What Does America Mean to Me?
Getting out our What America Means to Me collage, open a word document and write down words, phrases, images, and emotions you were trying to convey. Then, write a topic sentence that answers: What does America mean to me?
Continue on your EEE's writing your paragraph that explains in detail, using your images and words, what America means to you.
1. Use a topic sentence,
2. a thoughtful, spell-checked, properly punctuated, specific example-listed discussion,
3. and a concluding sentence.
***Do this in Word first and then copy and paste it onto this blog.
posted by Davis @ 9:23 AM
32 Comments:
At 11:38 AM ,
Davis said...
Freedom to be creative, to make mistakes, and to disagree--these are three things I value about America. Whether I'm writing a satirical poem about materialism or creating an artistic rendering of love, I am free to voice my opinions and share it with others. I appreciate this and know that many countries, like China, do not have this freedom of speech. Our justice system is another area that is a strength of America's. We give our citizens rules to live under that afford safety and responsibility. The rules are clear to follow. Yet, we have citizens that drive at extreme speeds, take the law into their hands and murder out of revenge, or even choose to undermine the laws by selling illegal drugs, just for greed. Our laws give us the freedom to make moral and immoral decisions; our laws provide recourse for actions that do not adhere to our protections. However, human error is also something Americans understand and so our justice system provides a fair way to decide guilt This freedom allows for the innocent to have a voice and to find justice for those that are truly guilty. Many American citizens will voice disapproval of our court system, stating that it is corrupt and dysfunctional. This is my third point: the freedom to disagree with government systems, politicians, rules, and even our own President. Americans live under the red, white, and blue feeling the pressures of life, family, jobs, etc., but can express our feelings through art, through actions, and through debate. I am fortunate to be an American.
At 1:04 PM ,
Moriah said...
America is the land of opportunity, family, and entertainment. Anyone can come to America and immediately get a steady job, where as in other countries they have to work in the fields or not have a steady paying job through out their life. We're very fortunate to have a country where almost anyone can become famous if they have talent. Anyone can work at a school or Starbucks if they're a good person and have the right requirements. America is mostly based on family and love. It's about making family a main role in every where we go. At restaurants and movies they have chairs for young children who can't reach the table, or can't see the movie. It's not about how much of a distraction that little baby could be at the restaurant or the movies. It's about keeping that family together and making their life better in any way we can. I mean, of course there are going to be those people who go against family and love but most people all want to belong and be loved. America incorporates that in most places we go. Every one in America is starting to get a little self centered and looking for things that could help them make their day a little more entertaining and fun. Entertainment is huge. There are movie theaters, game rooms, computers, TV, the list gos on and on. It's all about entertaining the time we have left over in our day and making our day worth working for. That is what America is like for me and what I see it as.
At 1:06 PM ,
Justin said...
Justin Longo
English 9
10/5/09
What America means to me!
America is my home and a free land. America has freedom of religions speech and a right but not all Americans do this many break this rules and are racist kill people sexist and think they are the best race or religion. There are also many good people that are good and follow most of the rules. American has liberty we have the statue of liberty given to us as a gift from the French, from the French revolution for the independence. Here is a picture of the beautiful statue of liberty. America can be fun if you do your duties as a citizen and go to school and get a job. But if you slack off and don't try you wound' t be successful and your life wound' t be very fun for you. If you do things like steal, kill , do things against peoples will that they cant help you can go to jail or be punished. America is good a fair for most people. We can disagree on stuff and protest but sometimes the government or the police get mad and punish people that protest and break our rights. America is also a big fan of football in America the most popular spot is football. I am happy to be an American. And this is what America means too me.
At 1:06 PM ,
jfootball25 said...
America is an independent, freedom, and patriotic country. To be independent in America is important to our people. We can choose our own jobs and marry who ever we want. The definition of freedom is having your own human rites. The American people can vote for anyone for president. Patriotic is the feeling for one mans country. In America, our people are patriotic for America. America is the best country for every body.
At 1:08 PM ,
JTJ10 said...
