Who or what is a true American? By Simon Tam For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a...

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

By Simon Tam

For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a singular test as to define who is a true patriot of this country. Yet, the answer of who can pass that test is far from definitive.

When surveyed, the overwhelming majority of U.S residents say it’s about broad values like “treating people equally” (90%), accepting those of different racial background (81%), and religious freedom and tolerance (78%). But the loudest and most passionate cries came from a smaller minority - about 25% - that say a real American is someone who is born in this country and is a Christian. In their view, immigrants, including those who jump through the many hurdles of becoming a citizen, and non-Christians will never meet that criteria, no matter how loyally patriotic.

About half of self-identified “strong Republicans” and about a quarter of “strong Democrats” hold this nativist sentiment. Of course, these ideas aren’t new - conceptions of who an American is has shifted with policy and cultural acceptance for hundreds of years: in 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote in Dred Scott that African-Americans were not “acknowledged as part of the people;” Native Americans weren’t given full citizenship and v****g rights until 1948 - almost 80 years after birthright citizenship was established; the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. For most of our history, female immigrants could not become citizens apart from their husband. Of course, those who espouse nativist/white nationalist views would be quick to point out the difference between a “citizen” and a “true American.”

That’s where the real problem is.

The debate around being a “real American” has nothing to do with being a citizen, extensive knowledge of U.S history, or loyalty to the Constitution and f**g. It has more to do with belonging - and whether or not nativists want that person to be a fully engaged member of society. Religion and birth has nothing to do with it.

After all, the United States was primarily founded by immigrants and non-Christians. Thomas Paine famously declared “I do not believe in…any church;” President Jefferson denied that Jesus was “a member of the Godhead;” Benjamin Franklin criticized the church for making “orthodoxy more regarded than virtue.” Even the loyal church-going John Adams wrote “the United States is not, in any sense, a Christian nation.” The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, all avoid mentions of Christ and Christianity. In fact, Article VI of the Constitution says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The idea of America being a Christian nation didn’t arise until years later, when politics and religion were fused together as a pathway for power.

Power, both codified in our policies and systems as well as in cultural norms is what people are really seeking. If certain groups feel that their power or influence is waning, a purity test is their feeble attempt at redefining who is in and who is out. From the Spanish Inquisition to McCarthyism, the internment of the Japanese to w***e s*********t rallies, the underlying value is the same: it’s about loyalty to a group aspiring to seize power, not to a country or its ideas. It doesn’t matter what the majority of people think or what its sacred documents say about the issue, it is about redefining belonging.

The irony is that it is at once the most un-American idea (in terms of declared, founding values) and possibly one of the most consistently American practices possible (in terms of history and racial bigotry). In reality, there’s nothing true nor American about being a “true American” at all. It is simply an idea - and idea that adapts to fit one’s convenience, otherize its enemies, and inflates ideas of self-righteousness. Ideas don’t bleed or feel pain, but the people who they harm do.

jimpack123 Loc: wisconsin

slatten49 wrote:

By Simon Tam

For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a singular test as to define who is a true patriot of this country. Yet, the answer of who can pass that test is far from definitive.

When surveyed, the overwhelming majority of U.S residents say it’s about broad values like “treating people equally” (90%), accepting those of different racial background (81%), and religious freedom and tolerance (78%). But the loudest and most passionate cries came from a smaller minority - about 25% - that say a real American is someone who is born in this country and is a Christian. In their view, immigrants, including those who jump through the many hurdles of becoming a citizen, and non-Christians will never meet that criteria, no matter how loyally patriotic.

About half of self-identified “strong Republicans” and about a quarter of “strong Democrats” hold this nativist sentiment. Of course, these ideas aren’t new - conceptions of who an American is has shifted with policy and cultural acceptance for hundreds of years: in 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote in Dred Scott that African-Americans were not “acknowledged as part of the people;” Native Americans weren’t given full citizenship and v****g rights until 1948 - almost 80 years after birthright citizenship was established; the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. For most of our history, female immigrants could not become citizens apart from their husband. Of course, those who espouse nativist/white nationalist views would be quick to point out the difference between a “citizen” and a “true American.”

That’s where the real problem is.

The debate around being a “real American” has nothing to do with being a citizen, extensive knowledge of U.S history, or loyalty to the Constitution and f**g. It has more to do with belonging - and whether or not nativists want that person to be a fully engaged member of society. Religion and birth has nothing to do with it.

