The idea of being an American has a little bit of a different meaning to each and every citizen in our great nation. From our humble beginning as a collection of colonies to the modern hegemonic power of our world, our history has certainly had its ups and downs. We have had a prime environment for the so-called "American Dream" to flourish. With this idea that hard work can get anyone anywhere they want to go, America has gotten farther in a relatively short amount of time compared to the grand scheme of things.

However, in doing this, we as a country and as a society have lost sight of what it means to be a human. We live in a society where the idea of the dollar has proved more important to most than the well-being of our fellow humans. We worry more about the amount of money in our own pockets and our savings accounts than the people in our communities who work dead-end jobs that pay too little to support the worker, much less the worker's family. Sharing is a trait that is taught to the youngest of children and is forgotten before we reach our mid-teens. The capital-based American Dream has us chasing the idea of the almighty dollar to feel secure and that worth is tangible instead of going out of our way to help those who have been robbed of a chance to excel under this system. With this, I am not saying that the capitalist system is completely wrong, yet I think we can do better for those around us. We look around and see those people who need the help from those who are well off, yet they receive no attention. While we do have governmental programs that help these people, there are even those who would do away with these programs if they had the chance.

We are not a people of moral value. We are not a people of personal worth. America, as well as the rest of society, has become infatuated with the idea that money equals worth. Even with all the religious and philanthropic groups in the world, many are too worried about themselves on a micro scale to worry about those in actual need. We as humans need to look after our peers and help with moving the world towards peace and love. Maybe one day the world will be able to understand what truly being at peace means, but until then all that can be asked is that we humans support and protect each other the best we can.