Hard Times example essay topic

What does it mean to be an American? Many people dream about being an American. They dream because they envision America as the land of peace and prosperity. But is it? At times it has been, and at times its not. It is hard for the United States to be correct all the time because they have been unwilling designated as the "World Police".

Throughout history there have been examples politically, economically, and socially, where being an American is rewarding and times where it is embarrassing. To be an American means progress. We evolved from a world ruled by white men to a world of equal opportunity. Politically the United States has had its ups and downs. The Watergate scandal could be considered a moment of disgust.

On June 17, 1972 five men were caught breaking into the Watergate complex in Washington D.C., trying to photograph documents and place wiretaps on the telephones in the office. At that point the White House should have forced those people to resign but instead began to cover it up because Nixon relied so heavily on those workers. In the end Nixon was forced resign because the scandal was uncovered. That is a moment in which one would be embarrassed because it makes the United States look dishonest. But like most downs it has its ups. A time of honor was when President John F. Kennedy was inaugurated in 1961.

People across the country loved this man and he had the ability to do great things, but unfortunately his reign was cut short. Another example was from Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. These two men had two different ways of making their point that led to the same goal. These were two of the greatest political leaders ever and they made a difference in the world all though their lives were cut short too. The only negative was that what they were fighting for should have rightfully all ready been theirs. Not only have there been examples politically but socially too.

Socially is where America has progressed the most. They have gone from white male domination to equal opportunity. America began relations with other races and ethic back rounds on the wrong foot. The United States at first treated African-Americans unfairly and used as slaves.

They treated like them like property instead of humans. When the Jim Crow Laws were established in 1881 (the first one) one would be embarrassed to be an American. These laws that stated "Separate but equal" were ridiculous. If they were equal why did they need to separate everything?

Separate trains, bubblers, and bathrooms, come on now is this necessary? The case was the same for women too. It was not until certain amendments and acts were passed that women had any rights. But now socially one could not be prouder to be an American. Now any race, sex, or religion can get a job with equal opportunity.

In many cases women are higher up the ladder in some work places. Economically was the last area the country progressed with over time. Economically the United States had its highs and lows. One would have not wanted to be an American during the time period of the "Great Depression".

The depression lasted from 1929-1940 and brought hard times for any family across the continent. In Midwest families who relied on farming were hit with sudden and drastic economic droughts known as The Dust Bowl. Along with the depression came unemployment and sent the United States into a tailspin. These rates of unemployment were at all time highs. These times were as hard as they get if you are American.

Although they developed programs to help people in the depression rebound from these times, they are nothing like recent years of economy. Economy at this time is ready for a downfall but it has remained steady for years now; and hopefully will continue this trend in years to come. As one can see America has gone through many hardships, so the question is it worth it to be an American? The answer is yes! Politically, socially, and economically America is the best out there. America is the land of promise and opportunity, and that's why so many migrate here.

So to me being an American means to progress over time. So the real question is why wouldn't you want to be an American?