Social Science 105-01 Professor Hallie Chillag Dunlap Timmy Richardson

To be or not to be U.S. citizenship is a wonderful thing, yet it can be viewed completely different from people in various countries, religions, and political mindsets. What I may consider a wonderful thing, others may consider a horrid thing, and believe it or not, the same goes for U.S. citizenship. Is it a wonderful country to live in, or with the economic crisis, government control on the rise, and the moral decline of the country, is the United States of America a fading memory?

I think it is a privilege to live in a free country where everyone is entitled God-give rights, equal opportunity, and protection. I remember my Grandfather telling me stories about World War II and the battles he fought in and how he did it for freedoms sake, for the countries sake, and for my sake. There was a gleam in his eyes and one could tell he was proud to fight for his country. He was proud to be a citizen of the United states of America.

Yet, not everyone feels this way. Many who are not citizens of the United States of America and even some who are, feel that to be considered a U.S. citizen is something to be ashamed of. For instance, Mickey Z., a famous web blogger who says he doesnt want to be a citizen anymore, in fact, he has the exact opposite viewpoints on America. He says, I hate America...for its role in the African slave trade and for dropping atomic bombs on civilian. I hate its control of institutions...I hate it for propping up brutal

dictators...I hate America for being a hypocritical white supremacist capitalist patriarchy.1

Conversely, legal immigrants that become U.S. citizens are very grateful to America and see the country as a life saver to them and their family. For example, Jutka Emoke Baraba, a naturalized citizen since the year 2000, remembers what is what like when thinking about how she felt when seeking citizenship in the USA. She says, For me, American citizenship means freedom of expression and to live and work in a free country and not have to be afraid of being arrested or harassed because of owning certain common books or pictures.2

The differences are stark between Mickey Z. and Jutka Baraba. Both see America in two distinct ways, and one was born a citizen and the other was a naturalized citizen. The question arises, Why do they see things differently? What happened in these individuals lives that constructed their outlook on citizenship? Now obviously, the best way to answer these questions would be to actually talk with each individual and come to a conclusion, Since that isn't an option, one must make an assumption according to what the individuals have said. Jutka is grateful for the opportunity to immigrate to the United States of America, and although I'm sure that there are hardly any people who haven't felt some sort of shame or disappointment towards the united states of America for some of the policy's she has or some act she has done, Jutka realizes this is to be expected in any country and know this country is the best chance for him, where he and his family have the chance to make a home for themselves and live peaceably within the community. Whereas, Mickey Z. sees it as a dangerous threat to the world and will do his part to either change it to what he sees as the better or get up and leave. Two people. Two different definitions of U.S.

1 Http://clearinghouse/article14998.html 2 Http://councilwomen/2012/0704/us/naturalized-american-citizens-ireport/index.html

Citizenship.

It all comes down to Shakespeare words, To be, or not to be3.

3 Hamlet's Soliloquy: (3.1.64-98)