What does it mean to be "American?" What makes it"American?" And how does it make us "American?" American standsfor the beliefs, the music, as well as the people that come fromthis great nation. The beliefs of this great nation speak every language.These beliefs stretch from the furthest reaches of Africa to thecity life of New York. These beliefs are pride, freedom, andequality. American means to be proud. It means to stand up forwhat you believe in and to fight for it wholeheartedly. Americanalso means to have freedom, freedoms to do what you wish, topractice your own religious ceremonies, customs, and beliefs.With these freedoms comes a responsibility, a responsibility tobe accountable for your actions. Equality is the basis ofAmerican society. Before equality for all, there was slavery.With this slavery came accounts of cruelty and disillusionedviolence. Without help from first hand accounts of slaves suchas Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano, we would have neveremerged from this dark era in American history.

American music is the envy of nations around the world.From Led Zeppelin to Snoop Doggy Dog, American music continues todiversify and grow. American bands develop large masses offollowers in nations of all different ethnic backgrounds. FromAsia to Germany, American music continues to influence the musicstyles of the rest of the world. Proud American men and women joined the armed forces toserve the country that they love and protect. These people showwhat it means to be American. Just as the colonists fought theBritish for Independence in April Morning, they risk their lives,for something they believe in and cherish. These same peoplealso stand for exploration and discovery. The first white peoplelead by Captain Smith, traveled to the newly discovered Americas,to explore and colonize. They show the American strength ofcharacter, determination, and will. To be "American" is to be many things. It means differentthings to different people, yet they all agree on the basicAmerican fundamentals. The beliefs, music, and people of acountry define the essence of that nation.