What does being American mean to you? Options

[Inferia]

I know I've been accused many times of hating this country or somewhere along the lines of that, sometimes people say if you don't like it here, you should just leave. In reality, as much as it may not seem like it, I actually really like this country and have a lot of respect for the people here. I may disagree with many of them politically and philosophically, isn't that the point of this country though - that everyone is free to have and express their own opinions?

I started my citizenship applications recently. I could've done so awhile ago, and for a long time people asked me why am not a citizen or have not applied to become a citizen. Most of the time, I sort of just brush the question off. I've always known why, a lot of people become citizens for the benefits of living here, there's nothing wrong with that since this is what people have done for centuries. I've always felt that before I became American, I have to understand what it means to be American, or perhaps I should say what does America mean to me.

Since most of the people on this board are born American, you don't actually have to make a decision on your citizenship. But I feel like you must at one point think about about what your citizenship means and what being American mean to you.

[johnthedrunk]

Always being number 1



and always tasting good

[Melanie]

The thing that I'm finding funny about your picture is... the nachos. hahaha


Hooray for America!

[impala454]

Nachos are more American than Mexican

[Melanie]

haha I like how you're saying this to someone who's family is from Mexico.

no, Taco Bell nachos, which are the ones on the picture, are American. But nachos are definitely a part of antojitos.

[FORSAKENR320]

thats america.


actually, to me, america is hatred, bigotry, selfishness, and the RIGHT the be able to be that way. we are a country of chaos. we are always second guessing our policies, always changing, always building something new, and always tearing something down. it is how we survive, it is that chaos that allows us as a country to work. we are constantly adapting. our ability to question ourselves and those that govern us is what makes us strong. i live in a country where it is ok for me to hate the government. or my nieghbor. or his dog. and i am allowed to be hated by my government. or my nieghbor... or his dog. it's like a giant family at christmas... there is bickering, fighting, and general dissent... but over the top of that, we are all gathered together for one common cause, and that is each other. we give each other the abilities to be assholes without reprocussion

[Seeker]

One word: Liberty

What is liberty?

According to Thomas Jefferson: "Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual."

So in essence liberty means we have to the right to do whatever we want unimpeded as long as we don't harm or infringe on the liberty of others. Unfortunately the Federal government has encroached enough that we have very few of our God-given liberty left... the government/tyrants have taken it all away.

That brings me to my next Jefferson quote: "A little revolution now and then is a good thing; the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

Thomas Jefferson was a true American and you can find the rest of his quotes here: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson

[Dogmeat]

the ability to freely offend whoever the flying fuck I want to because they're stupid and then blow the shit out of them and their fucking homelands with fully automatic weapons if they have a fucking problem with it.

[chook]

America is about being the best in a screwed up world and trying to help others. Being the best in a bad group isn't that great, but you'll get the most blame and envy.

[jonathan83]

more importantly Inferia, I understand why you want to become an American, but what about your Chinese citizenship? are you still going to keep your Chinese citizenship too?
Basically, I'm just wondering if you'll just become American for the benefits, but still be loyal to China.

[Inferia]

more importantly Inferia, I understand why you want to become an American, but what about your Chinese citizenship? are you still going to keep your Chinese citizenship too?
Basically, I'm just wondering if you'll just become American for the benefits, but still be loyal to China.

You can't have a duel Chinese/US citizenship, at least that I know of. I can't really answer your question. I'll try to answer another question that's somewhat implicit in your question. A lot of people ask me if I feel more "American" or more "Chinese". I think the gist of this question is do I gravitate more towards America or China. In the end, it's a very complicated question. For one you actually need to be able to define what does it mean to be an "American", but there isn't one "American", Americans are very different from each other. Second you have to define what does it mean to be "Chinese". What does being Chinese mean, that you were born in a country that's called China? A certain set of culture? What I eat? What I speak? That's also very hard to define. Then third, you have to define what it means be citizen of any country. Most people pretty much take it for granted that they're born in a country, they feel loyalty to that country. I don't particularly feel that way to any country anymore. Sure, part of me have pride for being Chinese, and part of me can see that how I have changed over the years to become so-called "American", and I'm pretty proud of that too. I guess what I am trying to say here is I have a certain affinity towards the Chinese people, somethings I do will be categorized as being very "Chinese", and this is not something I can deny. However this doesn't take away from the fact that my current set of beliefs is more in line with this country. That's the best I can answer that question.

