TheaterFire

Who do you consider the most “quintessentially American” American?

Posted by Crafty_Letter_1719@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 314 comments

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314 Comments

Ram_Sandwich@reddit

Hot dogs baseball Chevrolet and apple pie (I'm joking obviously)
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Embarrassed_Tackle_5@reddit

Al Bundy
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GotMiIk@reddit

Hunter S. Thompson
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TheBimpo@reddit

Ted Williams took 4-5 years off from being the best goddamn hitter in the history of the world to go be the best pilot in the goddamn world and then retired to become the best fisherman in the goddamn world. He also swore *a lot.* So, Ted Williams.
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SameOldDog@reddit

Typical American … ‘best in the world’? Does that include all of New York state or just NYC?
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ndhera@reddit

I know this is probably satire, but it's hurts me to my soul to insinuate that Teddy Ballgame played for a New York team.
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pixel-beast@reddit

“Teddy fucking Williams knocks it out of the pahk. Fenway Pahks on their feet for Teddy fucking ballgame. He went yahd on that one, onto fucking landsdowne street” ~ The Bear Jew
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SameOldDog@reddit

That is the best response I have seen for awhile. 40 points to Gryffindor
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Brownoutaccount@reddit

Also, a wide beater and a deplorable human being
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ballrus_walsack@reddit

Yer goddam right.
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Groundbreaking-Put73@reddit

I can’t answer that in food or accent, but to me, it’s American to always strive to accept others (tho we are people and totally fail a lot), to desire more for the next generation, to fiercely believe in the individual and to be bold to the point of toeing foolishness. It’s an ideal. A belief and a commitment to working toward a “more perfect union”. Not a good or accent or skin color.
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pf_burner_acct@reddit

George Washington * He was from somewhere else * He adopted the new land as his home * He fought for it * He was an influential figure in the formative years * He voluntarily stepped down from the presidency, gave up tremendous power despite popular support for him to remain in power, and even rebuffed the notion among disgruntled military officers that he should become the literal King of America. * He was a true believer in the republican form of government (Simmer down Reddit. I said [republican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic), not [Republican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States))).
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butt_honcho@reddit

Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt have both already been taken, so I'm going to go a bit off the beaten path and say Jimmy Stewart.
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ChillWinston22@reddit

Teddy Roosevelt
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Ursus_the_Grim@reddit

Seriously. 1. Epitome of rugged individualism. 2. Rough Rider 3. Took on corporate monopolies. 4. Native New Yorker. 5. Established the national parks. Most American of all. . . he got shot.
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coastiestacie@reddit

And, he hated us indigenous folks, so yeah, that's pretty American.
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butt_honcho@reddit

And Italians, but I like him anyway.
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TwoPercentCherry@reddit

While yes he was racist, for him it was much more benevolent racism and condescension. He was much more accepting than the vast majority of his time, and while we can't just ignore that racism, and it's one of the bigger stains on his legacy, when looking at him in his time he was fairly progressive about natives
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ChillWinston22@reddit

Right!? I really did mean him for the way that he has embodied some of our best and worst traits. I certainly wouldn’t recommend “rugged individualism,” but it is quintessentially “American”. Ditto his views of the natural world.
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Ursus_the_Grim@reddit

Yeah, there's a lot that I like about him, but that's a pretty big problem. I think the Museum of Natural History did a really good job handling the controversy over his statue. I support him as being quintessentially American, I'm not nominating him for a 'good person' award, to be clear.
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Mysteryman64@reddit

I feel like that was basically a constant until at least Nixon.
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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

You’re not wrong, and I’m sorry
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AfterMeSluttyCharms@reddit

And he was born a sickly and weak asthmatic child, and took up weightlifting to build himself up into the robust figure we're all familiar with. I feel like that resonates a lot with traditional American idealism.
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ClutchReverie@reddit

>Most American of all. . . he got shot. He didn't let that stop him from giving his speech either
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WolfPlooskin@reddit

He got shot halfway through a speech and finished the bully speech.
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JakeTheKat00@reddit

No, he got shot before the speech, announced it to his audience that he had been shot, and then gave the speech for longer than was planned.
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Rvtrance@reddit

Bully! Hurumph.
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lameelani@reddit

Came here to say our homeboy Teddy.
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camohunter19@reddit

Came here to say this.
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FiveGuysisBest@reddit

Absolutely. This is the answer.
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Pristine_Society_583@reddit

Thomas Jefferson or Ben Franklin
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MeatyUrologist505@reddit

Danny DeVito.
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psychgirl88@reddit

Love seeing a New Jerseyan making the list!
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psychgirl88@reddit