After all, the United States was primarily founded by immigrants and non-Christians. Thomas Paine famously declared “I do not believe in…any church;” President Jefferson denied that Jesus was “a member of the Godhead;” Benjamin Franklin criticized the church for making “orthodoxy more regarded than virtue.” Even the loyal church-going John Adams wrote “the United States is not, in any sense, a Christian nation.” The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, all avoid mentions of Christ and Christianity. In fact, Article VI of the Constitution says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The idea of America being a Christian nation didn’t arise until years later, when politics and religion were fused together as a pathway for power.

Power, both codified in our policies and systems as well as in cultural norms is what people are really seeking. If certain groups feel that their power or influence is waning, a purity test is their feeble attempt at redefining who is in and who is out. From the Spanish Inquisition to McCarthyism, the internment of the Japanese to w***e s*********t rallies, the underlying value is the same: it’s about loyalty to a group aspiring to seize power, not to a country or its ideas. It doesn’t matter what the majority of people think or what its sacred documents say about the issue, it is about redefining belonging.

The irony is that it is at once the most un-American idea (in terms of declared, founding values) and possibly one of the most consistently American practices possible (in terms of history and racial bigotry). In reality, there’s nothing true nor American about being a “true American” at all. It is simply an idea - and idea that adapts to fit one’s convenience, otherize its enemies, and inflates ideas of self-righteousness. Ideas don’t bleed or feel pain, but the people who they harm do.

By Simon Tam br br For the past several years, th... (show quote)

Amen, My view of a true American is one that believes in what is wrote on the Statue of Liberty we are a true melting pot. With the exception of the American Indians we all came from somewhere else our fore fathers that is a course

bggamers Loc: georgia

slatten49 wrote:

By Simon Tam

For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a singular test as to define who is a true patriot of this country. Yet, the answer of who can pass that test is far from definitive.

When surveyed, the overwhelming majority of U.S residents say it’s about broad values like “treating people equally” (90%), accepting those of different racial background (81%), and religious freedom and tolerance (78%). But the loudest and most passionate cries came from a smaller minority - about 25% - that say a real American is someone who is born in this country and is a Christian. In their view, immigrants, including those who jump through the many hurdles of becoming a citizen, and non-Christians will never meet that criteria, no matter how loyally patriotic.

About half of self-identified “strong Republicans” and about a quarter of “strong Democrats” hold this nativist sentiment. Of course, these ideas aren’t new - conceptions of who an American is has shifted with policy and cultural acceptance for hundreds of years: in 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote in Dred Scott that African-Americans were not “acknowledged as part of the people;” Native Americans weren’t given full citizenship and v****g rights until 1948 - almost 80 years after birthright citizenship was established; the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. For most of our history, female immigrants could not become citizens apart from their husband. Of course, those who espouse nativist/white nationalist views would be quick to point out the difference between a “citizen” and a “true American.”

That’s where the real problem is.

The debate around being a “real American” has nothing to do with being a citizen, extensive knowledge of U.S history, or loyalty to the Constitution and f**g. It has more to do with belonging - and whether or not nativists want that person to be a fully engaged member of society. Religion and birth has nothing to do with it.

After all, the United States was primarily founded by immigrants and non-Christians. Thomas Paine famously declared “I do not believe in…any church;” President Jefferson denied that Jesus was “a member of the Godhead;” Benjamin Franklin criticized the church for making “orthodoxy more regarded than virtue.” Even the loyal church-going John Adams wrote “the United States is not, in any sense, a Christian nation.” The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, all avoid mentions of Christ and Christianity. In fact, Article VI of the Constitution says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The idea of America being a Christian nation didn’t arise until years later, when politics and religion were fused together as a pathway for power.

Power, both codified in our policies and systems as well as in cultural norms is what people are really seeking. If certain groups feel that their power or influence is waning, a purity test is their feeble attempt at redefining who is in and who is out. From the Spanish Inquisition to McCarthyism, the internment of the Japanese to w***e s*********t rallies, the underlying value is the same: it’s about loyalty to a group aspiring to seize power, not to a country or its ideas. It doesn’t matter what the majority of people think or what its sacred documents say about the issue, it is about redefining belonging.

The irony is that it is at once the most un-American idea (in terms of declared, founding values) and possibly one of the most consistently American practices possible (in terms of history and racial bigotry). In reality, there’s nothing true nor American about being a “true American” at all. It is simply an idea - and idea that adapts to fit one’s convenience, otherize its enemies, and inflates ideas of self-righteousness. Ideas don’t bleed or feel pain, but the people who they harm do.

By Simon Tam br br For the past several years, th... (show quote)

Cant believe there are that many stupid people in this country but the last 6 years have been one hell of a learning experience haven't they. Even 25% is to much where did you get this info???

