It's not always as happy as we make it seem.

by: Natalie

**This is a generalized statement and does not apply to each and every American.

While being an American comes with endless advantages (um freedom anyone?), they sometimes seem to get overwhelmed by our greed and selfishness.

This country was founded on the hard work, diligence, and perseverance of many men and women; many of whom are not even in our history books. They sacrificed and risked their lives and liberty to protect ours. But do we think about this as we sit comfortably in our recliner watching the Super Bowl in our warm, safe homes? Why does it often take an American flag and the national anthem to get us to stop and think about our freedom?

I have traveled to many countries across the world, and the general consensus is that Americans are fat, greedy, and very ego-centric. How did this stereotype come to be? Why do citizens of other countries put up a guard when Americans visit their towns? How did we impress them so negatively that they harbor hurt and even anger toward us? We feel entitled that what's yours is ours, and we are better than you because we don't live under an oppressive government. This may not be our conscious attitude, but this is the impression we have made on the world.

We expect things immediately and cannot be bothered with inconveniences. We have things to do and could not be inhibited by helping someone out on the street. Our tasks are the most important things in the world today. No need to worry about hungry nations, contaminated water, or kids who go to school without shoes. We just read the headlines, give a quick flinch of a sad emotion, and continue on to Starbucks to buy our $4 latte. This is America, this is how we demonstrate our privileged citizenship day after day.