I’m a little bias right now but Indiana Jones (we’re including fictional right?). Just an otherwise regular, bumbling guy using his wits and strength to do extraordinary things for love, fortune and glory.
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scarlettohara1936@reddit

JFK. Imagine where we would be if he hadn't been killed and we didn't enter the Vietnam war. How all those people who are killed in action could have contributed to our country.
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icorrectotherpeople@reddit

Imagine being named after an airport
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AquaCorpsman@reddit

JFK sent the first Americans to Vietnam my friend.
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rekuliam6942@reddit

The things he would have done, it would have been absolutely amazing
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icorrectotherpeople@reddit

Tim Dillon
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Ulpian02@reddit

Abraham Lincoln, I literally have a photograph of him in my living room
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pirawalla22@reddit

I am a little uncomfortable with calling Hitler the "quintessential German." What do you think quintessential actually means? Even during WWII I doubt Hitler represented "the most perfect or typical example" of a German person. Quintessential is also not "most famous" nor is it "first name that comes into your head."
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Crafty_Letter_1719@reddit (OP)

That’s somewhat the point of the post. I pointed out that Germany is probably now one of the most progressive nations on the planet but most foreigners will still immediately think of Hitler(who wasn’t even German) above anybody else. Unfortunately I very much doubt most American’s could pick Angela Merkel out of a picture line up…or even know who she is for that matter. In Europe the “quintessential” positive German figure these days is probably Jurgen Klopp but again I doubt 90 percent of American’s know who he is. What’s fascinating about a question like this is that there is almost always a big difference between how natives view there country and how the rest of the world views it. It’s telling that so far nobody replying to this question has mentioned Donald Trump-yet I would hazard he would come at the very top of just about every none American answering the same question. In terms of the rest of the world he very much is the “quintessential American”. He’s brash. He’s combative. He’s arrogant. He exemplifies greed, excess, capitalism but also drive, ambition and success. He’s somewhat of a benign authoritarian figure rather than a dictator. Narcissistic, self interested and amoral rather than out and out evil. Most importantly though he is exceptionally entertaining and people can’t help to be captivated by him regardless of whether they are a fan or not. This is of course not a good representation of how most Americans see America but it’s a pretty accurate one of how much of the outside world views America.
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Callmebynotmyname@reddit

>Narcissistic, self interested and amoral This is not representative of most Americans or American ideals.
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Crafty_Letter_1719@reddit (OP)

Who said it was? I’m simply highlighting the differences between how most nations view themselves internally and how they are viewed externally. The question wasn’t who best represents an idealised version of America but rather who is the “quintessential American”. How somebody answers this is obviously going to be dependent on how somebody views America as a stereotype. Trump-for better or worse-is definitely the go to American stereotype for many people outside of the States.
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Callmebynotmyname@reddit

Well the question was posed in AskAnAmerican so the opinion of those outside the United States is irrelevant
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Crafty_Letter_1719@reddit (OP)

I love the irony of this comment
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Callmebynotmyname@reddit

It's not wrong
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pirawalla22@reddit

As I said, the dictionary definition of "quintessential" is *not* "what people immediately think of." It is the "most perfect, typical example" of something. These are rather different categories. I suppose an argument could be made that Donald Trump is the quintessential loud, ignorant American but most people in America don't think of volume and ignorance as our most salient qualities as a nation. Much as I don't think most people in Germany think of whatever Hitler represents as the most salient qualities of that nation.
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deuceice@reddit

Actually, Donald Trump was my second answer.
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OkRelationship1984@reddit

I’m kind of flabbergasted that you’re the only one who has mentioned this at the time of writing. Like he may be linked to Germany for pretty much all time but considering him a “quintessential” German is such an insult to Germans! Not that I could think of an example tbf. The first German I thought of was Angela Merkel.
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Responsible_Candle86@reddit

I always think of Einstein. Yes he moved away but he was born German and I think of him as German. I can't fathom thinking of Hitler in any way at all other than an evil mentally ill human. He would have been evil anywhere.
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SHITSTORMofBAPHOMETS@reddit

the quintessential german is [heino](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRwQakt-ReM) whenever i meat a german and they are not pretty much exactly like heino i am stunned for a moment but that has only happened twice all the other germans i met were like heino without the mighty voice
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Malcolm_Y@reddit

Not to mention that he was Austrian.
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eeeabr@reddit

My neighbor who has a super thick southern accent and talks like a cowboy, is super country and shoots a fuckton of guns/hj
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cosmicloafer@reddit

George Washington, he was like, one of the first ones.
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Malcolm_Y@reddit

That guy wasn't even born in the United States though.
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BitNorthOfForty@reddit

