When it comes to America today, many people have a set of "cardboard cutout" characteristics that they stick to American citizens and what it means to be American. These traits are generally very broad and simplistic and, in many cases, are relics of the 1950s. The truth, however, is quite different. Although some people attempt to ascribe universal traits to Americans, the citizens of this country are very diverse in their nature, beliefs, and ideology. I have identified four characteristics most commonly associated with being “American.” First, he believes in the American dream, owning a home and achieving happiness through material goods. Second, he is patriotic and supports his country in wars and troubles. Third, he believes in freedom and that America is a haven for freedom. Finally, he became involved in government and took an active interest in political issues. I will discuss each of these topics in turn. The American dream is characterized by settling into a home, raising a family, achieving happiness through material possessions and financial success through hard work. A perfect example of what people consider the American Dream can be taken from the novel The Epic of America, "that dream of a country in which life should be better, richer, and more fulfilling for everyone, with opportunities for each according to their abilities or achievements. (Adams)." Compared to reality, this hypothesis is far from true. In The Great Gatsby, the love that Jay Gatsby feels for Daisy is a perfect metaphor for the ideal "American" in search of key to the dream In an online article, it is examined: "Jay Gatsby is the epitome of every man trying to find the American dream. For Gatsby, Daisy is his American dream", and this is because "Gatsby refuses to see. Daisy's fau..... . middle of paper ......ml>.American Dad!. February 6, 2005. Television. Armstrong, Billy Joe 2004. metrolyrics.com May 23, 2010. Freedom Daily. nd Web. May 23, 2010. .Galley, Jenna. “The American Dream in 'The Great Gatsby'” Suite 101. Np, November 12, 2008. .Hamilton, Lee H. “What does it mean to be a citizen.” American? » Congressional Conference on Civic Education. Microsoft Word File. Joel, Billy My Life Web May 23, 2010. .Rockwell, Norman 1943. Kempton ideas Revolutionary Web.. 2010. .