American Heritage Dictionary, Essay Example

Introduction
 According to American Heritage Dictionary, “Citizenship is the status of a citizen with its duties, rights and privileges.”  But how does a naturalized American citizen like me define citizenship? People that migrate to America learn to appreciate the favours and optimistic opportunities that America has to offer with little ease and much humility because they have a previous life of different and sometimes desolate culture disadvantages with which to compare to. American born citizens that have never been privy to traveling to other less advantaged countries often cannot rationalize with wisdom the graciousness and opportunity that has been afforded them through being born an American citizen. Often in other countries people’s inalienable rights are infringed and human rights efforts have to be taken in order to validate and protect them. Citizenship affords a person several rights and privileges but with that also comes a responsibility of duty which will all be discussed further.

My Personal Experiences

“There are things I will never forget – memories that are seared into my brain. I still remember when I first stepped on United States soil. The firm handshake given by Immigration Officer was very warm and friendly. He was very welcoming and it felt as if I was being ushered down a red carpet. I distinctly remember the smell of the air as I exited the airport. It was clean, crisp and fresh compared to the smoky polluted Manila air that I was accustomed to. The freeways and roads are well paved and wide. I was surprised by how smooth the ride was on the way home from the airport. This was a big change from the narrow, bumpy, pothole ridden streets from where I came from. It took a while before I got used to the deafening silence of an American suburban neighbourhood. I was somehow missing the sounds of roosters waking up in the morning, public transportation blowing their horns and ferrying passengers, and the sound of many different food vendors selling their delicious goods and services all day long. During winter, it felt as if I was living inside a freezer. I was constantly cold and had to wear three layers of clothing to keep myself warm. The changing seasons caught me by surprise as I was used to the tropical seasons we had in the Philippines. There are only two – rainy and wet season or summer and dry. With regards to food, the gigantic portions that I thought were for family of three were in fact only for a single person. This made me realize and understand why most Americans are overweight. Perhaps they are unable to help themselves because most of the foods I encountered were delicious and inviting. In America, fast food is king. The hamburgers are juicy and appetizing, milkshakes are creamy, and the French fries are hot and crispy. This is a big change from the rice and different Filipino stews my mom used to cook growing up. I also had to get used to the way people spoke. They spoke very fast and sounded as if they were always in a hurry. ”

Rights and Privileges

Justice Field gave in his dissenting view in Munn v. Illinois, that a police officer has a duty to protect and serve the community. That is our right that the police powers protect us from harm. Under the Fifth Amendment US citizens have the right to life, liberty and property. Voting is a privilege given to American Citizens. There are only certain ways that a voter can lose his/her ‘privilege’ to vote and one means is by way of having a felony conviction.  Due process of law is guaranteed right to every citizen of the United States. Under Section1 of the Fourteenth Amendment states, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This essentially means that every person has a right to be notified if an action has been brought against him/her, shall have an opportunity to be heard and a right to defend his/herself in an orderly manner.

Much Appreciation for Citizenship Status

I am a very humble person and am able to realize that migration to the United States has allowed me many opportunities such as economic with regards to better food, shelter and also the chance to educate myself. It would not have been so easy for me to define my appreciation for citizenship if I had not been familiar with the impoverished areas of the nation I was born to. Freedom is a great reason to rejoice every day of my life. Waking up in the morning and rolling out of my bed to the sounds of pleasant birds chirping in the trees gives me a feeling of sanctity. Knowing I can afford to pay my rental note and feed myself and have money over for schooling and the simple extra wants in life brings to my heart the most gracious feeling in the world. Simple things mean so much!

Conclusion

In order to be a great American one has to be aware of the history of our country which includes tyranny and the escape from England to procure freedom in a new land. A great American stands united to uphold the US Constitution. A great American votes and gets out there and volunteers services to those in need. He/She should obey the laws of the land and understand his purpose in the country. If you do all this then you should certainly hail “I’m Proud to be an American” and feel it with great honour in your soul”