what is an american?

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What is an American

What is an American ? The question is not that simple as it appears . For years the settlers in the New World have struggled to evolve into a new nation , the Americans . In the early seventeenth century , a massive number of people from Europe migrated to the newly discovered land of America . They framed a system of democratic government based on principles entirely different from those existed in European aristocracies . General equality of conditions was the basis

of the new political philosophy . Perfect freedom and liberty was assured to all irrespective of race or origin

The present American society is a strange blend of different nationalities with different origins , race , culture , religious beliefs and traditions . These people have adopted certain new traditions while living in the American society . The traits they share are different from those shared by people in France or England . Their social set-up is based not on family or race but more on common monetary interests . They are materialistic to the extreme . Their norms are self-contradictory and detached from ancient traditions . They have a classless society upholding the theory of `equality of conditions , where everyone has access to everything i .e , money or power . They have no room for old age traditions or their historical background , norms or culture rather they have created a pseudo-culture of their own with materialism and individualism as its basis

The French statesman and political writer , Alexis de Tocqueville , in 1832 , wrote his most famous book , Democracy in America ' that focuses the American social and political system and its influences on the habits and manner of the people . Though the book was written back in early 19th century and geo-political set up and conditions are altogether changed today , but his views and of that time seems unaltered and true even now

After a very close observation of the American history , sociology and political system , de Tocqueville derived his views and conclusions about the psyche of the American nation . He commented that in all spheres of culture family life , law , arts , philosophy , and dress , Americans were tending to stress the ordinary and easily accessible , rather than the unique and complex . As keys to America 's success and character Tocqueville cites three traits . Americans love money . They are driven by many intense contradictions . And they are always and forever on the move (Noemie

Americans are restless and lack consistency . It 's difficult to make an accurate assessment of the behavior of an American . The Americans start building houses but sell it off before the roof is on . They adopt profession and leave it soon . They never settle for long at one place and keep on changing their habitat

Americans are mainly driven by a craze for money . In a culture where there is no distinction by class or titles , money is the only thing that makes any difference . Everything in an American 's life is associated with the fortunes he possess...