[johnthedrunk]

The thing that I'm finding funny about your picture is... the nachos. hahaha
Hooray for America!

Nachos are more American than Mexican

dont forget the panda express!

[Dogmeat]

You can't have a duel Chinese/US citizenship, at least that I know of. I can't really answer your question. I'll try to answer another question that's somewhat implicit in your question. A lot of people ask me if I feel more "American" or more "Chinese". I think the gist of this question is do I gravitate more towards America or China. In the end, it's a very complicated question. For one you actually need to be able to define what does it mean to be an "American", but there isn't one "American", Americans are very different from each other. Second you have to define what does it mean to be "Chinese". What does being Chinese mean, that you were born in a country that's called China? A certain set of culture? What I eat? What I speak? That's also very hard to define. Then third, you have to define what it means be citizen of any country. Most people pretty much take it for granted that they're born in a country, they feel loyalty to that country. I don't particularly feel that way to any country anymore. Sure, part of me have pride for being Chinese, and part of me can see that how I have changed over the years to become so-called "American", and I'm pretty proud of that too. I guess what I am trying to say here is I have a certain affinity towards the Chinese people, somethings I do will be categorized as being very "Chinese", and this is not something I can deny. However this doesn't take away from the fact that my current set of beliefs is more in line with this country. That's the best I can answer that question.

Just "Act Black" ... Apparently if you aren't white and want to be "American" it's the thing to do

[impala454]

haha I like how you're saying this to someone who's family is from Mexico.

no, Taco Bell nachos, which are the ones on the picture, are American. But nachos are definitely a part of antojitos.

I don't give a shit where you're from. I will guarantee you that nachos are eaten more in the US than in Mexico.

[Melanie]

haha ok... guarantee all you want. I'm from Texas. But my entire family is from Mexico and I know what I know. Whatever.

And I can't believe I'm actually going to agree with Brandon about something, but completely agree with you on everything that you said. I love the picture too.

[impala454]

haha ok... guarantee all you want. I'm from Texas. But my entire family is from Mexico and I know what I know. Whatever.

haha ok... I'm from Texas. My entire family is from America and I know what I know. Whatever.

[FORSAKENR320]

You can't have a duel Chinese/US citizenship, at least that I know of. I can't really answer your question. I'll try to answer another question that's somewhat implicit in your question. A lot of people ask me if I feel more "American" or more "Chinese". I think the gist of this question is do I gravitate more towards America or China. In the end, it's a very complicated question. For one you actually need to be able to define what does it mean to be an "American", but there isn't one "American", Americans are very different from each other. Second you have to define what does it mean to be "Chinese". What does being Chinese mean, that you were born in a country that's called China? A certain set of culture? What I eat? What I speak? That's also very hard to define. Then third, you have to define what it means be citizen of any country. Most people pretty much take it for granted that they're born in a country, they feel loyalty to that country. I don't particularly feel that way to any country anymore. Sure, part of me have pride for being Chinese, and part of me can see that how I have changed over the years to become so-called "American", and I'm pretty proud of that too. I guess what I am trying to say here is I have a certain affinity towards the Chinese people, somethings I do will be categorized as being very "Chinese", and this is not something I can deny. However this doesn't take away from the fact that my current set of beliefs is more in line with this country. That's the best I can answer that question.

well, you yourself may have difficulty in the situation, but this will be the defining point for everyone else around you.... china and america go to war. both countries are at fault. they both "started it" (makes alot of difference to most people who started it) would you be a liability to the safety of america? will you hide chinese troops? will you give aid? and remember, even though we americans have a proud history of housing both wounded american troops AND british troops... such a situation never boded well with the actual caregivers. they were viewed as british loyalists (for the most part)all the same by their biased nieghbors. the same happened in the civil war, with the same result for the caregivers in the south. OR will you hold a sign, saying "save your scraps to beat the japs" as notorious as that was right after pearl harbor?

