What Is An American?

What is an American? It's a question Hector St. John de Crevecoeur answered for himself three centuries ago, when things were just beginning to shape up around here, nation-wise. As Fio remembers--from reading, not personally--he imputed three characteristics to the emerging American personality: opportunism, tolerance, and energy.

America has always been the land of opportunity. Success isn't guaranteed, but it's not impossible. Tolerance was built into the American character early on, when the population was sparse and people had to forge alliances with neighbors who weren't of the same religion or ethnicity. Because of human failings, tolerance has not always been practiced, but most Americans still have a sense of fair play. America's energy, on the other hand, is unrelenting. We are convinced there is a solution to every problem, and, if we just search hard enough, we can find it.

It's good to be an American.
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