Dinner Table Debate: When Do You Feel Most American ?

A couple years ago, the radio show Morning Edition asked its listeners to describe when they “felt most American.”.  One listener said it was when she rode the New York City subway, seeing the “melting pot” of America. Another said it was when she watched the one-block-long bike parade to celebrate Flag Day in her Illinois home town, a place so small it doesn’t even have a real main street.  What about your family?  What makes them feel American? 

Is it when they learn about a past American achievement?
When they read about the courage of our military? 
Maybe it’s a patriotic holiday that brings out their American spirit? 
Or when your teenage daughter  hits the shopping mall,  does she make a connection between the endless shelves filled with products and America’s unrivaled economic system?   

Then ask them: Do they think it is important to feel American?
Do most of their friends “feel American"?
Even ask them what makes them feel “un-American.”  You may be surprised by their answers.  They might be, too.