Being American usually means both a legal status (citizenship) and a sense of belonging to a shared set of ideals, not a single ethnic background or lifestyle. It is often described as committing to values like freedom, equality, democracy, and the chance to pursue a better life, while also taking responsibility for one’s community and country.
Legal and basic definition
In the simplest sense, “American” as a noun usually means a citizen or resident of the United States, and as an adjective it means “of or relating to the United States.” This legal side includes rights like voting, protection under U.S. law, and access to certain government benefits, along with duties like paying taxes and serving on juries when called.
Core ideals and values
Many explanations of being American emphasize a belief in liberty, equality, and democratic self‑government as core civic values. People also often connect it to the “American Dream”: the idea that, regardless of birth or social class, hard work and initiative should allow a person to improve their life and that of their family.
Diversity and inclusion
There is no official expectation that Americans look a certain way, follow a particular religion, or speak only one language, and the meaning of “American” has broadened over time with immigration and social change. Surveys and essays frequently highlight treating people equally, accepting different racial and religious backgrounds, and respecting others’ rights as central to what many call a “real American.”
Civic responsibility
Being American is often framed as not just enjoying freedoms but also participating in civic life—voting, staying informed, engaging respectfully with people who disagree, and working with others to solve shared problems. These habits rely on everyday virtues such as tolerance, mutual respect, and willingness to cooperate across differences so the society can function and improve.
Personal meaning
At a personal level, people describe being American in many ways: feeling protected by the law, believing hard work should be rewarded, being proud of the country while also criticizing it to make it better, or simply feeling at home in its culture. Because of this diversity, “American” is less about fitting one mold and more about sharing a commitment to certain common principles while bringing one’s own background and story into the national mix.
