Top 10 Tips on How to Be a Good American

It just seems like the U.S. is getting worse and worse, especially when it comes to American culture. Honestly, it scares me sometimes to see my homeland starting to go downhill in certain ways.

Because of this, I've decided to create a list of ways we can evolve as a nation and as a culture.

The following tips are my personal suggestions on how to improve the country's culture and make it better. I'm sure there are more tips out there, and you're welcome to add your own if you'd like. These are simply my thoughts on how they can help you navigate life in America.

Hopefully, this list is helpful and doesn't upset anyone. I am not trying to offend anyone. I'm only trying to help.
The Top Ten
Be polite to other people

I'm not saying all Americans are rude, but politeness is important. We want to maintain a positive and classy image, especially in the eyes of other countries. Reputation matters. Never forget that.

So most of these items seem important, but is this a list of things many Americans should improve on?

I'm American, and I always try to be polite.

Learn more about American history

This is important because we should never forget the most important events that led to the formation of our country. Enough said.

Not just in America, that also applies to any country where you're living.

Just learning more about the country's history. That's interesting.

Raise your children better

I've noticed that many American parents don't seem to raise their kids well. They often let them spend time online watching videos they're not supposed to and even allow them to upload sexually suggestive content (some of these kids are as young as 12 years old, which is gross, I know).

It's important to recognize that parenting is a serious responsibility because children will eventually become the adults who shape the future. We need them to grow up to be people who can help change the world for the better. Think about it: if we raise more kids like Danielle Bregoli and Malu Trevejo, we're going to have some serious issues as a society.

Be more classy

I'd appreciate my country more if it had a bit more class. I understand it's a free land, but seriously, show some culture and refinement. Again, I'm not saying all Americans lack class - just some.

Yeah! More feeling! More heart! Less fake fashion!

Obey the law
Try to help others out

This is important because it improves how we present ourselves as a society. Helping others with certain issues or providing them with important information - like this list of tips - is a good way to contribute. Just saying.

Expecting everyone to be altruistic is unrealistic, and forcing altruism is unfair. Charity is wonderful, but it shouldn't be a permanent solution. It's better to teach people how to help themselves and change their own circumstances.

Learn as much as you can

Note: I'm not saying that all Americans are uneducated in areas like politics, science, or history, but I included this because I think it applies to everyone, not just Americans. We all need to learn more if we want to take meaningful action. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier for us to learn quickly. Still, we shouldn't forget to pick up a good book every now and then.

Don't be homophobic

Yes, this is a big issue. America is a free country. We love who we want, and we are who we are. We can't help that, and it's not our fault. You shouldn't get mad or be disgusted about that.

Take responsibility for yourself
Eat healthy

This doesn't apply only to Americans but to people everywhere. The U.S. already carries the stereotype of being fat and lazy, and we definitely don't want to keep reinforcing that image. If we want to live longer, we need to eventually give up processed foods.

The fast food industry would collapse because of this sudden change, of course. You can't put healthy and American in the same sentence.

Yes, sometimes they should cut down on fast food and chips, and get some veggies and fresh meat in their diet. That should help them.

The Newcomers

? Keep opinions to yourself
? Be nice to people
The Contenders
Do not litter

I'm American, and I hate finding trash on the ground because someone was too lazy to take it to a garbage or recycling bin. How hard is it to walk over and throw your trash away properly?

This is really important. We need to protect our environment, and it's not that difficult. Just recycle your empty bottles and cans instead of littering. Besides, littering is illegal.

They are talking crap about the Chinese for this, all while they litter. Stop being hypocritical!

Don't murder people

Yes, definitely. There are two types of murderers: serial killers and spree killers.

Do not reinforce bad stereotypes

I'm not saying Americans actively reinforce stereotypes (what kind of messed-up person would do that, anyway?), but I put this here because it's always worth reminding people. We should never encourage negative stereotypes about any group of people. It's wrong, and it makes us look worse as a culture.

Be a good sport
Don't abuse animals
Don't be racist or sexist
Don't smoke
Be smart with your money
Be charitable
Don't obsess over celebrities

One thing I've noticed about Americans is that they obsess over certain celebrities way too much. Honestly, what's the point? To me, it seems like an invasion of privacy. Plus, you don't owe your favorite celebrities anything - they don't even know you in real life. So, why follow them obsessively?

I think it's okay to admire people like Stephen Hawking or Martin Luther King Jr. because they accomplished incredible things. But having someone like Logan Paul or Tyler Joseph as your idol? That's, in my opinion, kind of lame.

Don't be addicted to the internet

There's more to life than the internet. Go outside and do something more productive.

Care about America more than any other country

Indeed, you must take care of yourself first before you can take care of others.

Unless you are a Native American, your ancestors are from another country.

Don't sexually harass people
Don't drink too much alcohol
Vote

Get involved in the political process. Let your voice be heard.

Even if it's an unimportant election or you don't know much about the candidates, study up on them and decide who and what you support. Don't think that your vote doesn't count, because it absolutely does.

No vote = a vote against everybody. There needs to be a high voter turnout rate for the results to really reflect the opinion of the American public.

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