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

bggamers wrote:

Cant believe there are that many stupid people in this country but the last 6 years have been one hell of a learning experience haven't they. Even 25% is to much where did you get this info???

I found this article by Mr. Tam on the internet when my interest was piqued by JFlorio's question on another thread about what a true American is. Mr. Tam's sources for his article are not privy to me. But, the below is about him.

https://www.simontam.org/about/

Liberty Tree

slatten49 wrote:

By Simon Tam

For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a singular test as to define who is a true patriot of this country. Yet, the answer of who can pass that test is far from definitive.

When surveyed, the overwhelming majority of U.S residents say it’s about broad values like “treating people equally” (90%), accepting those of different racial background (81%), and religious freedom and tolerance (78%). But the loudest and most passionate cries came from a smaller minority - about 25% - that say a real American is someone who is born in this country and is a Christian. In their view, immigrants, including those who jump through the many hurdles of becoming a citizen, and non-Christians will never meet that criteria, no matter how loyally patriotic.

About half of self-identified “strong Republicans” and about a quarter of “strong Democrats” hold this nativist sentiment. Of course, these ideas aren’t new - conceptions of who an American is has shifted with policy and cultural acceptance for hundreds of years: in 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote in Dred Scott that African-Americans were not “acknowledged as part of the people;” Native Americans weren’t given full citizenship and v****g rights until 1948 - almost 80 years after birthright citizenship was established; the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. For most of our history, female immigrants could not become citizens apart from their husband. Of course, those who espouse nativist/white nationalist views would be quick to point out the difference between a “citizen” and a “true American.”

That’s where the real problem is.

The debate around being a “real American” has nothing to do with being a citizen, extensive knowledge of U.S history, or loyalty to the Constitution and f**g. It has more to do with belonging - and whether or not nativists want that person to be a fully engaged member of society. Religion and birth has nothing to do with it.

After all, the United States was primarily founded by immigrants and non-Christians. Thomas Paine famously declared “I do not believe in…any church;” President Jefferson denied that Jesus was “a member of the Godhead;” Benjamin Franklin criticized the church for making “orthodoxy more regarded than virtue.” Even the loyal church-going John Adams wrote “the United States is not, in any sense, a Christian nation.” The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, all avoid mentions of Christ and Christianity. In fact, Article VI of the Constitution says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The idea of America being a Christian nation didn’t arise until years later, when politics and religion were fused together as a pathway for power.

Power, both codified in our policies and systems as well as in cultural norms is what people are really seeking. If certain groups feel that their power or influence is waning, a purity test is their feeble attempt at redefining who is in and who is out. From the Spanish Inquisition to McCarthyism, the internment of the Japanese to w***e s*********t rallies, the underlying value is the same: it’s about loyalty to a group aspiring to seize power, not to a country or its ideas. It doesn’t matter what the majority of people think or what its sacred documents say about the issue, it is about redefining belonging.

The irony is that it is at once the most un-American idea (in terms of declared, founding values) and possibly one of the most consistently American practices possible (in terms of history and racial bigotry). In reality, there’s nothing true nor American about being a “true American” at all. It is simply an idea - and idea that adapts to fit one’s convenience, otherize its enemies, and inflates ideas of self-righteousness. Ideas don’t bleed or feel pain, but the people who they harm do.

By Simon Tam br br For the past several years, th... (show quote)

Not a very balanced article. Selective quotes from some Founding Fathers while ignoring those who did propose Christianity. Selective chosing of some groups to show intolerance while ignoring more liberal ones. Naturalized citizens must support loyalty to the Constitution but this does not seem to be a requirement to be a "true American."

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

slatten49 wrote:

By Simon Tam

For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a singular test as to define who is a true patriot of this country. Yet, the answer of who can pass that test is far from definitive.

When surveyed, the overwhelming majority of U.S residents say it’s about broad values like “treating people equally” (90%), accepting those of different racial background (81%), and religious freedom and tolerance (78%). But the loudest and most passionate cries came from a smaller minority - about 25% - that say a real American is someone who is born in this country and is a Christian. In their view, immigrants, including those who jump through the many hurdles of becoming a citizen, and non-Christians will never meet that criteria, no matter how loyally patriotic.

About half of self-identified “strong Republicans” and about a quarter of “strong Democrats” hold this nativist sentiment. Of course, these ideas aren’t new - conceptions of who an American is has shifted with policy and cultural acceptance for hundreds of years: in 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote in Dred Scott that African-Americans were not “acknowledged as part of the people;” Native Americans weren’t given full citizenship and v****g rights until 1948 - almost 80 years after birthright citizenship was established; the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. For most of our history, female immigrants could not become citizens apart from their husband. Of course, those who espouse nativist/white nationalist views would be quick to point out the difference between a “citizen” and a “true American.”

