Essay Sample about The American Identity

The American identity is a way to take people from hundreds of different backgrounds and place them into one category. Though many could argue that foreigners and even Americans themselves had once aimed for this specific lifestyle, the U.S’s old fashioned ideals have outgrown them, leaving America with a detrimental stereotype and the same obsolete values. This idea is demonstrated in the essay “A Quilt of a Country” by Anna Quindlen. Also, in the narrative “American History” by Judith Ortiz Cofer, through the eyes of an immigrant named Elena. Through these texts, one can see the different ways that the people in these stories are treated due to their lack of American heritage. Furthermore, with the recent storming of the capital, it can be shown how even as a president, if people disagree with their interpretation of the American Identity, their life could be threatened, and severely obstructed. The American identity should not be embraced within this country, because it demeans those who do not “measure” up to it. 

Societal norms push people to fit the imaginary stereotype that defines the American Identity. When this stereotype is faced with an adversary, people are prompted to treat them in cruelty. As argued in A Quilt of a Country, “[Many] Children learn in social studies class and in the news of lynching of blacks, and denail of rights women, the murders of gay men. Slavery and sweatshops, the burning of crosses and the ostracism of the other” (14). Numerous instances throughout history have shown the conflict surrounding minorities, people who many think do not fit the well known stereotype known as “true American''. Recognizing this theme though, has not minimized the way in which the American Identity is integrated throughout the U.S, and instead, has created a pattern of ill treatment pointed towards those who are not considered to be pertaining to this particular identity. Embracing this ideal continues the long line of suppression, and furthers mistreatment towards these groups of people. 

The American Identity was curated in the 1900s, a time when everyone either vied for a life in America, or experienced a life in America. Melding this ideal into one's own identity meant reaching the highly sought for American experience. “We all know, of course, about the spectacular immigrant successes; the men who came from foriegn lands, ought their fortunes in the United States and made striking contributions, industrial and scientific,” (The Immigrant Contribution 24) American success could be somewhat based off of the American Identity. When one would reach Accomplishments within the U.S, it meant they were reaching the American dream, and the ideal that comes along with it; the American Identity. Though this ideal was something to be praised for one hundred years ago, it has become outdated and instead, enforces a harmful stereotype.  When this identity is embraced, especially after this being curated specifically for a time long passed, it forces people to act, dress, and look the same. What makes up America is the differences between each person, not the standards that align with the American Identity. 

Many consider The American Identity to be extremely versatile, and a concept that enforces success, and prosperity. Connecting this idea to the melting pot, shows how the American Identity does not erase one's own individuality, and instead embraces it. “The ideal of the “melting pot” symbolized the process of blending many strains into one single nationality, and we have come to realize in modern times the ‘melting pot’ need not mean the end of particular ethnic identities or traditions.” (The immigrant contribution 27). Though peoples' singular ethnicities may not be erased, minorities, or people who are not considered fitting of the American Identity are still rejected from society for not fitting a certain expectation. “American History” states, “Listen. Honey. Eugene doesn't want to study with you. He is a smart boy. Does not need help… He cannot study with you. It's nothing personal, you understand?”  This quote is an example of a girl named Elena, who faces conflict after being turned away from a boy she likes, due to her heritage. This reaction can be reflected off of the way individuals behave towards people after deeming someone 

American Identity promotes cynical ideas, sameness, and groups people into a singular category. Welcoming this concept as a whole, contributes to improbable standards. When one does not “measure” up to this ideal, they are rejected and treated negatively. By putting this “idea” into the limelight, these evils can be shown.