What about being American?  Not to say I’m not proud to be an American, but I feel as though many Americans are overcome with the feeling of being superior.  There are negative connotations that are thought of Americans, and there is a reason why these negative things are applied to the image of an American.  Firstly, Americans are seen as uneducated by other countries because of their lesser education.  I believe that as Americans, it is our job to be sure we are educated enough at least to speak with others about a variety of subjects.  Philosophy is important because the average American does not care about philosophy.  The average American, in fact, does not know what philosophy is.  I tried to explain to someone that philosophy is how you live your life; the thoughts that make up your living process; your views on literally everything.  She replied with, “philosophy is stupid.”  Unfortunately, many Americans are so overcome with the media, entertainment, and the acquiring of wealth that they dismiss the gaining of knowledge as something they have to do in order to get a good job.  To be the best human beings we can be, our job is to remain in a constant state of learning, and maintaining our mode of conscious, insightful thought.