George Washington was born in Virginia and died in Virginia.
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Malcolm_Y@reddit

It was a joke man, there was no "United States" when he was born.
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BitNorthOfForty@reddit

Haha, yes, I read too quickly! 😊😂
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rekuliam6942@reddit

Yeah because there was no United States at the time
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ballrus_walsack@reddit

How was he eligible to be president‽?‽?!
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rekuliam6942@reddit

There was no here to be born from during that time so that didn’t apply
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Malcolm_Y@reddit

Mail in ballots or something with chads probably.
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Gephartnoah02@reddit

Neither are immigrants, but Ive met plenty who are proud to be american after coming over.
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Callmebynotmyname@reddit

I kind of agree. Mostly because I cannot think of another man/person who when given three opportunity to be king would say no.
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drtoboggon@reddit

Ah you’re part of the GW Birther movement
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ThrowawayReddit5858@reddit

Harriet Tubman
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urmyheartBeatStopR@reddit

Jean. I'm really into jean and americana/workwear fashion. We got fancy work boots too like red wing and pacific north west style boots.
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chileheadd@reddit

[Audie Murphy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audie_Murphy). War hero (won every medal for valor including the MOH), actor, and songwriter.
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OhThrowed@reddit

Ron Swanson.
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BenGrahamButler@reddit

That’s funny as I came here to say that
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JerichoMassey@reddit

Cory Matthews
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rekuliam6942@reddit

What?
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FrznFenix2020@reddit

It's definitely Ron Swanson.
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HolmeonSpaulding@reddit

Isnt he like a man-child that says he hates the government spending tax payer dollars but works there, hypocritically, and sees how much he can NOT work, wasting tax payer dollars?
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OhThrowed@reddit

He's also fictional, so I can ascribe any number of positive aspects to him and say, 'but they didn't show that on screen."
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unix_enjoyer305@reddit

My spirit animal
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Previous-Novel-2616@reddit

Johnny Cash.
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100k_2020@reddit

The African Americans -- All they know is America. And also they were the only group of people that weren't naturally here or didn't come here in search of "freedom". They were brought here and grew to be symbol and embodiment of the ethos of the nation - "All men are created Equal". The country almost crumbled due to the reaction of their presence.
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BluBerryPopTarts@reddit

Dolly Parton or Teddy Roosevelt!
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CrimpysWings@reddit

Probably Elvis. Stole somebody else's thing. Parlayed that into a movie career, and honorary law enforcement title. Had Las Vegas residency, and then ate, drank, and drugged himself to an early death on the toilet.
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GotWheaten@reddit

Benjamin Franklin
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ucbiker@reddit

Mark Twain
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SkyPork@reddit

Oh shit, this is it! That's perfect. And non-political, which is nice. *Six* upvotes for you, sir.
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Responsible_Candle86@reddit

I immediately thought of Mark Twain and Ben Franklin.
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spartikle@reddit

I posted a long list but Mark Twain takes the cake.
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ArsenalinAlabama3428@reddit

As soon as I read the question his name came to mind. Had to be ole Sam Clemens.
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brlftzday@reddit

The only best answer
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nogueydude@reddit

I want to say Davy Crockett because he is from Tennessee, but it's Mark Twain.
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mortomr@reddit

Yep immediately where my mind went too
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Gertrude_D@reddit

I mean, yep. Was my answer as well.
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Poppycake1903@reddit

Dolly Parton!
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the_sex_files@reddit

From a non-American perspective this is the one that resonates the most
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DazzleMeAlready@reddit

Let’s hear it for the women! Amelia Earhart Michelle Obama Eleanor Rosevelt Susan B. Anthony Sacajawea Oprah Winfrey Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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DazzleMeAlready@reddit

Tom Hanks Only in America could his talent have blossomed into the incredible career he’s had. And he’s such a thoughtful, kind and respectful person to everyone.
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RainbowCrown71@reddit

Christian Bale
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Engelond@reddit

He's Welsh
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RainbowCrown71@reddit

He’s been a US citizen since 2014, so it counts now
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KitBearington@reddit

Obama
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BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit

Me
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Bonnieearnold@reddit

Ha! I said me, too! Solidarity to the me(s). ✊
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coastiestacie@reddit

As a fellow Oregonian, how do you get that little flair under your name?
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Bonnieearnold@reddit

Go to the home page for r/askanAmerican and click the three dots in the upper right corner. Select “add user flair” and it will give you a choice of states.
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coastiestacie@reddit

Thank you so much!
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Bonnieearnold@reddit

Glad to see it worked!
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Intestinal-Bookworms@reddit

