What is Americanism?

Christina Guirguis
Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read

“Attachment or allegiance to the traditions, institutions, and ideals of the United States” is the denotation of Americanism, but throughout American history, the connotation has upheld multiple, diverse meanings.

Over time, I have noticed a pattern, where defining Americanism is determined by the relations of the person who is defining it. When taking on a variety of American perspectives, a distinctive, patriotic story is revealed each time. Within each story, Americanism is defined and understood.

Grandparents Momtaz and Clair Gouda, both Egyptian immigrants.

For example, take the perspective of an immigrant who moved to the United States in order to escape religious persecution. The majority of immigrants come from countries where peace is a mystery, and the idea of free will is mocked. When asked to define Americanism, they cite it as the act of receiving a blessing and ability to purse their religion. In comparison to their previous homes, America resembles a wild dream, where religion does not determine fate, and individual pride is common. Furthermore, they will also define Americanism as hard work, because the path to full American citizenship is lengthy and exhausting. This is why when meeting naturalized citizens, there is a vibe of humble, patriotic pride that is often overlooked when acquainting with native-born Americans. Freedoms and human rights are handed to American natives when they are born, while these same blessings are rewards for foreigners after years of commitment.

On the other hand, immigrants who reside in America strictly for job opportunities acclaim an entirely different outlook. They would insist that Americanism is conforming to negative attributes, such as laziness, superficiality, and vanity. They define Americanism by American culture rather than the American Constitution. For example, most foreign countries are much stricter in education. Education is a gift in other countries, rather than a right as in America. With that being said, foreigners maximize their education because they understand it is their privilege. While in America, citizens often take education for granted and do not strive to constantly improve.

Moreover, the definition of Americanism is dependent on a person’s generation. For instance, the elderly have lived through America’s tribulations, such as World War II and the Great Depression. Women and minorities were building the path toward integration. When visiting a nursing home, an elderly woman encouraged me to keep breaking the glass ceiling and how impressed she was with how driven I am. Today, more women graduate from college than men and have attained high leadership positions. Although there is still much more progress that needs to be done, the elderly have paved the way. Americanism may be understood by what they could do for their country rather than what their country can do for them.

On the other hand, a young person in America may perceive the fruits provided by the elderly’s hard work as entitlements. Since many of them did not grow up fighting for what they have today, it may be something that they take for granted. Americanism may be understood to carry fluid values, rather than firm principles worth fighting for.

Lastly, Americanism may be understood wildly different by those who are disenfranchised and marginalized than those who grew up immersed in privilege. For example, a person growing up in a poor community with lack of access to a strong or even mediocre education system may view Americanism to include a principle of openness and, although built on exploitation, a country that promises the pursuit of happiness. However, a person who grew up in wealth and access to the best public school systems due to the strong local tax base, may view Americanism to be understood to include not only a promise for the pursuit of happiness, but also a promise to ensure it.

Christina Guirguis
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