is a natural reward for hard work. Find out where this belief comes from and what it means today.
Education as an American value. This topic is closely connected to the idea of opportunity. By going to university, you can become whatever you want to be. Explore this notion in your Americanism essay.
The importance of Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have a Dream.” MLK’s address brilliantly sums up American values. It also points out the problems we need to solve to make our lives better. Explore it in your essay.
Donald Trump and re-evaluation of Americanism. Since 2016, Americanism became widely popular due to Donald Trump’s policies. The belief in the unique mission and exceptionalism are back in the spotlight. You can discuss whether it’s a good or a bad thing in your essay.

Below you will find a few incredible Americanism essay examples. Check them out to get inspired!

Why I Am Proud to Be an American Essay Example

Our first essay sample explores the topic “Why I Am Proud to Be an American”:

Growing up, I was taught to be proud of my country, my culture, and our nation’s heroes. I am grateful for what we have in the United States, including the freedom to write, speak, and choose.

The United States is a country where you can freely express your opinions without fear of being criticized or punished. While there are nations throughout the world that penalize people for speaking out against the government or certain religious views, America encourages different perspectives. Of course, the regulations and laws prohibiting hate speech must be obeyed, but Americans are free to express their views regarding political, ethical, and religious issues.

Another reason to be proud of being American is freedom of choice. The United States is one of a few countries in the world with legalized same-sex marriages. It also allows its citizens to practice the religion of their choice. This open-mindedness has made the US a welcoming place for people from all walks of life and has contributed to its reputation as a melting pot of cultures and beliefs.

No country is perfect. The US is not flawless, either. We have many issues, such as racial tensions and terrorism. Though we now see undeniable progress toward equality, the problem of racial profiling and prejudice still exists. Domestic and international terrorism is another worrying issue that inflicts uneasiness and demands serious security measures. We need to combine the efforts of citizens and government to overcome all shortcomings through constructive dialogue and meaningful reforms.

Despite all these problems, I am and always will be proud to be an American. Freedom of speech and respect for diversity are two main principles that inspire me and make my country great. Of course, the US has imperfections and struggles, just like any other country. But we have already overcome significant obstacles in the past, and I know we will continue to do so in the future since we are the country of freedom and the home of the brave.

How Can I Be a Good American Essay

The essay example below provides a student’s reflections on how to be a good American.

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a good American? Even though everyone has their own answer to this question, there are several fundamental values that all US citizens respect and adhere to. These include abiding by the law, respecting individual rights, valuing our history and culture, and working together to make life better for everyone.

The US Constitution is the basis of American democracy that protects individual liberties and rights. All Americans respect the Constitution and its Amendments and recognize the importance of the law. In addition, I believe that a good American is not afraid to take social responsibility, vote, participate in community organizations, and advocate for policies that uphold justice and equity.

Examples from American history also demonstrate patriotism and love for the country. Good Americans recognize that a deep understanding of their nation’s past is significant for creating a meaningful connection to the present. When people learn about America’s history and culture, they understand its unique character, past challenges, successes, and strong spirit. This knowledge helps them become more active citizens, which enables America to keep improving and protecting its values.

I think a good American is a true patriot who is not mindlessly loyal to the American nation but profoundly loves it, with all its strengths and flaws. A decent American also recognizes and appreciates the country’s victories and accepts its mistakes while working to make it a better place for all citizens.

Now you’re all set to write a perfect composition. What writing tips did you find the most useful? Let us know in the comments!

How Does America Inspire You Essay: Unveiling Inspirations

How American Culture and ⁢Diversity Ignite Creativity

Discovering strength and resilience through american history, the impact of american ⁣innovation on personal growth, finding inspiration ⁣in american heroes and role models, exploring opportunities for ‌self-improvement in the land of the free, unveiling⁤ the beauty of⁤ american landscapes⁤ and ⁣nature, channeling patriotism into ‍personal motivation and ambition, harnessing the⁤ spirit of freedom for personal empowerment, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the american mosaic, to conclude.

American culture is a melting pot⁤ of ‍diversity, with⁢ influences from all over the world coming together to create a unique and dynamic blend of traditions, languages, and perspectives. This rich ‍tapestry ⁣of multiculturalism serves as a wellspring of inspiration for creativity, sparking new ‌ideas, innovations, and artistic expressions.

