For July 4, San Franciscans share what it means to be American

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We began by asking people how they planned to celebrate the Fourth of July this year — or whether they would be celebrating it at all. 

That quickly unfolded into some deeper questions. What does it really mean to be American today?

The people we spoke to shared a wide range of perspectives, but one common thread emerged. For many, the United States is defined by its diversity: Of people, languages and cultures.

Here’s who we spoke to, and what they had to say.

Eileen Wampole

“I would hope that would mean the equal protection of the law, but it doesn’t seem to anymore,” said Eileen Wampole. 

Wampole continued, “My American dream is that we treat everybody equally and well, that we would learn to share things rather than compete and make each other feel insecure.” 

Blair C. 

“What makes America the country that it is, is the celebration of other cultures,” Blair said. 

“It’s a shame what I see in San Francisco, to be proud of the American flag. In a snarky and sardonic way. Tomorrow me and my friends are going to celebrate a bunch of different flags, not just the American flag.” 

Manal Ali

“I’m a child of immigrants. To be an American is disheartening. My tax dollars are funding genocide across the world, inhumane detention centers, ICE. I am not proud of it. By the will of God I hope to make a difference,” said Ali. 

“America did give my parents so much when they immigrated [here] back in the ‘80s and it’s given me so much. I’m grateful for everything it’s given me. But I don’t identify with what America stands for today,” she continued.  

DJ Squeak 

“Most Americans are really selfish and greedy, to me,” said Squeak. “A good American represents their home and what their culture is.” 

Alex Woods

“Anyone can identify as [American]. That’s what makes you an American; choosing that identity,” said Alex Woods, who described herself as American-born and United Kingdom-raised. 

“I think there is beauty in it,” Woods added. “But it’s also an identity that I don’t want to align myself with.”

Toya Shariff-Wynn

“If you are Black, Indigenous or of a Latino experience we are still not experiencing any kind of freedom, as we see with this regime going on right now,” said Shariff Wynn. “The closest thing to independence I celebrate is Juneteenth.” 

“What makes an American are people who read, that vote with a right mind, who have a conscience,” Wynn added. “People who are diverse. Who are inclusive.” 

Clio Sady and Stevie 

“I dread the Fourth of July, especially when we are living in this empire that is bombing and funding genocide in other places,” said Clio Sady. 

“In terms of what being an American means to me, it means being a part of a murderous genocidal death cult,” added Stevie.

Barbara Kastner 

“People from all over the world are Americans if they are here,” said Barbara Kastner. “They might be Chinese American or Mexican American but the noun is American. Everybody who is here is American.”