Losing our sense of self?

Question

How do we define ourselves as Americans.. Truly, its almost impossible nowdays to identify what an American really is.. The reason is our diversity.. To many ethnic groups diversify America and splits our decisions.. It is a huge reason for debates in politics and war, such as the one in Iraq.. We cant shun the muslim community because they are a part of us, and because of that the Muslim community will outrage and be displeased with the war(this is just an example).. If you think back to WW2 there were protests to our involvment but none to such scale is it would now.. Its because we no longer no what an American really is.. Thats why the country is being torn apart.. We've lost our sense of who we are and our country.. We have to tried to abolish all connections with god in our government.. This country was founded under god and yet we are trying to change it due to the dipleasure of other ethnic groups.. Im not racist, just wondering what you think of this

Answer 1

If you think this country was founded under God, then you need to read the Constitution and find anything in there that says that. The founding Fathers made sure to keep religious references out of the document because of the religious persecutions carried out in Europe and in the Colonies before the Constitution was written. Everything was not hunky dory religiously on the North American Continent even after the Constittution was written. As late as the Eighties or Nineties of the Twentieth Century, people were still burning churches in the southern areas of the U.S. and it still may happen again.

We can't and don't define ourselves well because of the diversity you mentioned, an astute observation on your part. It has become a very sensitive issue to call someone or a group by some name that might imply discrimination, and it is this which is dividing the country as much as anything else, if the country is being divided.

I think the country really is being divided by federal govenment actions and attitudes. It operates heavy handedly under Bush in all arenas and is causing a diminishing economy and soaring poverty. It is causing dissention among the populace by sewing seeds of false issues such as illegal immigration while it carries on a war aimed at, at first, primarily protecting a family's petroleum interests in the Middle East. It is sending young men and women ill equiped into combat and is paying exhobitantly for second rate military materiel. It is bleeding the lower classes to enrich the 2 percent which constitutes the rich upper class, one of which is G. W. Bush.

I could go on, but won't. I think this is enough for now.

I haven't lost my sense of self and I don't think many others are either for any of the reasons above. However, there might be a sense of disunity in the country, and it might stem from the above reasons.

Answer 2

A Christian nation? This is from the Treaty of Tripoli, 1796-97: Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

Answer 3

Another reason for our loss of a sense of what is an American is because the Supreme Dictators sitting up on the Supreme Quart keep citing international law when they render decisions interpretting the U.S. Constitution.

To one glove,
I'm not going to get pissed at the fact that you don't believe in God. It's your right. I don't believe that the Bible is God's word. That's my right. But your suggestion that religion is holding the world back or down or whatever and that it keeps us segregated makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever.

Answer 4

We define ourselves as Americans by knowing our past, present and future.
A: Our past defines us. From colonials seeking newfound freedoms from oppression, to fighting England for self-control of those freedoms. Forcing African Natives into generational Slavery, to fighting the deadliest war the USA has ever known to give them freedom. Our industrial and commercial history is one of growth due to the rich natural resources of this great country. From the Mountain men and Pioneers to Cowboys and Astronauts. Our past is one of freedom and exploration.
B: Our present defines us. We as a country are at a junction in our place in history. I believe that we are towards the end of what I call the Information age. I think we are going into a new segment that involves people and ideas more than information, industry or agronomy. Everything from the war on terror to immigration issues to liberalism vs. conservatism leads me to that conclusion.
C: Our future defines us as Americans. We are a true melting pot. A conglomeration of everybody in the world. Their good and bad points. But somehow America not only survives this eclectic combining of values but thrives on it. It is not the diversity that divides us, for we are all diverse. It is the resistance to evolve into the next stage of history that causes people to lose their sense of being an American.
I'm sure this diatribe has been clear as mud. But my belief and hope is that America will continue to be a beacon for the rest of the world. Freedom involves many things too numerous to fully discuss, but instinctivally understood by every one in the world. And America is where it was birthed. That is who we are as Americans. Thank God that He has blessed us and pray that He continues.

Answer 5

An American values liberty and freedom above all else.

An American opposes tyranny and wants power for the people.

An American citizen will die, but an American will live forever.

Answer 6

Very interesting!I have always thought that myself .We are all human beings that live in different parts of the world with different beliefs.WE NEED NOT TO BE LABELED!(well not anymore.)So why are we fighting each other ?Is it greed between Americans and our future Americans?Heck who knows anymore.Please let me know when you find out.I myself am not racist either but do have the same questions.

Answer 7

religion should have no place in politics. furthermore i don't think a people as advanced as we are now (not just americans, the world) need religion. I think its holding us down. its another thing that keeps us segregated. sorry if i offended you but its my opinion. please don't get pissed because i don't believe in god.

Answer 8

thank you for the 2 points