Overview Your next major assignment is to write a two-three page essay defining "American." The essay's thesis should attempt to answer the question, "What does it mean to be American?" The essay should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA . Your Topic The word is used to describe our culture, politics, food, style, music -- even ourselves. But what do we mean? Usually the connotation is positive, but the question applies to the negative use of the word, as well; if we call someone or something un-American, or anti-American, what exactly do we mean? What is the "American Dream," and in what ways do we pursue it? Do terrorism and illegal immigration threaten our "American Way of Life"? If so, then how is that defined? Could you make a list of "American Values." What is American food? American music? Process The process for this paper has already begun. First, you read part of de Crevecoeur's essay , a