Word, Rituals and Symbols

This is an essay that describes how words, symbols, and rituals really express our American Creed.

By Makenna B. and Isabella N. from Hazen Middle School in North Dakota

How do words, symbols, and rituals express the American Creed? We Americans let our

differences pull us apart, but our differences are what make us American. We express these differences though our words, symbols, and rituals.

Either hateful or kind, words express our American Creed. Our words can describe exactly where we are from or where we have been. Our choice of words can easily tell if we are from the South, North or some tropical island. Ardre Segovia said, “The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different color, a different voice”. A diversity of words are what make us truly American.

There’s nothing better than a Diet Coke, and a hotdog on the Fourth of July. When I picture America, I see, a baseball game, and the good ole American food. These are symbols that make up America.

When I look at America, I don’t feel there are only a few American rituals, for we all celebrate in our own way. What makes us American are our differences in our rituals; we should share them with each other. However, I do feel that reciting the National Anthem is something all Americans must do.

In closing, our differences in our use of words, symbols, and rituals express each individuals’ American Creed. Although, we must share these differences in order to become united. Stephen Covey spoke these words, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities." 

Hazen Middle School

Hazen Middle School

Seventh Grade English

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