Dolly Parton. She’s a literal rags-to-riches story and I feel tries to espouse the good aspects of America that bring us together like kindness, generosity, and remembering that no matter your roots we’re all supposed to be in this together.
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savvylikeapirate@reddit

This is weird and personal, but my great-grandfather. He grew up very poor in the Great Depression in the woods of Arkansas. He hunted to feed his family, and his greatest happiness was in raising dogs. His father was a traveling Pentacostal music minister (who was a shit person). During WW2, he joined the Navy and was part of the Sea Bees, the engineering and construction corps. We don't know a lot about what his service was like, but we know his unit was left behind a Guadalcanal to build a base. We know that he kept his unit fed because the one thing Arkansas and the South Pacific have in common is an abundance of wild pigs, which he was an expert at hunting. He returned to raise two daughters. He worked at a furniture factory and raised a massive garden. He'd leave 5 gallon buckets of tomatoes on his neighbors' doorsteps without saying a word. Because "that's just what you do." He died at 97 years old after surviving heart attacks, diabetes, and a staph infection. His funeral was the exact way he wanted, "No flowers, no party. Just 10 minutes at the graveside." He had the full military honors at his funeral, including the 21 gun salute, taps, and folded flag. Rest well, Pepaw.
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TheFossil666@reddit

George Washington
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JoseAstray@reddit

Donald Trump
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the_real_JFK_killer@reddit

That kid at the USA-Mexico soccer match who took off his Mexican flag headband and put on a US flag one as soon as the US scored the first goal.
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JerichoMassey@reddit

Followed by the baseball player who saved the flag
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giant_lebowski@reddit

Rick Monday
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digit4lmind@reddit

It also helped that the goal was scored by a Mexican-American
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didntcondawnthat@reddit

Haha! Americans do love to identify as winners.
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lavasca@reddit

I must know more! Is there a video clip, please?
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ArsenalinAlabama3428@reddit

I’m sure it’s somewhere. Happened during the Gold Cup match around June I believe.
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heyheythrowitaway@reddit

[Here it is.](https://the18.com/en/soccer-entertainment/mexico-headband-kid-celebrates-ricardo-pepi-goal) He does take the Mexico headband off, but kisses his USA shirt.
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DueYogurt9@reddit

Denzel Washington
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worrymon@reddit

Davey Crockett. He killed him a baar when he was only three.
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justdisa@reddit

Benjamin Franklin.
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theeCrawlingChaos@reddit

He was basically French
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Open-Secretary5065@reddit

Mr krabs
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Mysteryman64@reddit

Arnold Schwarzenegger is definitely up there.
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Wadsworth_McStumpy@reddit

George Washington. First, he crossed a frozen river to kill the enemy in their beds on Christmas morning. Americans don't mess around when we're at war. Next, though, after winning the war, he had the chance to be king of America and he said no. Kings suck. He'd be President, and he'd do it twice, but after that, it was somebody else's turn. Nothing more American than that.
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artonion@reddit

I’m not American, so I shouldn’t comment on this, but for me Hunter S. Thompson embodies not only everything American but also sum up the characteristics of many of the names mentioned in this thread
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TakeOffYourMask@reddit

Oh dear
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artonion@reddit

I mean this in the most affectionate way. We all have our national heroes, our founding fathers, ours poets and painters, but nowhere on gods great earth, except in your country, will you find someone like him.
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ThisOnesforYouMorph@reddit

This American supports your answer and your reasoning.
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yukoncornelius270@reddit

That video of him getting in a gunfight with his neighbor up in the mountains of Colorado is one of the funniest things I've ever seen. "In Democracy you've got to be a player... This isn't a bunch of used car dealers from Southern California" https://youtu.be/NHeSC_Ws5Ic?si=-fIzq7c_Z0ZBIIw4
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artonion@reddit

Haha is that a fucking Luger? If this clip isn’t freedom I don’t know what is
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rekuliam6942@reddit

Everyone only hates on California because they know we’re much better than everyone else
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let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit

Freak vote
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Sorry_Nobody1552@reddit

Its so American tho....
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coastiestacie@reddit

Oh my. I didn't even think about this one, but yeah, he is pretty on point. Although, I still agree that Johnny Cash is probably the best example.
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tippitytopbop@reddit

Jim Thorpe
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PedroGoesPlaces@reddit

Abraham Lincoln
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NadhqReduktaz@reddit

As a non-american this was the first one that came to my mind
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Warm_Gur8832@reddit

The Rock.
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SeeTheSounds@reddit

First thought? Teddy Roosevelt, JFK, and Eisenhower The more I think on it I think of W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, etc and I really feel that the experience of a black person in America being both black and an American is wholly unique (only Native Americans could possibly relate) and as a whole representative of true America.
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Or0b0ur0s@reddit

