What makes a person a 'GOOD' American?

Question

Seriously, looking for opinions.

Is it military service maybe?

Maybe obeying our laws?

Voting regularly?

Standing with our government maybe?

Is it being a faithful Christian?

Seriously, just thinking about comparisons between opinions of the past versus now and would like honest ideas on what you believe makes you a good American.

Jessey, no no... I asked questions within the question that were not my opinion but rather meant to insight thought...

No one is going to mention believing in the constitution?

Answer 1

I believe the basics are:
1. Obey laws.
2. Pay your taxes honestly.
3. Vote & be an informed voter.
4. Have a basic understanding of how the three branches of the federal government work (this is basically covered in the constitution).
5. Know who your congressperson & senators are.
6. Know the bill of rights.

One thing that I want to specifically point out as NOT being necessary is:
1. Being a Christian
2. Believing that our country was based on Christian values (it wasn't).

If you want to go into advanced mode the other things you could do are:
1. Work for the government in some capacity.
2. Police, fire fighter, military, etc.
3. Learn about the history of the US.
4. Be able to understand both the good and bad things this country has done in the past.
5. Understand some of the more important court cases before the Supreme Court.
6. Be able to identify real (not imagined) biases in news media. Have an understanding of what is sometimes called the "4th estate" - the news media.
7. Know about significant civil rights & liberties movements in US history.
8. Know how the Federal Reserve manages monetary policy and how Congress manages fiscal policy and what effects this has on the general economy.
9. Think for yourself.
10. Encourage good relationships between people of different ethnicities that live here by maintaining & encourage mature, civil discourse.

Super-Advanced Mode:
1. Understand the Enlightenment and how it's values contributed to our constitution.
2. Understand our country's relationship to communism and the cold war.
3. Understand capitalism, mass consumerism, trust busting, deregulation, trade unions, the great depression, globalization and corporate scandals.
4. Understand current political ideology & rhetoric. Know who says what, why and for whom.

Answer 2

Helping and serving the people.

Doing charitable work for the indigent.

Being pro-God and pro-life.

If you have a business and you're American, you can be a good citizen by giving excellent customer service, by always striving to be the best in serving the customers.

And last but not the least, you're a good american when you're NOT a racist, when you don't discriminate and hate people that belongs to the minority group or people who are commonly discriminated against like Filipinos.

Answer 3

I think many of the things that make a person a good person. Compassion in thought and action. A passion to understand and develop as a person.

Also some added traits that are intrinsic to American culture and society. Such as, treating your neighbor the way you demand to be treated. Being tolerant of others and accepting that we can disagree on some things and not others but are all still neighbors. Yet not accepting an ignorant stance within ourselves. Doing your part to become informed.


Thanks for all you have done enlightening us all Beachbum. You are a good American.

Answer 4

I think a "GOOD" American is someone who is involved in/serves their community, who does their best to be law abiding citizens, votes and works with elected officials to get things done, and who will stand up for the country and the laws and ideals this country was established upon (i.e. the Constitution).

Answer 5

A "Good" American is a person who supports his country in any way he can. He is proud of her and never disgraces or defames her to fellow Americans or those on foreign soil. He appreciates her beauty. He understands the sacrifices that others have paid that she could be a haven for all who would take refuge. A "Good "American is thankful for the blessing of her bountiful supplies. He defends her and protects her air, water and land. He bows his knee in humility, grateful to His Creator that he can run his hands through her soil and live off the land.

Answer 6

You ask good questions. I dont understand though why being a faithful christian would be included. Definitley the first three would make a 'good' american or overall person. it would be lucky if we could all stand with our government but that is what makes this country so amazing in that we can openly admit our differences.

Answer 7

A good American is knowing when the government is wrong or right. A good American does not defend a government just because it is the government. A good American knows how to think.

Answer 8

Doing unto others as you would want done to you... you know, the Golden rule.

Also I would say standing up civilly for what you believe in, and allowing others to civilly stand up for what they believe in.

How about that quote from "The American President"...when President Andrew Shepard says, "America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center-stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag. The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Now show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the land of the free."

I'm not saying it's okay to burn the flag or anything...but I think you get the gist of what I'm saying.

Answer 9

No, it is not "materialism" that makes a individual American. it is the theory that issues like the police are not right now corrupt and that persons can pass up and down social training. you will not often hear an American say those issues : "it is not for the likes of me to be attentive to" or "it is for my betters".

Answer 10

Use your freedoms allowed to you. Our fore fathers died for the rights we have.
A good American votes, knows the political system and what role they can play to be involved.
A good American takes advantage of our capitalist way of life; work hard for success and prosperity.
A good American believes in a higher power and is held responsible for immoral actions by that higher power.....and freedom of religion to believe in whatever higher power you choose. (no religion is a choice too)
God, family, country.........