American Bully

Here is an obvious statement for you: American’s are different from many peoples and cultures of the world. Since the formation of our country, more than two hundred years ago, our people have stood apart from the rest of the world. And, since then, other countries and governments have followed our example. Some countries have been positively “Americanized” too. But just what is it that makes us so unique on the world stage? Well, not everything about us is so great and I’m sure many can agree with me on this one.
It isn’t hard to recognize that we Americans aren’t ever satisfied with what we have. If we want it, then we get it. We have bigger cars, bigger houses, bigger bank accounts and even bigger egos to go with it all. It is this attitude that seeps into our international politics and has created strong feelings of dislike within other nations. Take, for example, the Iraq War. Personally, I do not have a problem with the idea behind the War- the one that says we are delivering freedom and democracy to an oppressed people. I believe that it is an honest and just action. However, our gung-ho attitude about the whole thing was something that really set other nations off. I believe that if we wish to stay as strong as we are, we need the support of other nations which would entitle us to “tone down” our boisterous attitudes and be willing to work in close cooperation with the world neighborhood.
Another thing is that, because we are so free, we tend to have less and less respect for the government and the country as a whole. As time goes on, nationalism deteriorates and seems only to be strengthened for a short while when in the face of a national tragedy, such as 9/11 and Katrina. This, I tell you, is a tragedy in itself. The freedom of speech, great as it is, provides us with an excuse to live in a country and not have any respect for it- to have its rights and privileges and not have any gratitude for it. I feel very strongly about this topic. To me, it is like raping the country of the rights of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
That being said, there are many good things about our people that are good. Americans, no doubt, have a major advantage over many peoples in the respect that we are able to speak our minds. With the aide of modern technology, the thoughts and ideas of everyone- not just politicians can be transmitted and published. The internet, with its vast networks of people and organizations, has made the American nation grow into one that is confident in the abilities of every single individual. Everyone can have their say at the pulpit and has the ability to create change, however great or small to his or her country.
I am proud to be an American citizen. I know that there are countries out there that are teetering on the brink of civil war or national bankruptcy. Others still are practically in the dark ages in terms of not only political ideas but in a literal sense also. I believe that in order to keep the nation strong and unique to the world, we must take advantage of all of the opportunities that the forefathers bestowed us with. We must also never forget to pay or respects and do our civil duty as we are truly blessed to be able to live in the most special nation that the world has- or ever will see again.