What does it mean to be American

The question of what it means to be an American should come easily answered, however to deduct a legitimate claim of understanding this is to be addressed head on.

The first thing to note is the distinction of socioeconomic classes in the United States. If you look at the government, as a general rule, more breaks are given to the wealthy and or the middle-class while the lower-class and working-class receives little to no breaks. These breaks come in the form of healthcare, taxes, education, employment and power. It is noted that those with more liquid assets, distinguished credit and investments have more power as well greater opportunity to stimulate change. An individual with more formal education and training has higher prospects of receiving monetary gain than their counterparts whom receive only a high school diploma or GED.

Obtaining a post-secondary education is highly encouraged and the majority of superior paying jobs are reserved for those with a college degree. The vast majority of high school diploma receivers who don't go to college earn about 12.8% less than those with a degree who will make 14.3% more over a lifetime (source: U.S. Dept of Ed.). Furthermore to relate this to gender it is shown that women unfortunately make roughly 28% less over a lifetime than their male counterparts. Credit is shown to be of absolute importance when their is an opportunity to receive higher funds, and opportunities for advancement. The better an individual's credit score, the better chance they have of receiving increased bonuses, employment, housing and healthcare.

These items are especially seen in young adults who have never had alot of assets to compete with those privledged individuals. Less support is given to those persons who have fewer assets, investments, and diminished health problems. Failure to acknowledge these as concerns will further put the United States behind other predominant countries in the world.