and i understand you'll prolly say "niether, i won't help anyone" but rememeber that america has put the japanese in labor camps after pearl harbor... that we have hanged Loyalists. our past is no cleaner than any other country. when the shit hits the fan, we as americans, despite all our differences STILL develop the "if you are not one of us, then you are the enemy" attitude.... fence walking will still declare you a chinese sympathizer. what choice do you make then?


and i am not threatening you, and i am not trying to force you to say "america!!!! fuck yea!!!" i am honestly curious about your views in this situation.... because i feel it's pretty accurate with american history of what would truelly happen...

[Inferia]

well, you yourself may have difficulty in the situation, but this will be the defining point for everyone else around you.... china and america go to war. both countries are at fault. they both "started it" (makes alot of difference to most people who started it) would you be a liability to the safety of america? will you hide chinese troops? will you give aid? and remember, even though we americans have a proud history of housing both wounded american troops AND british troops... such a situation never boded well with the actual caregivers. they were viewed as british loyalists (for the most part)all the same by their biased nieghbors. the same happened in the civil war, with the same result for the caregivers in the south. OR will you hold a sign, saying "save your scraps to beat the japs" as notorious as that was right after pearl harbor?

and i understand you'll prolly say "niether, i won't help anyone" but rememeber that america has put the japanese in labor camps after pearl harbor... that we have hanged Loyalists. our past is no cleaner than any other country. when the shit hits the fan, we as americans, despite all our differences STILL develop the "if you are not one of us, then you are the enemy" attitude.... fence walking will still declare you a chinese sympathizer. what choice do you make then?
and i am not threatening you, and i am not trying to force you to say "america!!!! fuck yea!!!" i am honestly curious about your views in this situation.... because i feel it's pretty accurate with american history of what would truelly happen...

Well, if the situation arises chances are I'll be pro-people, I'd probably help whoever is in need of help. I don't particularly believe in wars, I probably have trouble toting a gun and shooting anyone down. My personal and political beliefs won't change if China and US went to war, government fight wars. If you look at the people who is on either side, they are really not all that different from each other. I guess all I can do is try to be a neutralizer and empathize with people. People can declare me whatever they want, I've walked down some pretty difficult paths in my life. You come to the realization that you should do what you believe in, you should be true to your self, and not based it on how other people will label you.

[impala454]

America (for a start anyhow):

[Dogmeat]

i want to have sex with girls from FSU now until they giggle.

[Testm0nkey]

america is materialism and war?

those pictures seem more to me like a rednecks dream sequence

[Inferia]

those pictures seem more to me like a rednecks dream sequence

Interesting, initially I was kinda annoyed by these pictures, but now I feel like they're saying something. How about we do a graphical representation of what the US means to different people? If the above is considered the "redneck's dream sequence", this is mine

[FORSAKENR320]

Well, if the situation arises chances are I'll be pro-people, I'd probably help whoever is in need of help. I don't particularly believe in wars, I probably have trouble toting a gun and shooting anyone down. My personal and political beliefs won't change if China and US went to war, government fight wars. If you look at the people who is on either side, they are really not all that different from each other. I guess all I can do is try to be a neutralizer and empathize with people. People can declare me whatever they want, I've walked down some pretty difficult paths in my life. You come to the realization that you should do what you believe in, you should be true to your self, and not based it on how other people will label you.

interesting. so even knowing that you may face reprocussions for helping both chinese and americans, you are still willing to do so?


that my friend makes you american in my book.

[impala454]

america is materialism and war?

those pictures seem more to me like a rednecks dream sequence

Come on now Cat don't take me for some buffoon who chose those pictures as I was grunting in my cave. If you stop and think about the meaning each picture could represent you can find some very non-materialistic ideas.

Here's what they represent in my mind:

The Chevelle: The rush, excitement of driving a fast vehicle with an exhaust note that can only be described as American. Sure other countries have awesome cars, but the old American muscle cars of the 60s-70s have a category all their own. It also represents growing up, kids learning engines & fixing up old cars w/their dad.