From ‍the⁤ vibrant music scene in New Orleans to the thriving tech hubs in⁤ Silicon ‌Valley, America’s diverse cultural ⁢landscape fuels ⁤a‍ creative energy that‌ permeates every aspect of society. This fusion of different cultures and ideologies ⁤encourages individuals to think ⁢outside the ⁢box,‌ challenge conventional norms , and push the boundaries⁢ of traditional thinking.

Whether it’s the fusion of cuisines in food trucks across the ⁣country,‍ the eclectic mix of fashion trends on the‍ streets of New York City, or⁤ the cross-pollination of musical genres in the music industry, American culture celebrates diversity and thrives on ‌the exchange of ideas and experiences.

By⁢ embracing and celebrating diversity, America⁣ inspires individuals to explore new horizons, break down barriers,⁣ and cultivate a spirit of innovation that drives progress and fuels creativity in⁤ all its forms.

Discovering Strength and Resilience Through American History

As we dive deep into American‌ history,‍ we uncover stories of strength and ‌resilience that⁤ have shaped the nation into⁤ what it is today. From the‍ struggles of the early settlers to the Civil ⁢Rights Movement, each chapter of American history is filled with tales of courage and ‌determination.

America’s⁤ history serves as a source of inspiration‍ for many, reminding us that in the face of adversity, we ⁤can find the inner strength to ‍persevere. The stories⁤ of individuals who have ⁢overcome great challenges, such as Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks,⁢ continue to motivate and empower us to create positive change.

Through studying American history, we not ‌only learn about the past but ⁢also gain⁣ a deeper understanding of⁢ our own ⁤capabilities. The resilience shown by⁢ those who ‌fought ⁣for ‌equality and justice serves⁢ as a ‌beacon of hope,⁣ showing us that we too can make a difference in⁤ the world.

Let us draw inspiration from the stories of the past and use them as a driving force to⁤ create a better future for ourselves and generations ⁤to come. America’s⁣ history ‌is a testament to the power ‍of strength and resilience, reminding us ⁣that no challenge is too great to ‍overcome.

The Impact ⁣of American Innovation on Personal Growth

Innovation is at the heart of American culture, driving personal growth and‍ inspiring individuals to⁢ reach ⁣new ⁢heights. ⁣From Silicon Valley startups to‌ groundbreaking medical⁣ advancements, American innovation has reshaped industries and ⁢transformed the way we⁤ live our ⁣lives. This continual ⁣push for progress encourages individuals to think creatively, take risks, and pursue their passions ⁤with unwavering determination.

American innovation serves as a catalyst for personal growth by challenging individuals to think outside the⁤ box and pursue their dreams. ⁢The entrepreneurial spirit of the United States fosters a culture of innovation where individuals are encouraged to take risks, learn from failure, and ultimately succeed. This mindset ⁢not only fuels personal growth‍ but also drives ⁣societal progress, leading to ⁤advancements in technology, ⁣healthcare,‍ and beyond.

From⁤ Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs, ⁢American innovators have paved the ‌way for future generations to ‍follow ‍in their footsteps. Their ⁣groundbreaking⁤ inventions and revolutionary ideas have inspired countless individuals to think boldly and pursue their own path to success. By embracing the spirit⁢ of American innovation, individuals can tap into ‌their full potential, ⁤overcome‍ challenges, and achieve their wildest dreams.

Finding Inspiration in‌ American ⁢Heroes⁣ and Role Models

America has a rich history of heroes⁤ and role models who ‍have inspired generations with their courage, resilience, and determination. From‍ founding fathers ⁤like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to civil‍ rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and⁣ Rosa⁤ Parks, there are countless individuals who have made ‍a lasting ⁤impact on our nation.

These American⁢ heroes serve as beacons of hope ⁢and inspiration, reminding us that we too have the power ⁢to effect change and make a difference in the world. Their stories of overcoming ‌adversity and standing up‌ for ⁢what they believe in can motivate⁢ us to pursue our own ⁢dreams and goals,‌ no matter the obstacles we may face.

Whether it’s the bravery of first responders on 9/11, the perseverance of Olympic athletes, or the selflessness of volunteers in times of ⁣crisis,‌ American heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They ‌show us that true heroism lies ‍in everyday acts of kindness and courage, and⁣ that each of us has the potential to be a hero in our own lives.

So take a moment to reflect on the American heroes and role models who have inspired you, and consider how their stories can motivate you to reach your full potential and make a ⁣positive impact ⁢on the world.‌ Let their legacy be a guiding light ⁣as ‍you navigate your own journey, and remember that the power to inspire others lies within each of us.

