interview with lyra

The speaker discusses what America means to them, mentioning freedom and individualism. They also highlight the diversity in American identity and how different beliefs can coexist. They feel most American during stereotypical holidays like the Fourth of July. When overwhelmed, they don't think much about being American. They mention the importance of being aware of 9/11 in U.S. history. Lastly, they talk about how their American and female identities shape their perspective on equality and discrimination. Okay, what does America mean to you? Um... Wait, so what is it asking though? Like, just like what does America mean to you? Okay, um, I guess it means having freedom and individualism and being able to be yourself. Whatever. Okay, how would you define American identity? Um, very diverse. I find it cool that, like, everybody can coexist under shared values and different beliefs and stuff. Okay. When do you feel most American? Um, I feel like it's kind of stereotyped to be most American during, like, Fourth of July and, like, American holidays. So that's probably when I would feel most American, during, like, stereotype holidays. And when do you feel least American? Um, I wouldn't say I necessarily don't not feel American, but when I'm definitely overwhelmed, I don't necessarily think about how I'm American and, yeah. Okay. What are some of your favorite or most important stories or lessons you would like to share about the U.S.? So that can be, like, personal or overarching. Um, like, you mean, like, historical things? Yeah, like it could be something historical, like a historical event that's, like, what's most important to you, or it could be, like, a personal story of, like, one time in a grocery store, you know. Okay. Um, you should re-ask the question. Okay, I got you. Um, what are some of your favorite or most important stories or lessons you would like to share about the U.S.? Um, I'd probably say, like, this isn't necessarily my favorite, but I think it's important to, like, not spread awareness, but be aware of, like, 9-11 and how, like, especially since it just happened and, like, how during the third plane crash that people took over the plane and made it not crash into the other tower. Um, so I think that's definitely important to recognize in U.S. history. Okay, and then the last question is, um, how has the intersectionality of your American identity and your other identities formed who you are today? Um, it's definitely been – wait, hang on. I feel like it's been easier than past years, like, way back in, like, the 1800s, like, when there wasn't equality between everyone. But – so it's definitely easier than then. Um, it shapes me, I guess, being American and being a woman, just to see how some people are, like, different towards other people or, like, fully equal. And discriminatory. Yeah, yeah. Okay, thank you.