What is the idea of America?

Question

Bono, of the band U2, recently stated that "America is more than a country, it is an idea." What do you think the idea of America is?

Answer 1

Freedom fooo.

Answer 2

The idea of freedom. Choices.  

Answer 3

The "idea" behind America is pluralism... or... the notion that different people with different views can coexist peacefully in one nation without fear of oppression against their ideals and values.  It's mosque next to synagogue next to cathedral next to church.  It's black, white, hispanic, european, middle-eastern, asian, and others all calling one nation common ground.  It's the idea that we can teach other nations and cultures around the world that we can... and we will... turn the tide around on racism, bigotry, intolerance, indifference and oppression.  

What Bono is saying is that this nation is capable of showing the world how to eliminate poverty, bigotry and oppression.  I'm not sure he's 100% correct... if anything the current administration has seemingly gone out of its way to bully the rest of the planet into democracy.  But I admire his optimism and I admire his philosophy.

I think Bono is one of the many new radical Christian thinkers of this world who will hopefully off-set a new way of looking at our generation.  It's like Mahatma Gandhi says, "You must be the change that you want to see in the world."

Answer 4

No, it's not freedom, although it's most associated with that term. The "idea" of America is something more. Something better. It's a place where people go to possibly prosper and fulfill their life. It's an out when your state of mind is an in. The idea of America is a second chance. A chance to perhaps do more. Hollywood is to Americans as America is to other countries. It's the idea of hope.

-Later Gator-

Answer 5

Isn't Bono from Ireland? America stands for freedom and where dreams can come true. The American dream.