Exploring Opportunities for Self-Improvement in the Land of ‌the‌ Free

Living in the Land of the Free provides endless opportunities for self-improvement and personal growth. The spirit of freedom and individuality in America inspires people from all walks of life to continuously strive to⁢ better‍ themselves⁣ in various aspects.

Whether ⁤it’s pursuing higher education , starting a new business, or exploring different ⁤cultures, America offers a diverse range of ⁢opportunities for individuals‍ to expand their horizons and reach‌ their full potential. The melting pot of cultures and ideas in the United States⁣ serves as a catalyst for⁤ personal growth and development.

From the bustling⁤ city streets to the serene countryside, America’s rich tapestry⁤ of landscapes and communities provides the perfect backdrop ‍for self-discovery and exploration. The possibilities for self-improvement are truly limitless in this land of endless ‌possibilities.

So, take advantage of all that America has to offer and embark on a journey of‍ self-improvement and growth. Let the spirit‌ of freedom and opportunity inspire you ‌to reach new ‌heights and become the best⁢ version of yourself.

Unveiling the Beauty of American⁤ Landscapes and Nature

America⁣ is a land of diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural ⁣beauty that has⁤ inspired artists, writers, and photographers for centuries. ⁤From the towering mountains of the Rocky Mountain range to the stunning ⁤beaches‍ of Hawaii, the beauty of America’s landscapes is truly unparalleled. Whether you find inspiration in the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon or the ⁣serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, there is⁣ a landscape in America to suit every taste‍ and preference.

The rugged beauty of America’s national parks is a constant source of inspiration for nature lovers⁤ and outdoor‍ enthusiasts alike. The vastness of Yellowstone National Park, with its bubbling geysers and majestic wildlife, ⁣is a testament to‌ the power and resilience of nature. The breathtaking beauty ‍of ⁢Yosemite National Park, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is a testament to the sheer force of nature’s beauty.

The diversity of America’s landscapes is truly astounding, from⁣ the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest‌ to the arid deserts of the Southwest. Each region offers ⁢its own unique beauty and charm, ‍from the colorful fall foliage of New England to the‍ sun-kissed beaches of California. Whether you ‍find inspiration in the tranquility of a quiet forest‍ or the power of a raging river,‌ America’s landscapes‌ offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Channeling Patriotism into Personal Motivation⁣ and Ambition

One⁢ of the greatest ways America inspires me ⁣is through its rich history of perseverance and determination. From the Founding Fathers who fought for independence to the⁣ Civil Rights ⁢activists who fought for equality, American history‌ is filled with individuals who channeled their patriotism into personal motivation ⁤and ambition. ⁣Their stories remind me that⁣ no dream is too big‌ and no obstacle ⁤is too great to‌ overcome.

Another source of inspiration for me is the diversity and innovation that defines American culture. The⁤ melting pot of different cultures, ideas, and perspectives in America fuels my creativity and drive to succeed. Whether it’s the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley or the artistic expressions of Broadway, America’s diversity reminds me that there are endless possibilities for personal growth and achievement.

Moreover, the values of freedom and opportunity that America‍ embodies serve as a⁤ constant reminder to never⁣ settle⁢ for mediocrity. The belief that anyone can achieve greatness through hard work and determination motivates me‌ to ‍push myself beyond my comfort zone and strive for excellence in everything I do. America’s promise of a better tomorrow fuels my ambition and⁣ drives me to make a positive impact on the ‌world‍ around me.

Harnessing the Spirit of Freedom⁣ for Personal Empowerment

America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, has always been a beacon of inspiration for many ‍around the⁢ world. The⁤ spirit of ⁤freedom that permeates the country’s history and culture has a⁣ unique way of empowering‍ individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations. This ‍essay aims to delve deeper into how the essence of America can ignite a fire within us all, driving us to reach ‍new heights of personal growth and success.

One of the ⁣key ways in which America inspires us is through its rich history of resilience ⁣and triumph over adversity. From the founding fathers who fought for ⁣independence to the civil rights activists who pushed for equality,⁢ Americans have always shown a remarkable ability to overcome challenges ⁢and emerge stronger than before. This spirit of perseverance ‌and determination can serve as a powerful example ‍for us all, reminding ‌us ‌that no obstacle is too⁢ great to overcome.