America is freedom rolled into religion, speech, education, and other great items. Freedom of religion describes America because it shows that no matter who you are or what you do it is your own choice on what religion your with. Unlike some countries that force you to be a certain religion America lets you choose. The freedom of speech shows America by letting you say your thoughts freely in writing, speeches, debates, and many other ways. Some countries governments stop free speech unlike America. Freedom of education expresses America by letting you choose your schools and educational type. Some countries unlike America do not let you choose your school. Those are three reason why I think freedom expresses America.
At 1:08 PM ,
Sam Crawford said...
America is a great land were people have amazing rights, sweet opportunities, and we can peruse what makes us happy. We as Americans have a lot of rights that many other countries do not have, for example freedom of speech and religion. In many countries including China and some parts of Africa people can either be put in jail and maybe even killed for what they say and believe. That is why in America we are so fortunate to be able to say and believe what we want to and not get punished for it. We also have many really good opportunities in America that many people do not have. We can do basically whatever we want and no one can tell us what to do, we get to pick our jobs our wifes basically we Americans get to pick everything even the person who we want to lead us. Many countries do not get to pick the most basic things like we do. Other people in countries do not even get to pick there jobs or wifes. In many countries if you are born into say a blacksmith you will have to be a blacksmith. In America you can do what makes you happy and you can do what you want. It is in our declaration that you can do what makes you happy. You can go after what you really want to do, not everyone can do what makes them happy but they just have to do what they have to do no matter what. That is why America is so special and great. Overall America is really the land of opportunity and you have many choices and freedoms on what you can do.
At 1:09 PM ,
Katey said...
Katey Cox
What does America Mean to Me?
Period 6
Being able to be yourself, to have an opinion, to do what you want-- these are just a few reasons of why most Americans love the USA. You can play soccer if you want to, or you can play the trumpet. No one can stop you for trying to do what you want to do. In lots of other countries, they aren't as fortunate; such as China. The children can't always do what they want. They might want to play football but they have to go to school and learn how to read and write, and take care of their family by going out and getting food for them. They aren't allowed to play football. We have our freedom of religion. We can believe what we want, and tell to the world what we believe if we really want to. Tons of other Countries don't have that choice. They're forced to believe things about God and what not. Another thing that USA is different about, is our Justice system. Our Justice system trusts Americans. They have the expectations that we will obey laws, and we will be responsible. Although we do have people who drive too fast, commit crimes, murder, sell or do illegal drugs, but they will get in trouble for that. Our laws give you the freedom to make mistakes, but then learn from them, which is one of the things that make our country so great. Still, people argue with the government, and fight with them and rebel. They do have the right, but if they would just think, they have the most freedom out of any other country in the world. Our government can't ever make every single person happy. We all live under pressure of a typical life with school, jobs, your family, etc. but so does the other people all over the world, they just don't have the freedom to use their voice. Imagine everything we have that we love; our hobbies, families, sports, cars, etc. gone. Now aren't you glad to be an American?
At 1:09 PM ,
tyler d said...
Tyler Davis
To me America means freedom, opportunity, and democracy. Americans have more freedom than most countries around the world. We have the freedom of speech, freedom to vote, the right to bare arms, and many more. In other countries like Iran you could be executed for saying what you believe. America is also the land of opportunity. People from all over the world immigrate to this great country just to get a chance to do what they want. This country was founded on people trying to get away from their homelands to start a new life where they wouldn't be prosecuted and could do what they pleased with their life. America has the greatest government in the world as well. We are an example to the world that freedom and democracy will always be better than other nations that aren't so lucky to have a democratic system. Look at Cuba, a communist country. The Cuban people have close to no freedom and nowhere near the other things that make this country great. And it's because of our government system. Everything that I have listed makes me proud to be an American and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
At 1:10 PM ,
Nick Spencer said...
In America we have many great things such as justice, freedoms, and laws. Our freedom is different from any other countries. We have the opportunity too speak what is on our mind or write whatever we please. Those are only a few of our many freedoms. Many countries are banned from things like that, or where our country has the right to vote for our leaders, other counties take over and don't let anyone vote. With way of life many crimes break out. That is another one of our strengths. Our justice system is great for both sides of the argument. We can go to court and prove we are innocent or we can prove the bad people guilty. We won't be thrown in jail for life if we are near the crime like in other countries. The justice system also provides us with knowledge. We can look into the pas and see how other trials played out. They will be published in the paper or books and we can see how things ended up. When the people get thrown in jail they should be happy they are in jail in America. Our prisons still provide the prisoners with food, warmth, and shelter. In other countries they have prisoners in the cold with no food. I am very happy that I live in America and I am very happy of all the great things our country has to offer.
