Who and What Is American?

In this essay, Luis Lapham discusses the difference the modern day American and the true definition of an American. In the beginning, he talks about how modern day Americans divide themselves by race, class, gender, and religion. The media forces opinions onto people by using these different groups as targets. This grouping leads to segregation and internal conflict in the country. He feels that the true definition of an America is person that is a part of a unified group of citizens that are in this this country to prosper. If America does not pull together again, by rebuilding the cities and revising laws, we will become a powerless country.

I strongly agree with Lapham’s essay. People in America have become more and more segregated by gender, race, class, and especially religion. The media will often times negatively portray a certain race, class, gender, or religion. America should try to reunite to help the people get through the recession.