Tenille Jensen Blog #4

I think the question of what makes me (or anyone else for that matter) an American relates a lot to the group discussion we had last class about fitting the stereotypical image of ones racial identity. We talked a lot about black identity during that discussion, causing many African American students to comment on their own experiences of being black. That sounds a little cray cray to actually write and read out loud but many students explained situations of being ridiculed for not being “black” enough or not being viewed as black at all despite the obvious color of their skin. I do relate to being categorized according to my clothing, color, speech, hobbies, and choice of music, even being female - I am sure most Americans can. It’s almost as if  material things, level of education, mannerisms etc. create race rather than the blatantly obvious color of someone’s skin. The way I speak, my choice of friends, the kind of music I enjoy, even the way I choose to dress, places me into a category of being “black”, “white”, “Asian”, “Spanish” etc. in American society

So what does it means to be American? I guess what I am trying to say is to most Americans, perceived race shapes the way they are defined in America. This  directly influences our experiences and subsequently the way we personally define “Americanism”. Because such a heavy emphasis is placed on race relations in America, it’s hard not to bring up the idea of race (and even gender) when discussing different aspects of Americanism. It’s a very large part of our history. It is through these distinctions that create very unique facets of the American dream....or nightmare. When talking about international diplomacy, the Olympics, or even taking a vacation outside of the United States, the idea of Americanism takes a very different role. We have a tendency to be lumped into the unified colorblind category of Americans, full of patriotism and pride (and rightfully so because we should certainly be proud to live in such an affluent country) but does the idea of Americanism take the same shape when dealing with the everyday trials and tribulations seen within American society? 

Whether we mean to or not, American society functions superficially on stereotypes where the majority of Americans quickly learn to find their place within a society dominated by a neutral category: white males. Our history has reinforced the way we view and respond to race today. We are all placed and categorized in accordance to a radicalized spectrum in direct relation to a neutral category. So for me being an American means being a proud West Indian immigrant and the experiences I have endured as a West Indian. Although I am extremely proud to live in America, I constantly reminded that I am not a white male - this has shaped the way I view Americanism as well. Everyone’s story leading to their unique perspective on Americanism is different but I believe it begins with race unfortunately.