What Does It Mean to an American?

What does it mean to be an American? That is a question that is frequently asked these days. To me, being American means being free. These days, just living here, no matter how long you have, and paid your taxes, and created a life, does not equate to being an American in this administration’s eyes.

We are an incredibly diverse country, and that is the beauty of this country. People come here for a better life, as they always have from the beginning of this country’s roots.

People also ask, ‘Are you a New Yorker?’ People come to the city and after one day, know that this is what they have always been looking for, and immediately consider themselves New Yorkers. I have seen the same thing in San Francisco’s tech community. Many people come to SF and, for the first time, find themselves in a place where they finally feel at home, particularly in the tech industry.

The other night, I met Fred at Adda, which just reopened in the East Village (fyi – it is fantastic). I stopped by Gotham to say hi and catch up with everyone. One of the women who works there was taking a break and asked if I wanted to smoke, and she would walk with me to dinner. Of course, I took her up on that. She is lovely person with a good soul. She grew up in multiple homes as a foster kid. She could have ended up in a very different place. She loves working at Gotham and the opportunity, and we feel the same about her.

As we talked, she praised me for what we have built and loves watching. I said that one day she might have children who can go on to do precisely what I have done. I have seen that with two women who have worked for us for decades in our homes. Their children have gone on to be lawyers, accountants, and social therapists. That is inspiring. Isn’t that what America is about?

I came from an upper-middle-class Jewish family that got divorced, and money was scarce. Fred came from a military family, but here we are. Hard work and drive have changed our lives and the lives of our families.

I applaud every person who has found a way to come to America and create a better life for themselves and their families. Is that what being an American is? When did we become a country that stopped embracing and respecting everyone who works hard, pays their taxes, and tries to make a good life here? I don’t get it.