What is an American?

Many people define being an "American" differently. To me being an American doesn't necessarily represent the color of your skin or if  you originated from the United States of America. To me being an American means taking pride in the country you are living in. I think being proud of our country exemplifies the character of a true American. I believe a true American must also show a great amount of  respect for their country and the people in it. If you don't respect the land you live in and the people you live among, than I don't feel you are appropriately representing the United States and to me this is truly not American. Being an American means supporting your country and doing everything you can to make it the greatest country possible. Being an American has to do with loving the country of the United States, supporting it  always, and respecting it and taking pride in it. To me, this is truly how an "American" can be defined.