Fred Rogers. You heard me. Everything America was supposed to stand for, from Minute 1, he exemplifies. We have a long way to go to get there, but his example is the one that matches our nation's soul, it's best destiny, the most. We need a hundred million more like him.
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SnooMemesjellies1083@reddit

TR
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DaneLimmish@reddit

Arnold Schwarzenegger, by and large
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SameOldDog@reddit

Donald Trump. He’s unbelievably arrogant, thinks he is the best thing thats ever happened in the entire history of mankind, is completely clueless about the rest of the world and thinks he is right about everything without having a clue about any of the facts. I won’t even mention his hair. That’s the “ugly American” that gets all the attention. Want a nice version? Mr. Rogers.
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Kindly_Equipment_241@reddit

It's super interesting to me that almost all of the answers are male.
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JuicyApple2023@reddit

President Jimmy Carter
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GravityPools@reddit

I like your answer, but he's more of the quintessential EXEMPLARY American. He's just a better human than the vast majority of Americans. Can you imagine how awesome the US would be if the average American had a bit of his work ethic and compassion and intelligence? Wow Now I'm sad.
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Criseist@reddit

Johnny Cash is who immediately comes to mind for me.
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brache07@reddit

The popular answer? JFK or MLK (note how we all use these acronyms, and you will not meet an American who does not know who they are referring to. Pretty dead giveaway). From a pop culture perspective: John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. Maybe Dolly Parton (she rocks). My answers: Alexander Hamilton, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Harriet Tubman
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coastiestacie@reddit

John Wayne & Clint Eastwood? Nah. Not even close. Both two racist PoS's.
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brache07@reddit

The post didn't say least racist American, just quintessentially American. I can't rhink of two more quiantessenitally American characters pop culture icons. And every American knows their names. And I hate to burst your bubble, but racism is pretty quintessentially American. Notice that they weren't my picks, just my guess of what the overall culture would say. With so many baby boomers still kicking, these two are probably still up there on that list. Read the post correctly next time.
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WinterBourne25@reddit

Genuine question: Is it disrespectful for you to refer to Ali as Cassius Clay since he chose to go by Muhammad Ali?
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brache07@reddit

I don't think the average American cares. Really, only Ali's family and those close to them would probably care. And also people who choose weird hills to die on, I suppose. So no.
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WinterBourne25@reddit

Thanks for the reply… and the downvote.
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brache07@reddit

I didn't downvote you
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BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit

Muhammed Ali*
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brache07@reddit

Not who I'm talking about. This man is way more impressive than Ali [Cassius Marcellus Clay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassius_Marcellus_Clay_(politician))
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BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit

Ahh. They have the same exact name. I'd trust Ali's interpretation of the man he's named after, though.
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brache07@reddit

Ali was rebelling against the family name because it was passed down from slavery. Marcellus was an abolitionist if you read the wiki article. Wiki: "Herman Heaton Clay, a descendant of African-American slaves, named his son Cassius Marcellus Clay, who was born nine years after the death of the emancipationist, in tribute to him.[21][22] This Cassius Clay gave his own son the same name, Cassius M. Clay Jr., a world heavyweight champion boxer who gained international renown and changed his name to Muhammad Ali after his conversion to Islam.[23][24] After Ali converted to Islam he said his earlier name was a "slave name" and added that "I didn't choose it and I don't want it." He further asserted in his autobiography that while Clay may have gotten rid of his slaves, he "held on to white supremacy." This led Ali to conclude: "Why should I keep my white slavemaster's name visible and my black ancestors invisible, unknown, unhonored?"[25][26][27]"
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MUHerdAlum703@reddit

Hulk Hogan he's a real American
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Alert_Delay_2074@reddit

I’m a fan of John Brown. He was all about freedom, kind of a Jesus freak, and VERY into violence. If that’s not quintessentially American, I don’t know what is.
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rekuliam6942@reddit

That’s kinda sad though
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Alert_Delay_2074@reddit

America is a complicated place with positive and negative sides. John Brown is much the same. He was a violent man and a religious fundamentalist, but he was also one of America’s leading abolitionists, fighting a personal crusade against slavery. In the same way, there are some awful aspects of America and there are some things that make America unique and wonderful. That’s just how things are, and I imagine it’s the same in other countries too.
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DrBlowtorch@reddit

He’s a true American hero
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rhetoricaldeadass@reddit

Omg this is actually spot on
View on Reddit #8550663

Kielbasa_Nunchucka@reddit

Lou Gehrig comes to mind, and Jimmy Stuart too
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cchoffman@reddit