Minute Maid Park: I don't see anything materialistic about this one. Baseball was created in and is primarily an American sport. It's almost a social event now, people go just to enjoy each other's company, have a few beers and a hot dog, and root for their home team. It doesn't get much more American than that.

FSU Chicks at a fball game: Hot chicks and college football? American for sure . Hell there are some countries where these girls would be stoned to death for wearing clothes like that, or probably even for going to school.

F22 Raptor: The pinnacle of technology. A showing of our superiority and the lengths we'll go to to protect what we have in this country.

Harley V-Rod: Come on now, it's a friggin harley. It aint about being materialistic, just like the Chevelle, there's very few sounds I could think of less American than the exhaust of a Harley. Free riding, rebelliousness, doin whatever you damn well please, are a couple of things this sucker represents.

The smoker: It's BBQ. American BBQ is just about its own food group. Having big cookouts and get-togethers with friends & familiy, tailgating at sports events, etc.

[FORSAKENR320]

yea, i kinda got the impression you were giving impala, except i was thinking that you could enjoy a level of luxury and comfort unlike any other place. the ability to have a surplus simply for fun.

[chook]

I think so long as you don't give secrets to china or do anything that supports their government over ours, i'd consider you a run of the mill american, even if you ate chicken feet.

[FORSAKENR320]

I think so long as you don't give secrets to china or do anything that supports their government over ours, i'd consider you a run of the mill american, even if you ate chicken feet.

you eat some pretty wierd shit yourself there chuck....

[chook]

you eat some pretty wierd shit yourself there chuck....

The girl i'm seeing right now made me eat them. they weren't good.

[impala454]

chicken feet wtf... is there anything on them besides bones & skin?!?!?

[Inferia]

chicken feet wtf... is there anything on them besides bones & skin?!?!?

tendon.

[impala454]

barf

[Seeker]

most of you have totally forgotten what it means to be american

[Oasis]

God you must be kidding me, thought this was supposed to be
The home of the brave and the free for you and me
But now there's something wrong - shit's been going on too long.
It's never gonna change, there's no way i say.
What's the CIA and the NRA?
They're all the same - just the names are changed.
Fuck - there's no excuse - any way you lose.
It's all a joke in the good old USA.
All we need is more factories pumping filth into the sky.
Corporate greed and perverted priests, it's the story of our lives.
And apathy's the national disease and there is no end in sight.
God save the USA - blame the president and say your prayers tonight.
The irony of liberty is no one here is truly free
When elections are stolen by the G.O.P.
So watch the nightly news - find out how you are getting screwed.
What you gonna do? - there's no use i say
Fuck the industry - the aristocracy
Fuck they're all the same - just the names are changed.
Fuck ther's no excuse, any way you lose.
It's all a joke in the good old USA.
Government hypocricy - American Idolatry - Corporate philosophy.
Nightly news of tragedies - Where no one cares what's right or wrong
Our heroes now are all long gone - The freedoms that we all abuse
The obituaries front page news

[jonathan83]

isnt that a black eye peas song or something?

[Oasis]

isnt that a black eye peas song or something?

Pennywise, but close enough

[impala454]

most of you have totally forgotten what it means to be american

perhaps you'll enlighten us

[Seeker]

i already did, people ignored my post

[impala454]

ah, did you add something? coulda sworn when I saw it the first time you just had the word liberty there. Good post though, although I wouldn't necessarily agree with you on the extent that government has "encroached" jefferson's idea of liberty.

[Seeker]

and that's what it means to be american

[Inferia]

most of you have totally forgotten what it means to be american

I feel like people don't necessarily "forget", more often, I feel like people don't really know what it means to begin with.

[James]

I don't feel like my liberties are being encroached upon. Maybe it's because I'm simple and anything I want to do, the government doesn't say "No, you can't do that!"

BTW, didn't we already talk (ya know, back before I got a job and actually talked to people other than students and other teachers) about this one before, Lang, and you decided you would never do it for reasons I vaguely remember but don't want to say?

Happy early birthday. When you finish becoming a Dr.?