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In common usage, the word American implies a citizen or resident of the United States of America, its states, territories, or possessions. This is because there is no generic term in English that specifically means "from the US". Except in rare situations, anyone born in the US becomes an American citizen, and anyone who legally immigrates can become a citizen as well.
As for the philosophical question of what it means to be a citizen of the US -- the rights, duties, and responsibilities -- that has to be answered by the individual.
Basically, you are free. You are born in a free country, where nothing is forced upon you. Veterans fought for your rights, and soldiers fight today to protect your life and your rights. Your life is valued. You are a separate individual, but you are a part of the whole : "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all".
Just as individuals make good and bad choices in life, the history of the country includes many actions which (in hindsight) appear arrogant, or covetous, or immoral. But this perspective is only possible because of what past Americans did, in the world in which they lived, acts that cannot be taken back or reversed. To be an American is to embrace the goals of freedom, equality, justice, mutual respect, and personal integrity. As Americans, we should act in our daily lives to uphold these goals -- for our fellow Americans, for future generations, and for the rest of the people of the world.
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What does it mean to say that Native Americans in Florida live in two worlds?
it means the do two things at once
What was Connecticut's relationswith Native Americans?
There were really mean to Native Americans
What did the Americans say to the Japanese to make them surrender?
the Americans said that if they do not stop, they will bombed Tokyo
What does it mean to say Native Americans were nomadic?
They did not settle anywhere: they moved around, probably following the animals hunted, and never had a permanent house or living area.
What are Native Americans like when building a business relationship with them?
All individuals are different, and at best this can only be stated in general terms. Native Americans are very distrustful of anyone, more so Americans. Normally Native Americans mean just what they say and expect the same; it only takes one violation or an attempt to violate an agreement with them and they will cancel or abandon the relationship.
What do Americans mean when they say BM?
Big mac
Why do Americans say Done when they mean finished?
Americans have different words to have the same meaning. These are called synonyms. Oftentimes, these evolve from slang. Americans often do say they are finished when a task is complete, as well.
What do the authors mean when they say that Americans have a missing appreciation of the good?
That Americans do not value the good things that our government has achieved so far.
How do you say poublo in french?
If you mean Pueblo (Native Americans), they are called the same in French.
What do Americans mean when they say they have no weave?
They are saying that this is their real hair not tracks, weave, or extensions.
What do you mean by equality for older Americans?
I'm not sure what it means by "older americans", but I can say if it means for disabled americans or the elderly, the ADA (American disability act) protects the disabled.
What does chips mean in british?
They use the word chips when Americans say French fries (potatoes).
What does the leaf and the arrows mean on the president seal?
The arrows say that Americans will fight to stay free
Do british people not say the r ol right way in Americans point of veiw?
Do you mean educated Americans or Yahoos? Educated Americans know that some Brits drop their r's, and some Americans do, too. The rest do not.
What things do Americans do not have the freedom to say?
what things do Americans do not have the freedom to say
What does it mean to say that Native Americans in Florida live in two worlds?
it means the do two things at once
Why is no Russian offensive on mw2?
Well if you mean why do they say no Russian is because if they say any Russian the Russian government will know their yerrorists instead of the Americans