Furthermore, the diversity and inclusivity that are⁢ inherent in American society can also be a source of inspiration for personal empowerment. In a country where people from all‌ walks of life come together to celebrate their differences and work towards a common goal, we are reminded of‌ the strength ⁢that can be found in unity.⁤ By embracing the‌ values of‌ tolerance and acceptance that America embodies, we can learn to harness the power ‌of diversity ⁢in our own lives, propelling‌ us towards greater success and fulfillment.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in the American⁤ Mosaic

America is a⁢ melting pot of‌ cultures, traditions, and beliefs, making it a vibrant tapestry of diversity and inclusion. From the bustling streets of New York City to the ‍sprawling plains of the Midwest,‌ the United States is a ⁤beacon ⁤of hope for those seeking freedom and opportunity. The rich⁢ tapestry of different ethnicities, religions, and⁤ backgrounds is what makes America⁢ truly unique and inspiring.

In ‌a country as diverse as America, inspiration ⁢can be found in every corner. Whether ⁣it’s the story of an immigrant family building‌ a successful business ‍from the ground up or a community⁣ coming together to celebrate their cultural heritage, the American mosaic is ⁣full of stories⁣ that inspire us to dream big and strive for⁣ excellence.

As we celebrate‌ diversity and inclusion in the American mosaic, ⁤let us remember ‍that each individual brings something special to the table. By ⁢embracing our differences‌ and learning from one ⁣another, we‌ can create⁤ a more inclusive and united society where everyone has‍ the opportunity to thrive. Let us ⁢continue to be inspired by‍ the‍ countless contributions ⁢of ⁢our⁤ fellow Americans and work towards building a brighter future⁢ for⁤ all.

In conclusion, America‌ serves as a wellspring⁤ of inspiration for individuals from all walks of life. From the diverse cultures ‍and landscapes ⁤to the rich ⁤history and spirit of⁢ innovation, there are endless sources of ⁢motivation to be found in this country. By exploring the ways in which America inspires you, you can tap into ⁣your own creativity, drive, and passion‌ to achieve your‌ goals and make an impact in the world.‍ So next time you find yourself in ⁤need of a boost, just look ‍to ⁢America for a dose of inspiration that will fuel your ambitions and propel you⁣ forward. ⁣Remember, the possibilities are endless ‌when you allow⁢ yourself ‌to be inspired by the‌ greatness that surrounds you.

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The United States of America’s Culture Essay

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Introduction

American culture, works cited.

Culture in the United States has been characterized with tension from the European ideals and the domestic originality. The overall culture of America include beliefs, arts, traditions, values, customs, innovations and ideals drawn from the locals and from foreigners across the boarders. American culture in a mixture of ideas and ideals from varied quarters, factors like democracy, civil liberty, Christianity, traditions, moral elements and entertainment have all been intertwined into a single unit feature appearing as the American culture.

Due to the several parameters that constitute it, America culture is so dynamic and has kept on changing with the variation in demographic composition. “American culture is divided into about 49 subcategories which are soaked up into a single distinct culture called “the American Culture” (Bogle, p.56). This paper will deal the issues that make up the American culture and what various writers have to say about those issues.

To be an American, demands that citizens have to be devoted in upholding the rule of law, liberty, equity and justice to all. Being an American means that one has the advantage of being under a government that oversees the welfare and interest of everyone within and outside its boarders. The American society does not only look at the comfort of everyone in need, and not only regardless of its border boundary.

The culture promotes freedom of choice and association…therefore in this context, being an American means living in a cohesive society of mixed values owing to its diversity. A critical analysis of American cultures spills over to several miles from the boarders due to their great influence worldwide, the same applies to what constitutes American Culture which is a combination of mixed practices like sports, music, art and fashions to mention a few. Issues related to race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, gender and censorship are the ones that shape the culture. “Every individual that proclaims to be an American is taught to uphold American cultural values like positive attitude, leadership skills, entrepreneurship and craftsmanship among others” (Gaspar de Alba, p.124).

American culture is structured by their system of governance, laws and regulations and how people relate with each other owing to their original disparity. From face value, it can be said that America has no culture; Gaspar refers to individuals who hold such opinion to hear fish denying the existence of water (p.125). It is only that the American culture is shared by a vast majority which makes a culture of its own, unique in every aspect.

Americans believe that they can compete in literally everything and enjoy equal opportunity with every other player worldwide. The strong desire of Americans to be democratic and free from oppression of all kinds, has characterized the activities in America, events that are so extraordinary that only Americans themselves can understand and explain. These are however just general views on what the American culture really is, the next section of this paper will go to the specifics, and zero in into the following factors that determine the true culture of America. That is; language, literature, faith, national holydays, sports, arts beside other popular cultures as given by different writers.