Obviously the answer is Clark Griswald
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didntcondawnthat@reddit

Oh, Sparky!
View on Reddit #8575481

Ralph728@reddit

If we are going with celebrity/actor types, I have to say Clint Eastwood.
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redirishlad@reddit

It has to be Donald Trump. Loud, brash and stupid yet overly confident that they are always right
View on Reddit #8574675

shibby3388@reddit

Michael Jordan.
View on Reddit #8544408

AltLawyer@reddit

Wildly skilled cocky degenerate gambler?
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henryiba@reddit

I see we still have angry Knicks fans out there.
View on Reddit #8571107

AltLawyer@reddit

The Knicks have fans?
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ColossusOfChoads@reddit

Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in 'Predator.'
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geezer27@reddit

Tarzan, definitely Tarzan!
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cool_weed_dad@reddit

Honestly, Donald Trump. 80’s famous businessman turned celebrity who against all odds became president by being a blowhard asshole. I don’t like the guy or think he was a good president, but he’s everything America actually stands for condensed into one man.
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henryiba@reddit

Barack Obama
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DunkinRadio@reddit

Do adopted Americans count? If so, then it's Schwarzenegger.
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rekuliam6942@reddit

Then how about John Lennon?
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HoboDrunk91@reddit

To me Schwarzenegger is super Americana. Growing up he was THE American action hero
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KiaraNarayan1997@reddit

If so, then Darren Hayes and Keith Urban
View on Reddit #8554812

RonA-a@reddit

Oliver Anthony
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Azure_Jet@reddit

Gotta be Bruce Springsteen.
View on Reddit #8569135

Moscowmule21@reddit

John Wayne
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Groundbreaking-Put73@reddit

I don’t think there is an answer besides the optimistic, industrious spirit. My Lao-American bf (first generation US) is more “stereotypical” American then I am. My dads side came here 1700s and on my moms I’m a third generation American from Italy. I don’t think “American” can be defined in comparisons but that “American” means believing in the republic, believing in accepting others, believing in our lofty ideals. Of course we fall far short in many ways, even today. But it is the BELIEF and the WILLINGNESS to strive for those ideals that makes an American an American. Not an accident of birth, but a commitment to these ideals and the dedication to see them out to the best of your ability.
View on Reddit #8567822

zerofox2189@reddit

Guy Fieri
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Thechuckles79@reddit

Real person? The Railsplitter himself, Abraham Lincoln. Resolute, eloquent, full of conviction for doing the right thing over the easy thing. If you count fictional representations, look no further than the man voted the best hero/protagonist in American film and writing; Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird) Educated, but not elitist. The rabid dog scene tells one so much about him. One of the best shots in town, but not a violent man, but still acts to defend his home and family. He will speak out against injustice and fight for the innocent, remaining unbent when justice is denied in favor of hate.
View on Reddit #8567398

graphite_all_night@reddit

Matthew McConaughey.
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DSPGerm@reddit

Barak Obama. His father was an immigrant which ties to our collective origin story as well as a large swath of people here today. He overcame difficult circumstances to become president. Studied political science with a specialty in international studies and English, again tying to the melting pot aspect as well our language. Worked as a community organizer, studied the laws of the country that governs us. Worked as a civil rights attorney defending Americans and their very American rights(idk people have said Americans are obsessed with the constitution and they’re kinda right). Worked his way through the American political system to become president. Dealt with very American racism before during and after his presidency. Pretty gracefully navigated some complicated situations(War on terror started by his predecessor, recovery of the 2008 financial crisis, taking out bin Laden, healthcare reform, climate change, etc). And at the end of it he walked away pretty much unscathed. World leaders enjoyed his time in office and working with us. People who worked in his cabinet or general sphere have all said he was a great guy. But he also made everyone feel like he was a normal guy. He quit smoking upon being elected president. He played basketball with NBA players. To me he’s probably the best example of what it means to American. He’s not perfect. There were certainly low points during his political career. But that also made him human.
View on Reddit #8567124

That-one_dude-trying@reddit

Chuck norris
View on Reddit #8566936

That-one_dude-trying@reddit

Guns, Big Macs, bro dozers
View on Reddit #8566917

Remember_Poseidon@reddit

Mankind the wrestler, embodies the spirit of the American people. everyone sees him as a joke, he's dirty, mentally unsound, and betrayed again and again by those he trusted but he just keeps constantly going out there night after night knowing that he is gonna get the shit kicked out of him but someone has to stand up to those corporate goons. That's why I think Mankind winning the championship was the realization of the hopes and dreams of a nation shown on screen. That and also the dude took like 11 steel chairs to the face in the span of 11 and a half minutes while back then the usual amount was 2 unguarded or 3 with their hands in the way.
View on Reddit #8566317

