De Crevecoeur's "What is an American" - current version

Everyone wishes they could sympathize with what an Englishman thinks upon entering the the mainland of the United States for the first time. Regardless of his intentions to visit the country, it is only fitting that their thoughts upon their arrival would be that they've entered the land of freedom, independence, justice, honor, and prosperity. Even if they don't know us, everyone often sees America as a country of such and only such. However, what outsiders do not see is even more shocking; between every injustice, there exists poverty, crime, domestic abuse, and taking freedom for granted. More than ever now, people blur the lines of freedom to the point where it is largely unknown what true freedom is these days. Despite this, America itself does not stop portraying itself in its own ideal image. Together, for the most part, we stand as a nation fighting for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do our best to help others and bring to justice those in oppression toward us. Often times, we are more compassionate than the world makes us out to be.