That’s where the real problem is.

The debate around being a “real American” has nothing to do with being a citizen, extensive knowledge of U.S history, or loyalty to the Constitution and f**g. It has more to do with belonging - and whether or not nativists want that person to be a fully engaged member of society. Religion and birth has nothing to do with it.

After all, the United States was primarily founded by immigrants and non-Christians. Thomas Paine famously declared “I do not believe in…any church;” President Jefferson denied that Jesus was “a member of the Godhead;” Benjamin Franklin criticized the church for making “orthodoxy more regarded than virtue.” Even the loyal church-going John Adams wrote “the United States is not, in any sense, a Christian nation.” The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, all avoid mentions of Christ and Christianity. In fact, Article VI of the Constitution says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The idea of America being a Christian nation didn’t arise until years later, when politics and religion were fused together as a pathway for power.

Power, both codified in our policies and systems as well as in cultural norms is what people are really seeking. If certain groups feel that their power or influence is waning, a purity test is their feeble attempt at redefining who is in and who is out. From the Spanish Inquisition to McCarthyism, the internment of the Japanese to w***e s*********t rallies, the underlying value is the same: it’s about loyalty to a group aspiring to seize power, not to a country or its ideas. It doesn’t matter what the majority of people think or what its sacred documents say about the issue, it is about redefining belonging.

The irony is that it is at once the most un-American idea (in terms of declared, founding values) and possibly one of the most consistently American practices possible (in terms of history and racial bigotry). In reality, there’s nothing true nor American about being a “true American” at all. It is simply an idea - and idea that adapts to fit one’s convenience, otherize its enemies, and inflates ideas of self-righteousness. Ideas don’t bleed or feel pain, but the people who they harm do.

By Simon Tam br br For the past several years, th... (show quote)

Bulls**t !

I'm a rip snortin', blue blooded, red neck true American.

And so is my Pappy and his Pappy and his Pappy clear back to Adam and Eve.

And the author of this pile of crap, whose name is Simon Tam, is probably some kind of crossbred q***r who h**es any expression that suggests a masculine undertone.

A true American is simply a citizen of the United States of America who will wholeheartedly stand and say......

"I pledge allegiance to the f**g of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

https://www.pond5.com/sound-effects/item/21520677-kids-pledge-allegiance

guzzimaestro

I have no problem with immigrants who come here legally. But when they want to supplant our f**g, our languages and our culture with those of the country they ran away from, that's unacceptable. As for Christianity, I doubt we would be the nation we are today without it. There are many that would do away with it and replace it with something evil. Much like the fraud and t*****r ovomit who said, "we are not a Christian nation"

bggamers Loc: georgia

slatten49 wrote:

I found this article by Mr. Tam on the internet when my interest was piqued by JFlorio's question on another thread about what a true American is. Mr. Tam's sources for his article are not privy to me. But, the below is about Mr.Tam.

https://www.simontam.org/about/

Thanks you might be interested in a poll conducted in 2018 by Grinnell National Poll ( Real Americans ) 90% felt treating people equally was most important 88% taking responsibility for ones actions 81% excepting people of different backgrounds 78% excepting religious differences. They also found feelings of h**e more prevalent among men and majority under 35 they also found most of those polled claimed no religious affiliation 58% reported feelings of h**e toward a group or individual. They were very surprised at the normalization of h**e among the younger adults were as older adults were more excepting. I find polls interesting but they only poll around 1000 people and every area and district is going to be different say like California compared to Kansas or Georgia to new york each has their own priority and beliefs most loosely tied with all the US but in varying degree's so I don't put much stock in them and I try really hard not to group people together under one belief because one a** hole is a jerk

have a great day

kemmer

Wolf counselor wrote:

Bulls**t !
And the author of this pile of crap, whose name is Simon Tam, is probably some kind of crossbred q***r who h**es any expression that suggests a masculine undertone.

Yup! True American knuckle-d**ggers UNITE!

jimpack123 Loc: wisconsin

guzzimaestro wrote:

I have no problem with immigrants who come here legally. But when they want to supplant our f**g, our languages and our culture with those of the country they ran away from, that's unacceptable. As for Christianity, I doubt we would be the nation we are today without it. There are many that would do away with it and replace it with something evil. Much like the fraud and t*****r ovomit who said, "we are not a Christian nation"

then you must include Trump if say fraud and T*****r. Please show what OBAMA did that was fraud and being labeled a t*****r. and I agree about legal immigrants but how they speak and there religion is there choice but they should learn english as part of Citizenship in my opinion.. Evil doesn't care if you are a Christian or a Muslimor the color of your skin evil is just evil

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

bggamers wrote:

Thanks you might be interested in a poll conducted... (show quote)

Good feedback, Sir. I can't say I disagree much with anything you write here.

