America, land of the free and home of the brave. We as a nation support this claim proudly, but is this really the land of the free in which we live? Well, judging from the cultural melting pot this country has become, one would probably agree that America is in deed the land of liberty and freedom. We as Americans ( or simply US citizens) wether acquired by birth or naturalization have been ordained the constitutional right to conduct our lives and choose our destinations as we please.
Naturally, there are laws set forth to ensure that our “free” society is controlled and regulated by our American government. America is the home of opportunity and the ultimate conqueror of freedom. But for a moment let us ask ourselves, who are we? As a nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, we are the world. Our population consists of a worldwide array of unique individuals from different cultural backgrounds. So, with this in mind, who am I and what is my place in this diverse and multi-cultural society.
Our melting pot consists of a many different people. We are a rainbow in a sense; black, white, red and yellow make up the many colors of the world. From a religious viewpoint there are also several great differences in our nation due largely in part to our vast combination of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. While America is a Christian nation, everyone in our country has the freedoms to pray and worship as they chose.
Muslims, Jews, Rastifarians, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics and Christians are merely a few of the various religions that exist and are practiced in our American society. poor. Because of these freedoms, we as a people have generally learned to respect the differences that have come to be accepted as the norm for our society. Aside from ethnic and religious differences we in America also have a great deal of diversity with regards to economic social class. Upper class, middle class, and lower class. The rich, the common, and the poor.
Who determines our social class you ask? Well actually, we do it for ourselves. The careers we choose, the salaries we earn, the cars we drive and the houses we choose to make our homes are all factors that contribute toward determining our social economic class. And since here in our “United States” we are given the opportunities to establish our places in society, we as individuals consciously and unconsciously class ourselves according to societies preset standards. As an individual I prefer not to group myself as belonging to any particular category of people . But in all honesty, as a citizen society has already established a category under which I fall.
First of all I am a black female, a Christian, a college student, a mother, an employee, and since I am only 22 years old I am considered to be a part of the group of youngsters in our twenty first century that we acknowledge as “Generation X”. So here I am, in my mind, different and distinguished, striving for change and success yet stuck in societies unfortunate classifications. A middle class single black female with children. But, I am so much more than just that! I have so much to learn and so much to give. God has blessed me with th abilities to speak and express myself using my mind and my heart.
He has given me children to love, nurture and mold. I am a leader. I feel that I am so much different from other women in “my category” because of my drive and determination. From a sixteen year old high school graduate to a now twenty two year old mother of two, I have been forced to learn about and cope with the facts and factors of life. .My continual quest of striving to achieve financial and intellectual stability in my mind clearly distinguish me from the rest. I have goals and more importantly I have drive.
In today’s world it is very easy to get caught up in stereotypes and classifications. But the key to obtaining meaningful and lasting success is to first establish personal objectives for life. We are extremely fortunate to live in a country where our dreams (of life not lotto) can become realities. We have knowledge at our fingertips and education is power. It is inevitable that we will be categorized into classifications that are geared toward fitting societies comforts.
Individual prosperity is however very much attainable. In life it is imperative that we use the gifts that we have been given so that we will one be able to give back something others will be able to use. As individuals and members we all uniquely contribute to the unified yet diverse population in which we live. We must continue to grow with individuality and in unity. ” One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
