An American Interpretation Essay, Research Paper

An ?American? interpretation

When I was growing up there wasn?t one specific time when I recalled becoming an American. For me I think it was more of a continuous process. There were certain incidents that helped me realize what it meant to be an American.

I remember in 5th grade learning about American history and about the many people who helped create this country. Learning about history is significant, because one can learn about the advantages and pitfalls of a society.

When I turned eighteen I realized I had a right to vote. This showed me even more, that as an American I had a right to express my opinion and choose who I wanted to lead my country. My first job also had an important impact on me. After getting that first paycheck and seeing how much money the government took out, I found out that the government supports all of our freedoms and rights by us, the American citizens.

At an interview with my dad I questioned him about his early childhood and asked him when he first realized he was an American. He told me the first moment he thought about the idea was when he was required to register for the draft. He commented that he was required by the army to show up for a physical. He was debating on whether or not to enlist, or if he should dodge the draft. He chose to take the physical. At that moment he considered himself to be American. Because of occupational deferment he wasn?t required to serve in battle.

After talking with my Great Uncle I gained some interesting information about him. My great uncle Lee was born in Italy, but at an early age he moved to the United States in grade school. Even though he was born in Italy he fought on the U.S. side of the war in World War II. To have a country in which he believed in its cultures and values was worth fighting for. It was that moment that he realized he was actually an American.

Between all of us my Great Uncle and my father?s narratives seemed to have the most similarities because both of them sere related to war. My story was similar in the way that we all had duties toward our country, voting and serving the country in war. The idea of American changed in my interpretation because my generation hasn?t experienced a war yet.

From this information, I gathered that for one to be part of their country they have to show some kind of loyalty or responsibility for their country.