At 1:14 PM ,
baby_chick123 said...
Caitlin Hanson 10/5/09 Mrs. Davis Hour 6
The ability to express yourself through dress, education, and personal likings- these are three things that I have most respect for in America. To me the ability to dress yourself the way you want to is important in my eyes. If everyone was always walking down the street wearing the exact same thing as everybody else then people wouldn't be able to express who they are and what they would want people to see them as. Everyone has their own sense of style and by wearing what you don't want to wear wont let express yourself the way you would want to. The ability to study and educate yourself is yet another thing that i am strongly grateful to have in America. By not being able to study what you would like to study, you wont be able to follow your dreams and be what you would want to be as your occupation in life. The ability to educate yourself to your likings can give you more opportunities to be successful in life. To be able to have your own personal likings in life whether it is being athletic, artistic, social, funny, or even studious is an important part of being an American. Without having your own personal likings in life you aren't able to express who you are to others and what you like to do or who you would like to be in life. If you like to read, listen to certain types of music, and socialize then you should be given that right to do all of those things to give you a happier and more successful life. These three reasons are what give me the most pride in being and American.
At 1:14 PM ,
Lexi612 said...
To me America is beauty with nature, independence, and happiness. In America there is all different types of beauty and the first and most obvious is nature. From the great plains to the glorious mountains and the sandy beaches to the green forests, there are many places to live and prosper. The second type of beauty is independence or being free. This is a beauty because it allows you to have a voice for your opinion or religion and this allows you to be unique. Lastly the third type of beauty in America is happiness. The constitution states that everyone has the chance to pursue happiness and I believe that is true. There are many opportunities to gain happiness in America from money to families whatever makes you happy is out there. America is full of beauty, from being free to the rocky mountains, I am blessed to live here.
At 1:15 PM ,
JasonB said...
America:
freedom
smart
strong
wealthy
America the land of the free, the country of opportunity and the chance of starting a great life in a great country. In this country you could chose what you want to be, what you want to work at. In America anyone could choose their religion, what they want to eat. If you work hard in this country you can become very wealthy. If you live in America you have the right to do almost everything that you can think of doing in your house.
At 1:21 PM ,
Zach said...
America is freedom. In America we have the ability to speak freely and the opportunity to have any profession that we want. Freedom is more that just being able to do what you want, it is a concept that is sought after by many other countries in the world and means that you have the ability to control your own life. America is a free country and allows the people to participate in government and to elect their officials. In the U.S.A we are not forced to join the military, and our military is entirely volunteer but still is the most powerful military in the world. In my mind America represents the ability to change the world around you and make your own decisions. The patriotism of America is so great because of our great country and the opportunities that come with it. This is why many people are willing to give their life for our country in the military. Leader's best interests are in our country, not their own gain.
At 2:48 PM ,
C.P. said...
I feel that America is a great Nation. We as Americans are free, which compared to most other Nations is a blessing. We are not judged by race, sex, religion, or opinion. Which is and should be treated as a god given right. We are a Democracy, and try to premote our ways of life. Whether it be to a single immagrant to a whole nation. I feel that our Democracy is right. Everyone should have a voice in the way they live, and what they believe. America is a strong Nation and together we stand, to fight for whats right. To this i conclude that every human deserves the right to be free, and live a full and happy life.
At 3:33 PM ,
valgavi23 said...
Valentina Gatica
Davis Blk-6
What America Means to Me
Being able to share your opinion, having great opportunities, and being able to express yourself in creative ways are just a few things that make America such a great country. You can express your opinions in politics, words, even artistic things, but no one can decline your ability to share some of your thoughts. You can disagree with something the government said and share it with a group, you won’t be punished because everyone has the freedom of opinions. In America there are many opportunities whether it’s getting a job you’ve always wanted or having the chance to live your dream for the day, anything is possible. Opportunities are everywhere you just need to take action. Being able to express yourself creatively is one of the best values in America, you could paint an image announcing some of you opinions, or draw a picture showing your view in life. I know that in many countries people don’t have any say in what they do or what they believe in, and if they do take action they may be severely punished. America is full of many great values and to me it just means having the ability to do almost anything.
