https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u Use the space below to share out your findings. en-us 2023-01-30 22:19:03 UTC 2025-10-16 14:37:50 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466258946 - there is no real definition of what being an American is
- there can be emotions tied to if you feel American or not
- Many people might not prefer to consider themselves American because of the country’s history
- people born outside of America should have no less opportunities than those born in America]]> 2023-02-02 14:58:40 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466258946 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466259370

There is really no real definition for a "True American"

Nothing should define you being an American

No matter where you were born you should have the same opportunities in America as everyone else.

People are less likely to feel pride towards a country that they feel doesn't represent them

]]> 2023-02-02 14:58:58 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466259370 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466294612 - overall, the only unifying American trait/experience seems to be if you are legally American or if you have been raised in America
- Being American was originally supposed to be based on unity in moral/political ideals, but over time naturalization has had more and more requirements and been more and more exclusive. Additionally, the American identity has a very specific definition by the government or is defined by the undertoned support of the government (cis, straight, white man born in America)
- 'American' has never really had a racial or ethnic identity since indigenous Americans were the only people in America]]> 2023-02-02 15:20:16 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466294612 madisonstroik2024_2 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466319236 People align being American with patriotism, but the line between patriotism and nationalism is very blurred. People seem to think that patriotism means that that they find no faults in their country and think it is the best, which is why I think more young democrats don’t agree with being a patriot due to having different experiences (with minority groups leaning towards democratic), but the interest in improving their country is arguably patriotic, because it shows that they care about the betterment of the country. 

people who align with different identities and might have a different view on patriotism due to their cultural background and history, but they are expected to adhere to the nationalist idea of patriotism that is associated with being white or otherwise in a majority group. 

]]> 2023-02-02 15:33:57 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466319236 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466336250

• Freedom of speech comes with 'terms and conditions' if you are a minority
• People don't outright talk about the issues in America, things tend to get swept under the rug to save face rather than fixing the actual problem.
• Many people don't have the equality that we advertise so loudly, equal opportunity; everyone can achieve the American Dream, but those resources are limited to a more exclusive subset of people

]]> 2023-02-02 15:43:16 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466336250 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466342388 - There is a 'fantastical' idea of America that doesn't really exist (ie: the perfect white picket fence home and family)
- America works off of loopholes in the law and life --> ways to get past helping the nation
- Everyone was an immigrant once
- Rules and systems created by white Americans for white Americans
- citizenship tests are designed to be overly difficult, and were edited to be more belief based than fact based
- Regionalism --> America is so large and beliefs are so widespread
- America is built on differing opinions
- continuous cycle


]]> 2023-02-02 15:47:00 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2466342388 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2467565020 America is built on different opinions and asking the question "what is an American?" There is not one straightforward answer. America provides opportunities for those who may not get the chances. While America makes lots of promises they are rarely fulfilled. America has an outward facade, where its the best when in the background equality, racism, corruption. Its an unjust country ]]> 2023-02-03 13:32:26 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2467565020 marleymatejka2024_2 https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2469362942 -The idea of what it means to be  American is different for everyone. There’s no one definition and it fluctuates and changes often for people-Similarly the idea of the “American Dream” can be  different for everyone, even if there is a stereotypical definition of it that’s popularized in the media.-The people around you play a big part in your identity, sense of self, and personality. Different people can connect you to your roots, just as similarly as people can push you to mold to what's expected in society. ]]> 2023-02-06 01:49:02 UTC https://padlet.com/agoldberg39_1/cvu10sp08qczu76u/wish/2469362942