You, too, have a great day

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Liberty Tree wrote:

Not a very balanced article. Selective quotes from some Founding Fathers while ignoring those who did propose Christianity. Selective chosing of some groups to show intolerance while ignoring more liberal ones. Naturalized citizens must support loyalty to the Constitution but this does not seem to be a requirement to be a "true American."

If only Mr. Tam would enroll in OPP and follow your sterling examples of politically & ideologically balanced postings to acquire a better sense of writing with fairness in opinion(s).

Liberty Tree

slatten49 wrote:

If only Mr. Tam would enroll in OPP and follow your sterling examples of politically & ideologically balanced postings to acquire a better sense of writing with fairness in opinion(s).

At least I have my own opinions. All you do is cut and paste someone else's opinion. No thoughts of your own. Just leftwing spin from others.

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

jimpack123 wrote:

Amen, My view of a true American is one that believes in what is wrote on the Statue of Liberty we are a true melting pot. With the exception of the American Indians we all came from somewhere else our fore fathers that is a course

Just so you know. The American Indians came from somewhere else also.

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

slatten49 wrote:

By Simon Tam

For the past several years, the phrase “True American” and “Real American” has been passed around, inferring this idea that there is a singular test as to define who is a true patriot of this country. Yet, the answer of who can pass that test is far from definitive.

When surveyed, the overwhelming majority of U.S residents say it’s about broad values like “treating people equally” (90%), accepting those of different racial background (81%), and religious freedom and tolerance (78%). But the loudest and most passionate cries came from a smaller minority - about 25% - that say a real American is someone who is born in this country and is a Christian. In their view, immigrants, including those who jump through the many hurdles of becoming a citizen, and non-Christians will never meet that criteria, no matter how loyally patriotic.

About half of self-identified “strong Republicans” and about a quarter of “strong Democrats” hold this nativist sentiment. Of course, these ideas aren’t new - conceptions of who an American is has shifted with policy and cultural acceptance for hundreds of years: in 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote in Dred Scott that African-Americans were not “acknowledged as part of the people;” Native Americans weren’t given full citizenship and v****g rights until 1948 - almost 80 years after birthright citizenship was established; the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens. For most of our history, female immigrants could not become citizens apart from their husband. Of course, those who espouse nativist/white nationalist views would be quick to point out the difference between a “citizen” and a “true American.”

That’s where the real problem is.

The debate around being a “real American” has nothing to do with being a citizen, extensive knowledge of U.S history, or loyalty to the Constitution and f**g. It has more to do with belonging - and whether or not nativists want that person to be a fully engaged member of society. Religion and birth has nothing to do with it.

After all, the United States was primarily founded by immigrants and non-Christians. Thomas Paine famously declared “I do not believe in…any church;” President Jefferson denied that Jesus was “a member of the Godhead;” Benjamin Franklin criticized the church for making “orthodoxy more regarded than virtue.” Even the loyal church-going John Adams wrote “the United States is not, in any sense, a Christian nation.” The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution, all avoid mentions of Christ and Christianity. In fact, Article VI of the Constitution says “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The idea of America being a Christian nation didn’t arise until years later, when politics and religion were fused together as a pathway for power.

Power, both codified in our policies and systems as well as in cultural norms is what people are really seeking. If certain groups feel that their power or influence is waning, a purity test is their feeble attempt at redefining who is in and who is out. From the Spanish Inquisition to McCarthyism, the internment of the Japanese to w***e s*********t rallies, the underlying value is the same: it’s about loyalty to a group aspiring to seize power, not to a country or its ideas. It doesn’t matter what the majority of people think or what its sacred documents say about the issue, it is about redefining belonging.

The irony is that it is at once the most un-American idea (in terms of declared, founding values) and possibly one of the most consistently American practices possible (in terms of history and racial bigotry). In reality, there’s nothing true nor American about being a “true American” at all. It is simply an idea - and idea that adapts to fit one’s convenience, otherize its enemies, and inflates ideas of self-righteousness. Ideas don’t bleed or feel pain, but the people who they harm do.

By Simon Tam br br For the past several years, th... (show quote)

Thanks. I guess. I specifically asked a poster and wanted to get their personal view.