Regarding language, about sixty five percent of America’s populations speak English as their native language, making America the second most populated English speaking nation in the world after India. The federal government has no official language but the latest report indicate that the society is pushing to have English be made the official language. Apart from English, other languages that are spoken in America include Spanish, French, Navajo as well as some minority immigrant languages which have persisted to date. Literature in America traces its origin to Europe.

It is the foreign culture from this end of the world and has characterized American literary voce foe centuries (Lipsitz, p.41). American writers have managed to capture the literary arena by wining Nobel Prize in Literature severally. “It is believed that the mixed values that make the American culture are the reasons behind great literary skills…the perfect blend works well for the artists” (Lipsitz, p.43).

America is believed by some researchers as the most religious nation among the developed world considering its demographics. Religion plays a very important role in the life of American citizens. There is freedom of worship in America and no single person is discriminated on the basis of religious affiliation. “The American society is composed of Quakers in Pennsylvania, Roman Catholics in Maryland, Puritans in Massachusetts and many more who practice whatever religion they feel deem fits them best” (Marsden, p.45). Marsden adds that the nation has established a law that respect religion and prohibits the federal interference in religious matters.

Any America citizen has to observe all National Holydays that define memorable and significant events in the countries history. Some of the National holydays recognized by the American culture include but not limited to ; Thanksgiving day observed by traditional Americans, Easter, St. Patrick’s and Lent, by Christians and the Independence Day, observed by everyone with American affiliation whether within or outside boarders. Independence Day is celebrated every Fourth of July to mark the day America was declared independent from the Kingdom of Great Britain (Lipsitz, p.46).

Sports in an important component in American culture, it is though very unique from other countries even the neighboring ones. America prefers to go domestic as far as sports are concerned. In the beginning op in the priority list of the most preferred sports is baseball which dates back to 1869 when it first went professional. Currently, the most famous sport is the American football followed by Basketball and Ice hockey. American culture has a unique architectural style. America has very little to remind them of their history, probably because it has a very young country and still has a shortened past.

The paintings that show their skills in architecture are all based on modernity like the skyscrapers; it basically represents Mediterranean style i.e. electric…a fact which is not surprising with the multicultural nature. Related to Architecture is the American sculpture which depicts the past history with religion, it shows the ancient practices of the Roman Republicans and Protestants Christians. Just like their architecture, the fashion in America is modern and informal as well as what Lipsitz refers to as electric in (p.47).

American dressing code is basically casual with the most dominant style being blue jeans. “The blue jeans have become so common in the country to an extent that it can pass as arguably the American contribution to world fashion” (Bogle, p.71). America’s films, heater, music and dance are all affiliated to the Western Europe, just like many other ideals. The country is multiethnic and instead of having ethnic affiliations which can be quiet numerous, racism comes into play.

This is where individuals classify themselves as men of color (non white) and whites. To some extent, even the Native Americans were discriminated against due to their minority status. But American government has walked a good walk in fighting racism; hopes are that someday racism related incidences would be a thing of the past is very much alive among the American public. Acts of democracy would have been embraced and neither social class nor gender is used to bar anyone from taking advantage of a great opportunity. Government policies of the modern America have been geared to amicably address gender biasness and class differences, the policies have gone a long way in doing away with such social ills that are reaping value from the culture (Gaspar de Alba, pp.125-127).

From the facts presented in this paper, it can be said that whatever the American culture is, hopes also lie with the schools and other cultural based institutions to help pass cultural values from one generation to the other. The parents are better positioned to help in this initiative. Emphasis should be put on the teachings on customs and tradition the child draws from the parents. American culture as it has been determined offers opportunity for all in the society through the help of the government which avails necessary resources. The culture honors the principle of equity which seems to be the chief driving force steering the nation to greatness.

Bogle, D. An Interpretive History of American. New York: Viking Press. (1973). pp. 56 72.

Gaspar de Alba, A. Chicano Art Inside/Outside the Master’s House: Cultural Politics and the CARA Exhibition. Austin: University of Texas Press. (1998). pp.122-127.

Lipsitz, G. Time Passages: Collective Memory and American Popular Culture. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. (1990). pp. 41-47.

Marsden, G. Religion and American Culture. Orlando: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, (1990). Pp. 45-46.

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YOUTH ESSAYS

Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31 .

The 2024-25 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Watch as Sophia delivered her speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award ceremony or read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31 .

The 2024-25 theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Bryant Day, an eighth grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Bryant was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read his essay here. See the complete list of 2024 national winners .

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COMMENTS

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