TED Talk: Why I’m Proud To Be An American?
Americans are a unique breed. Coming in all different sizes, shapes, and colors, Americans have something special inside of them that can not be found in anyone else. However, Americans, as a whole, share distinct character traits that illustrate and emphasize the high eminence of this exceptional nation that I’m truly blessed and honored to call home.
For one, Americans are resilient. From colonial times to modern day, Americans have always put up a fight and have been willing to give it their all for the greater good of their nation. For example, who would have ever thought that a ragtag bunch of colonists would have the ability to conquer the mighty British forces? Furthermore, who would have guessed that the U.S. would be able to bounce back from the Great Depression in a little over a decade? After looking back at our history, it’s extremely lucid that we as Americans have had to deal with our fair share of bad times, but we have always been able to pull through and I hold great pride in my heart due to this.
Americans are also caregivers. We hold doors open for strangers, we say “Please and Thank You”, “Sir and Ma’am”, and we generally care and have feelings for one another. When I witness acts of kindness, It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside and it gives me a sense of community and caring, which I feel is exceptionally important in our society. In a literal sense, these actions have no significant influence on our daily lives. However, when looking at the bigger picture, it is assuring to know that strangers are so affectionate, and it makes be proud to be able to live in this nation.
The patriotism displayed in the United States is another reason that makes me proud to be an American. The fact that every day millions of children all over the nation stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance puts a simply smile on my face. It’s amazing to see everyone come together for just a few seconds to express their love and affection for their nation. It’s breathtaking to watch thousands of American recite the national anthem at baseball games and other sports events. One of my greatest experiences with this was this past summer at Governor’s School. It was the FIFA Women’s World Cup final with USA and Japan. Each time team USA team would score, we would jump out of seats, inducing an unmatchable tonne of energy in the building. At the end of the game, when we came out victorious, the chants began and the excitement was through the roof, I felt as if I was a part of the whole experience when, in reality, I was a third-party viewer. All in, this whole experience was, in a way, life-changing and it made me feel an immense love and passion for the country that I call home.
The freedom we enjoy is another reason to why I’m proud to be American. Despite the fact that there are laws and regulations implemented in American society, the United States is still one of the freest countries on earth. However, we take so many of these rights and opportunities for granted, and I myself will admit that I am guilty of this. As Americans, we are free to go outside when we want, we have the opportunity to receive a free education, we are able to think freely and express ourselves. These are extremely important rights and millions of deserving individuals in other countries do not have them. They fight and protest for the same rights that we are blessed to have and yet most of us don’t fully value them. To sum it up, I am extraordinarily grateful to live in a country that allows me to freely live my life. For this, I am proud to be an American.
I guess you could say that there is a variety of different matters that makes me proud to be an American. The genuine American spirit is so alive, and the American flame will continue to foster many more exceptional generations of thinkers, leaders, athletes, and all-around good people. All in all, I am certainly proud to be able live in a country such as the United States, and I will forever be in the debt of those have shaped this great nation into its excellent.