What is an American?

To the next American,

To be an American you have to first know the history. You have to know the past of the country to be able to understand the future. Being an American is making your dreams a reality; changing the norm in society's eyes while turning the world upside down. Its about moving through the hurt and frustration to the bliss of happiness. Being an American is about taking ta stand, believing in the unknown and not settling for anything. You have to stick together and not give up when you don't achieve what you set out to do on the first attempt.

From Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama, America is a place where dreams come true; where the poor can dine with the rich and where the uneducated can be educated. What you may think today is just someones dream can one day turn into a reality. Its a place of freedom and opportunity. Opportunity that allows you to get a college education or play sports that allows you to be a provider for your family. You can go from the outhouse to the white house. It does not say that you have to go in the same direction all the time because you can pave your own road so the next person can follow. This is what keeps America pushing through.

Now I know you maybe seeing and hearing a lot of America, but I am going to help clear the air and help you see that America is a place of change. Being an American is about change. Even though America is a melting pot of experiences it is also a place where all people are welcomed. You can go experience different religions without being criticize about turning your back on your own religion. You can even experience the difference cultures foods with the many restaurants and markets. Being an American does not mean that you have to stick to the way things use to be. You have a chance to do things your own way. You can dress just about any way you want. You can mark your body or your temple with tattoos and piercing. You can drive a BMW or a Ford. Now if driving isn't your thing then you can also use public transportation like the bus or the train. Walking and catching a cab is always an option. You can also fix your hair anyway you would like. You can color, highlight it, chop it up or make your own style, the choice is yours. Its all about being you and no one else.

America is becoming a place where same sex marriages are looked at as being acceptable to do. The couples can even adopt and have children if they prefer. It is a place where your past doesn't have to hold you back from gaining your future. You can turn your mistakes into positive pictures. Now that does not mean that it is going to be easy just because you want it to be easy; you have to get it done no matter what. Americans are not as judgmental as you may thing or as they are being portrayed. You can even find biracial marriages taken place. Just because you grew up one way doesn't mean you have to find that soul mate of the same color. It is again about choice and it is yours.

With all the modern changes that are going on Americans are becoming more relaxed. Women are being able to do the same things as men. You can find a women in construction, laying bricks and building houses. You can even find women playing competitive sports and becoming pastors of churches. Now men on the other hand are slowly changing to. You can find some men staying home and being the mother while the mother is working. You can even find mind doing duties around the house like cleaning and cooking. These changes that are being seen by Americans are making the world a better place.

Now with the good also comes the bad. You are not always going to find people who are 100% acceptable 100% of the time. You will find the ones who don't want to change, who think that what is going on is going to fail. Some may say these people are scared to step out their box, but you don't have to let them rain on your parade. You have to look pass them people and push forward, for even Jesus had the disbelievers around him. This is what being an American is all about; taking the good with the bad.

America is what you make of it and how you choose to perceive it. My only advice would be to enjoy every experience and make the best out of it. If what you want is not out there or you can't find it then make it there. You have the keys to success within you and can't anyone take it away. Stay positive and true to yourself and allow room for mistakes; for that is how we learn and grow. I wish you safe travels to the country and I know you will be a great American because I gave you the tools to succeed.

Your Truly,
An American