Wesperado@reddit

Colt 45. Gun or beer.
View on Reddit #8566081

Chunky__mayo@reddit

Cassius clay. The original. Not Muhammad Ali. He **HATED** slavery. Killed more racist assholes than you're ever likely to see.
View on Reddit #8547811

Colt1911-45@reddit

He was a bad mother fucker. Watch The Fat Electrician on YouTube. He does a great rundown on Cassius Clay.
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Chunky__mayo@reddit

That's where I learned it from.
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SomePaddy@reddit

I learned it by watching you!
View on Reddit #8565829

SomePaddy@reddit

Tom Hanks
View on Reddit #8565748

Earth-Enjoyer@reddit

Teddy Roosevelt. He's my second favorite President, only beaten by the guy who made the Presidency what it is.
View on Reddit #8565369

deuceice@reddit

Martin Luther King, Jr
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old_gold_mountain@reddit

Frederick Douglass
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RupesSax@reddit

Oh wait, I want to change my answer to this
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Awkward-Passage8447@reddit

This is the correct answer.
View on Reddit #8546706

RupesSax@reddit

The founding fathers, probably.
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Fluffy-Initial6605@reddit

Norman Rockwell
View on Reddit #8563722

IThinkUrAWampa@reddit

Clint Eastwood
View on Reddit #8563356

KevinLJ007@reddit

Chuck Norris
View on Reddit #8563210

Rvtrance@reddit

Willie Nelson
View on Reddit #8563185

SHITSTORMofBAPHOMETS@reddit

gord downey
View on Reddit #8563110

reverielagoon1208@reddit

Honestly? Trump. Obese, loud and selfish
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SHITSTORMofBAPHOMETS@reddit

i work in retail in north jersey its trump
View on Reddit #8562913

Kenderean@reddit

Sadly, I think this is correct. The other one who came to mind for me was Rosanne Barr. She and Trump aren't the people we show aspire to be as Americans, but I do think they're typical representations.
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Iola_Morton@reddit

And entitled as fuck
View on Reddit #8550449

reverielagoon1208@reddit

Forgot that one. People are going to be offended and downvote but in my 35 years of existence and being born and raised here that’s my general experience. Not to mention the racism (parents are from Egypt), and the exceptionalism
View on Reddit #8550503

Acceptable_Peen@reddit

Homer Simpson
View on Reddit #8544539

ThePevster@reddit

The Simpsons, especially in their early form, are a quintessential American family. The Flanders family before Maude died are a good example of the quintessential ideal American family.
View on Reddit #8562631

Few_Explanation_4697@reddit

Bob Belcher
View on Reddit #8562141

Far_Silver@reddit

Johnny Appleseed.
View on Reddit #8561585

cyrano72@reddit

Theodore Roosevelt.
View on Reddit #8561532

machuitzil@reddit

James Baldwin was the author we deserved. I would nominate him.
View on Reddit #8561475

lhmoore81@reddit

John Wayne
View on Reddit #8543995

NightLamplighter@reddit

Far from it. He wanted to physically attack the Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather, when she spoke on Marlon Brando's behalf over the treatment of her people in Hollywood at the 1973 Oscars. John Wayne had to be restrained by six security guards.
View on Reddit #8557931

coastiestacie@reddit

Anytime I see his name, all I can think of is Adam Beach in the movie Smoke Signals singing, "John Wayne's teeth... John Wayne's teeth. Are they fake? Are they real? Are they plastic? Are they steel?"
View on Reddit #8561460

coastiestacie@reddit

John Wayne was a piece of shit, loved by other pieces of shit.
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BostonBakedBees@reddit

I am not sure if you are using this positively or negatively.
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xxTigerxLilyxx@reddit

And he is racist, but that might consider a typically example of an American.
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Equivalent-Bend6628@reddit

Hap py thanks giv ing pil grumms!
View on Reddit #8545941

My_Name_Is_Drew@reddit

Here's an impression for ya. I'm John Wayne at the first Thanksgiving pilgrims. Happy Thanksgiving pilgrims!
View on Reddit #8553828

Makeitstopgoshdarnit@reddit

John Wayne wasn’t John Wayne.
View on Reddit #8552445

RyGuyStrong@reddit

Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt
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twiglet21@reddit

Charlie Brown
View on Reddit #8561103

13sully76@reddit

Johnny Cash
View on Reddit #8544778

coastiestacie@reddit

There's the answer I was looking for!!!
View on Reddit #8560974

RioTheLeoo@reddit

Sitting Bull. An indigenous American who resisted colonial occupation and his forces slew Custer I don’t think people outside the US would generally know him, but he’s pretty quintessential
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Bonnieearnold@reddit

