American; such an overused term yet so important to who we are as individuals living in this country formed by the original founding fathers. American; it’s a cliché label with positive meaning that is used in similar contexts as “feminist” or “religious”. Yet, these are merely definitions that describe our patriotic exteriors. The red, white and blue is a mirage; an excuse to get drunk on Independence Day when no one knows what they are drinking for. John Smith calls himself American, but only because he was born in America.

The overbearing question that we are all curious to find the answer to is what the significance behind being an American is. It’s not just about the flag-waving hues or the lively fireworks that appear in the sky. Remembering our history as natives living in the U.S. shouldn’t occur on the 4th. Rather, it should happen everyday. America has no color. A black man is not black — he is American. An Arab woman born in California isn’t just Arab — she is also American. The stereotype is that all rich white men who own property should have the privilege to be American. But, being an American should not be restricted by one’s race, ethnicity, religion or beliefs. We have the right to be called American, but we as people must either accept or reject it.

To be a true American, we must help others whose rights are being taken away for unlawful reasons. To Paul Revere; a true hero in America’s history. He was the key figure in warning the militia that the British were coming. He risked his life to save others of whom he did not know personally. Revere is American. A message to the police officer who beats an innocent woman as she walks on the highway. No sir, you are not American. You are abusing your “freedom” because you believe that the government says you can. To the cashier at Starbucks who refuses to take a Muslim woman’s order because she is wearing a hijab. No sir, you are not American. Remove your eyes, and use your ears. Listening to what the people want is far more essential. We must look past outer appearances and embrace the inner ideologies of America: individualism, limited government, freedom. Belief in all three are what deems an American spiritually, which then reflects on their physical being.

The old American Dream was about providing equality for every person born in America, no matter their circumstances. The new American Dream as we call it is no dream at all. The new American Dream has no freedom. The American Dream should not be about going to college in order to land an occupation that pays six figures. The American Dream should be about embracing what it means to be American and acting upon that definition. We must not slump away like couch potatoes in our homes. We must go out to stop wrongdoings and not become bystanders looking down at our man-made technology. We must fight for our rights and participate in protests. Yet, fear is what stops us. True Americans are not afraid of losing their lives, but afraid of losing their dignity.