American Identity

Paper Summary:

This paper explores how the two beliefs in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and that any government derives its power from the people form the essence of what it means to be an American. With this as basis, the American identity is not a single identity at all but a varied one applicable to people from different backgrounds, races, classes, and cultures. The writer explains that there is a belief system based on equality, fairness, optimism, the rule of law, and a sense of self-reliance that connects such diverse groups Southerners, Americans of the Northeast, and Americans of the Far West, and that freedom to make personal choices is the real key to the American identity.

From the Paper:

"Certainly, much of American history tests the first premise, for to state it is one thing, while to live it is another. When the United States was formed, some were clearly more equal than others in spite of the rhetoric. Still, a belief in equality has been and remains a central belief in the American identity, even if the reality sometimes fails to match the ideal. As can be seen with reference to the second basic tenet, Americans from the first have also distrusted the power of government and do so even if they believe in that power to effect beneficial change. One can see distrust of government throughout the political spectrum in America."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Jefferson,, Thomas. "The Declaration of Independence." 1776.
• Morales, Aurora Levins. "Child of the Americas." 2006.
• Vanderkam, Laura. "Hookups Starve the Soul." USA Today. July 26, 2001.

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