Journal 2

Although our last reading claimed that the revolutionary war was instrumental in unifying the colonies; I believe that the emergence of print culture played an even bigger role than the war. In today’s culture the written word has done so much to bring people of all backgrounds together. In my opinion the best example, but also one of the most extreme examples, is the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling’s words brought almost an entire generation together and inadvertently instilled in us a set of values. When people have access to the same books and magazines, it gives even the most diverse groups of people a common thread. All of a with the creation of the printing press English settlers had the same information as the German settlers. Eventually, the diverse group of settlers developed a similar set of values, which allowed them to unite as a nation as well as give that nation a unique identity that set them apart from Europe. This new nation would thrive on the availability of information. Unlike its European counterpart, America did not deprive its citizens of information. Without print culture, America would have never been able to succeed in creating a democratic society because in a democracy, it is essential that citizens have access to information concerning their country.

What it means to be an American

In the past if someone would ask me, ‘What is an American?’ I would respond with the simplest answer possible and explain that an American is simply a citizen of America. Now however, that cursory description hardly begins to explain what being an American really means. There is more to our citizens than just a birth certificate or a passport saying where we are from; because unlike so many places, America has always been filled with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Therefore, you can be from nearly any nationality and still be considered an American.

Being an American is a symbol for people who work hard and strive to create a better life for themselves and their families. Most people find this type of ambition admirable; however, in my time abroad this summer I found that the American dream is not one shared by everyone. Some minority groups that I encountered in England believed that Americans do not represent freedom or ambition but greed and frivolity. I took these ideas to heart and began to question whether or not the American dream has simply turned into a pursuit for power. I quickly realized that in some cases that may be true but most Americans just want to live comfortably and have the option to, with some effort, improve on their current situation.

But the thing that truly sets Americans apart from the rest of the world is our tolerance for foreign ideas. It is because of our democratic society and diversity that we are able to accept one another’s views and cultures.