At 4:39 PM ,
da-artistBS said...
Bailey Smith
Period 6
10/5/09
In 1776, when America was created, she was seen as a beacon of freedom, hope, and integrity by her people; however, in the 21st century, many citizens, including me, see America as a breeding ground for the greedy, the insane, and the ungrateful. Greed has indeed been a prominent factor in both the rise and the maintenance of the United States of America, but only under the guide of Capitalism. Under the control of unruly Americans on Wall-Street, greed has lead us into a massive, unimaginable debt to China, and greed will no doubt lead us in deeper as time goes on. When one thinks of such blatant greed and disregard for others, the infamous mobster Al Capone comes to mind. Such characters are common in American, they are the fruit of her loins. America has become known for her outrageous, and sometimes deadly personas. Some of these include Ted Bundy (who killed around 35 women), Jeffery Dahmer (who killed 17 men and boys), and Charles Manson (who started a cult and convinced his followers to kill). Anyone who has ever heard of these truly deranged men knows that they are from America, and knows how many more killers are still abroad, looking for their next victim. Death is an impending doom to us all, as well as the ungrateful attitude of the most recent generation. Americans are known for being wasteful, yet gluttonous, and then complaining that they want more. They are completely oblivious to the fact that there are people starving all over the world. Americans should really learn how to stop complaining and be grateful for what they have; it could be worse. Even though American can be recognized by all the different types of freedom she gives her people, she can and should also be known for her darker aspects as well.
At 6:13 PM ,
JM65 said...
Jalin McKinnon
p6
10/5/09
I like America because there are many qualities that are great about America, like the freedom of religion, we have the best military in the world and we have great educational system. In America you can believe in what ever, you could believe in a god or that there is no god, no one is telling you what to believe in. In some countries you have to believe in your rulers beliefs like back In Nazi Germany if u were Jewish the Nazis would kill u because of what u believe in. I think that we have the best military forces because we don't make people go to war, u sign up so I think its more of a pride thing because if your drafted u mite not care about it but if u sign up for it your more willing to fight and try to win. We also have the best because we are so much more technologically advanced so we have better guns, tanks, planes, ex. We have a tank that doesn’t have someone drive it so no one can get hurt. I think having a good educational system is good because if people are smart they no what is going on and they can grow up and have a good job that will help the people around us.
At 6:37 PM ,
isaac3777ahsfootball said...
Isaac Prudhomme davis 6 America is a lot more than a country it is the home of the free-spoken braves and the strong world leaders. I love that I can say what I feel. A country that is one of its self is one for ever we not be controlled or owned. We will fight over any hill or if it be a mountain we will fight over it to. We live where the government is a strong democracy. This country I s the country where your dreams can be made and the dreams of criminals can be stopped to save the welfare. This is what America means to me.
At 6:57 PM ,
Jenny L said...
To me America means freedom and the liberty to express your opinion in many different ways. You have the freedom to say what is on your mind, write it in a newspaper and rally against a politician you don't share the same views with. Although America offers all these freedoms they come with a cost. You have the freedom to say what you like but you are not aloud to shout “FIRE” in a room full of people. You can also not type untrue facts about someone in a newspaper, that’s called slander and you can be punished greatly for it. With our rights to petition the government, we have to do so peacefully. You can not make death threats or harm you or anyone else in your act of rebellion. I believe America has done it’s best all through out history to give it’s people all it’s fair rights and stay a prosperous nation; I believe America is an excellent nation to a citizen of!
At 7:17 PM ,
Luke Marshall said...
Freedom to have everyone equal, freedom to do what you want to, and freedom to say what you want; these are all freedoms in America and this is only a small portion of them. America is one if the freest countries in the world, a lot of people in other countries aren’t as free as we are. In a lot of countries women aren’t treated like people they are treated like objects like in Saudi Arabia. African Americans used to not be able to go out to restraints but not we have an African American president. Yes there are laws but there is less laws then there is in a lot of other countries, Americans are free to do whatever they want inside those laws that aren’t very strict. We have the freedom to say whatever we want, if we don't like the government we can say that without getting in trouble with them. America is free and I am proud and fortunate to be an American!
