What does it mean to be American?

I think that American has multitude of meanings to it. I think that it means that you are free and independent because back then so much things was going on for example segregation and slaverly but today it is history. In America we live a free world and have the rights to do things that people couldn't do back then. Womans weren't allow to vote back then but today thats something that is available towards everyone. I also think it means to be loyal , fair and to have justice. Today we are able to play sports, work and have a good education to be successful in life. Along time ago education really wasn't so great as it is today or it wasn't an option for some. Today we are allow to choose where we want to work and how long we want to work. Being an American means that you have a choice to make for your own life. We have freedom of speech and we can study any religion we want. American is the meaning of walking on an equal path.