Is This Really What It Means To Be American?

Is this really what it means to be American? 

To say: Only certain people can be who they are. 

To start wars. 

To cause pain. 

To put others beneath you. 

I don't want this to be what it means to be American. 

Do you remember the American dream? 

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Well. Now some of us don't get that American dream. 

We're pressed into boxes, told "this is where you belong." 

"Don't cross the line." 

Is this what it means to be American? 

To say: No. 

To pretend to be someone we're not. 

To be horrible to people who are brave enough to be themselves.

I don't want this to be what it means to be American.

We've betrayed our allies' trust.

We've sent bomb after bomb.

We've hurt millions of innocents, both mentally and physically.

Is this really what it means to be American?

Because if it is, I don't want to be American.