At 7:20 PM ,
mitch w said...
Mitch Wilson
What does America mean to me?
To me America is freedom, wealth, and military strength. In America there are so many freedoms, for example we have the freedom of speech. Freedom of speech allows us to say whatever we want about whatever we want. Because or these freedoms we can do and say things that ore illegal in other countries. To me America also means wealth, because America is wealthy we can have a strong economy witch means we usually have a strong economy. Because we have a wealthy nation our government spends a lot of money on our military. Our strong military is good because we don’t need to worry about other countries trying to control us so we can be a free nation. Because of these things America means freedom, wealth, and military strength.
At 7:40 PM ,
VMata said...
America, home of the free, land of Our Father’s, where a rich man can become poor the next day, where a race can be isolated, where music is freely expressed where we can freely vote. I live in a society that changes by the hour, but whatever we are, whatever we do Americans are free. To me America is the symbol of freedom, for we have the freedom to make a difference, freedom to freely do as we please, and the freedom to express our feelings in any matter. Whether we write songs that go against our society, riot against the government, or publish and document about the world around us, we can do it without being unfairly punished. This brings up my first point of why America means freedom to me, for we have a given right of free speech, riot, press, religion and petition. Having an option of this freedom is a privilege, for many countries such as China do not have this right. While we have the right to say and express whatever we please, we have a limited amount of how much we can do. Americans can do whatever they want though when an action may be unlawful or immoral. This seems fair, but sometimes Americans can be unfairly judged, causing a punishment that is not moral. Though the positive part of doing as we please would be how we can change our society, we can express this by means of volunteering, making clubs that positively change a community. We have so much power and rights that we should take advantage of this privilege. All in all, Americans should realize how lucky we are to live in a nation like ours we are truly free in speech, in action, in making a difference and should take advantage of that right.
At 10:22 AM ,
Davis said...
Callie's response:
Freedom can be expressed in many different ways. There are ways that we sometimes take for granted and ways we cherish and are thankful for. These ways can be expressed in our everyday lives. I think sometimes as people like us who were born with freedom don't recognize how were affected by freedom. People in some other countries do not have the same rights and ways we do in the United States. As Americans we have the right to choose our political leaders, our schools, and what we wantt to do with our lives. I think thats where we start to take things for granted. I think that as we grogress into a more technological lifestyle were going to need to prepare ourselves for more problems and more errors in our policies, laws, and such. I think that were one of the most developed countries in the world and we have opportunities to do things most countries cannot. Sometimes we take that right and apply it to the wrong thing and use it poorly. Its important we analyze our decisions and know what the results our mistakes could be. If we do learn to always make those right decisions then we could succeed and help other nations to make a better environment for all people. I think that as an American we are lucky for what we have! Its great to that its up to you to decide what you want to do with your life and how your life will end up in the long run. If you work hard then you will achieve great things.
At 12:24 PM ,
ryans2013 said...
America the beautiful means to me the fallowing: Freedom to do whatever you want, To say what every you want to, and to believe whatever you want. Deep in the Rockies, on a trail you can have the ability to explore with out the risk of getting punish. I think this is cool because you can go any where you want to, besides private property. When your in down town Denver, and you were to go to the skate park, you would probably hear so profanity. This is cool because if you are writing a sports article and you were to use a bad language it would be okay. Sometimes last year when I would get out of school, there would be people at the corner of University and Colorado Boulevard telling us about god. It was weird. As you can see, this is what I see in America.
At 12:25 PM ,
theshort1 said...
when I hear America, I think many things , first I think “free” , materialistic, and very un- healthy. First, we are free on many levels, we can vote, say what we want to say, and do what we want under certain circumstances. I like that we have freedoms in that way for an example if we do not like something or do not think something is right we can say, that we don't like what is going on. Many other countries, do not have nearly the amount of freedom we have, some countries can not disagree if they want to or do what they want to America is very privileged in that way. Second, I think that America also means to me that we are very materialistic. If you look around you see famous people and they are always judged or determined of what they look like and what they wear. America is so materialistic that they make every on believe that they need all of these things for example makeup. That is one of the number one things that we are so materialistic about they make you believe that we need it too be pretty. Why?, because America is very materialistic. Last, I also think of
sarah griffith
America as, very un-healthy. Every where you look you see a MC Donald's, taco bell, burger king and so on. We almost run off of fast food like 2 out of 5 people eat fast food every day. There is so much fast food every where, it is even in china. All in all, I love America I think that it is the best place to live, but there are some things that I do not like, but when I first here America the above statements is what I think of.
