How does one be or become an American? An Essay...

An American citizen is a synthesis of assorted values. Yet, when Caroline Myers thinks of how one goes about the process becoming an American, it becomes clear. It just takes backwards cognition to get the definition. The American identity has been shaped by many other countries. This range of diverse cultures is what makes it difficult to pinpoint a specific American culture. In Michael Grahams interview, he questioned if an actual American culture existed. Then he teased about strip malls and cheese burgers being a large part of the American identity.For example, music has transformed from decade to decade, but we've adopted it from other countries. The cliché/overused description of America's diversity is known as the "melting pot" metaphor. Although many sociologists find this description to be outdated, the melting pot refers to America's integration of different ethnic groups. It refers to the acceptance of the new culture. However, it seems that immigrants lose some of their own cultural identity and roots to their native countries when they become American. Therefore, to become an American one has to sacrifice some of their own cultural identity to assimilate. America prides itself off of its diversity,however, acceptance of all the various groups hasn't happened completely. Racism and racial profiling are still prevalent within American society today. The country's foundation seems based off of conformity and "Americanization." It seems ironic that our country has developed thanks to many races and countries, yet many whites still find themselves superior to other races. Immigrants are expected to learn our language, sense of style, music, etc. They really are just expected to conform. It's not like people are extremely willing to learn about the various cultures that make up our country. Cultural ignorance looms around us. Fitting into American culture is the main worry of an immigrant because the nation does expect so much of them. Is America's tolerance of diversity a facade? These topics will all be explored by the Cultural specialist, Caroline Myers. She likes to be referred to as the Cultural Connoisseur.