“American”

What is uniquely American in the world? What stands out, or perhaps even lies below the surface, that which make our country unique?  My Answers.....

Old Movies – Big screen cinematic productions, especially older one like Gone with the Wind, and Citizen Cane. Old Hollywood movies represent what it was to be American with their depictions and interpretations of American History and American life. While not always an accurate portrayal, they still created in the minds of Americans and the world what it meant to be American, thereby creating a self fulfilling prophesy. Because as much as old Hollywood Movies helped define us, they have also helped create our identities in the world, good and bad. I do wish they were more for the good these days though.

Music – American Jazz, Blues, Country and Rock music are unique and help define what it is to be American in at least as many ways as Hollywood movies do, but I think more so. Like a good book and unlike movies, music relies upon the individual’s imagination and American music stirs a uniquely American nerve around the world.

Individualism – American individualism and independence are unique in the world and are derived from our history of self reliance. Our earliest history produced our politics and in turn, our manifest destiny, good and bad, as a nation. Independently, I think this translates into our unique individualism as Americans, where men and women can create their own destiny.

The Open Road – Hop into your car or truck or onto your motorcycle and drive wherever you want to go. No check-points, security fence or armed border guards between states, just a sign. Whenever I need to travel, if time allows it, I’ll always drive along the scenic routes, taking my time along the way to meet new people in new and unknown places.

Microwaves and Air Conditioners – Perhaps this sounds strange but, the first things I am struck by after being overseas are things taken for granted by most people here in America. I listed microwaves and air conditioners but, curbs and street lights and lawnmowers also apply. There are so many of the seemingly insignificant things we take for granted in our lives that, in much of the world, are things only the rich possess or, are not a part of their world at all.

As for this list, it’s unfortunate to also point out that all these things are taken for granted by too many Americans. We should all learn to appreciate what we have a little. That said though, "did I miss anything"? Please tell.......:))