At 12:28 PM ,
nacho.man said...
Ty Butcher
Freedom of speech, religion, and to be myself—these are three things that I value as an American citizen. Whether I'm writing an essay on an opinion on something or going to a church of my choice, I have the freedom to do what I want in life. I value these reasons because I know in some places they have to have a certain religion, or in china the monitor everything there people do. If the government started to do that to that and people would find out and there would be riots. If we were without basic freedoms then America would lose its peoples trust in the government so its important to keep freedoms.
At 12:29 PM ,
howdy95 said...
test
At 12:33 PM ,
KWERNER said...
cow
At 12:36 PM ,
KWERNER said...
Kurtis Werner
Mon Oct 5
Blk 6
America means to me freedom, freedom comes in many ways. Freedom is why people came to America. The freedom of speech is very important because many other countries do not have this. And the freedom to protest. Also our justice system is very important. We have the right to a fair trial. In some countries they are blamed for things people didn't even do. It is so important to have a strong justice system so guilty people can get locked up and the innocent can stay out of jail. However with freedom comes responsibility there are many laws to keep us safe. To live in America is a privilege.
At 5:17 PM ,
howdy95 said...
Dominick Brevig Davis English 9
period six
To me America is a feeling of security, innovation, and freedom. America is my home. It is good to go home and feel that you are safe from the many horrors of the world. Horrors such as terrorists, dictatorships, and impressments. It is also good to know that there are men somewhere fighting to protect us. Being innovative, and inventive are also very much part of life in America. This doesn’t just mean coming up with cool gizmos, and gadgets, its solving problems, and finding your way out of tough situations. All Americans are innovators coming up with new ways to solve problems, whether it’s making a state of the art robot, or finding a good work ethic in school. Finally the best thing about being an American is the freedoms that we have. We can go to any religious institution of our choosing, say what we want to say, live where we want to live, and hang around with any person of any race. This list is continuous, and it says that when you’re an American you are free to live a good life, in America you have a choice. Saying this makes me think of the countries that are not fortunate enough to live the American dream. I am an American, and sitting here at my computer, I know that I am safe, ready to problem solve, and most of all free!
At 8:07 PM ,
Anonymous said...
What America means to me is choice, law’s, and options. One of the many advantages of being an American is to have the right to your choice. What you believe is going to help you. What you want. We get the power and freedom to make our own choices, leading into some of our choice‘s may hurt us more than helping so we have laws. Some may think too many. However the laws are set so we can try to gain peace and justness. Restricting us from hurting ourselves and or others. Last options, we have such a variety of schools, jobs, ect. What religion we believe in, what school we feel would provide more help and understanding. On the other hand we may have these options I feel that many people in America take granted. They don’t use our ability to our personal reward. These are just some of the many things I love about being American.
At 1:13 PM ,
Allen said...
America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. America to me is an amazing country where we have the freedom of many things such as freedom of religion, speech, right to bare arms, and search and seizure alone with many more. America couldn't be where it is today though with out the support of the people and; Americans since The U.S became a country have put there time into improving and the country along with sacrificing there lifes in order to keep the people safe and still have there rights. In this country we can do many things we don't have to worry about loosing an eye for an eye or not noing when the next we eat will be, we are provided with clean water and food when ever we enjoy. Theres no need to hunt for our food or put hard labor into getting crops all we need to do is walk down to the grocery store. The left over foods we have we just through away it doesn't mean anything but other countries only get 2 meals a week maybe per family. We have medicines that are fantastic a shot of morphine will ease your pain completely and you'll be in lala land. The technology we have, incredible some places don't even have phones or you have to walk quite far just to get to a communications device. Warfare, we have the technology to blow up a country half across the world with a computerized airplane. America is one of the few countries that hes nuclear technology and weapons; we have over 10000 nuclear weapons minimum in the U.S. This country is great we have everything provided for us and so many pointless things that we don't need but are entertaining so we use them and are aloud many rights.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home