Southerners get REAL spicy when you mention Sherman. Those emerfers are definitely holding a grudge.
View on Reddit #8560461

JerichoMassey@reddit

Sitting Bull and Sherman are odd choices when you consider how Sherman treated Native Americans following the civil war.
View on Reddit #8547926

MrRaspberryJam1@reddit

Danny Trejo
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rfm0n@reddit

This. I wish more people knew his story and how he turned his life around.
View on Reddit #8560322

TheVentiLebowski@reddit

Hank Hill.
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DOMSdeluise@reddit

I would say Garfield the Cat, followed by the guy who invented hot dogs
View on Reddit #8541642

KiaraNarayan1997@reddit

Oh if we don’t have to pick a real person, I would say Lightning McQueen
View on Reddit #8554774

Bonnieearnold@reddit

“Yer gonna fit right in in California!”
View on Reddit #8560253

ballrus_walsack@reddit

I….. am…… speed
View on Reddit #8555836

KiaraNarayan1997@reddit

Kachow!!!
View on Reddit #8557453

crunchboombang@reddit

Walt Flannigan
View on Reddit #8560232

Bonnieearnold@reddit

Me. I am the most American that I know.
View on Reddit #8560204

aroaceautistic@reddit

Joey chestnut
View on Reddit #8559849

JayFenty@reddit

Britney Spears
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pc2planker@reddit

Jerry Garcia
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lazybones812@reddit

Uncle Sam, that’s who I am, been hiding out in a rock and roll band.
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pk10534@reddit

Dolly Parton or Bruce Springsteen
View on Reddit #8542630

WolfPlooskin@reddit

Two of our funniest.
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WolfPlooskin@reddit

Smedley Butler, the war hero who was democracy’s bulwark against the failed Nazi coup against the United States government.
View on Reddit #8559256

AndStillShePersisted@reddit

Shirley Temple
View on Reddit #8559061

Gashi_The_Fangirl_75@reddit

My first thought was Captain America
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TemporaryFunny5351@reddit

Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller "We're surrounded. That simplifies our problem..." What an inspiration!
View on Reddit #8558500

Feralmedic@reddit

Teddy Roosevelt.
View on Reddit #8558430

One_Posh_Possum@reddit

Teddy Roosevelt
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Fritz37605@reddit

...Dolly Parton and U.S. Grant...
View on Reddit #8557560

buttonedgrain@reddit

Peter Griffin
View on Reddit #8557040

ToXiC_Games@reddit

Teddy Roosevelt. Conquered his asthma to be a great sportsman who challenged boxers to bouts in the whitehouse. Went out west to live the frontier life after being coddled in an affluent New York family. Became an amateur biologist and endeavoured on conservationism. Fought in one war, started politics, was too old to fight in another, so he payed to arm and train a regiment of men and fought in the Spanish American War, wining battle honor and glory. Got the VP in 01 and McKinley was assassinated, thus forcing him to the presidency. Broke up bad trusts and expanded the navy from one of self defense to a minor globe-spanning force. Enforced his conservationism by creating the national parks. Created the foundation for the FDA with the Pure Food and Drug Act. Oversaw a large depression in 07. Brokered peace between Japan and Russia. Oversaw the finalisation and opening of the Panama Canal. Probably could’ve gone for three successive terms but surrendered the race before it began “as a check against dictatorship”.
View on Reddit #8557021

spartikle@reddit

Apart from Mark Twain, I think of Davy Crockett and other pioneers. There continue to be American pioneers, just in different theaters of discovery and struggle.
View on Reddit #8556836

spartikle@reddit

Mark Twain, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett
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katCEO@reddit

NGL: I thought of these people in this order- Britney Spears, Obama, then Bill Clinton.
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evergladescowboy@reddit

John Wayne.
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breezybackwobble470@reddit

I think hes mainly been left out of the comments for the racism, is that an not american trait though? anyways since your comments further up, I'm going to name submit my entry, Lil Wayne. Rise to stardom, freedom, culture, trend setter, cool. Yep gotta be Lil Wayne
View on Reddit #8555930

breezybackwobble470@reddit

looking back at other comments it does seem people have mentioned lil wayne more than i had thought, whoops
View on Reddit #8556068

Elliott2030@reddit

Mark Twain Dolly Parton John Wayne Barack Obama and unfortunately Donald Trump I think most of my picks are relatively universal except the last one, but he's the quintessential "Ugly American" that European countries have been eye-rolling at for years and always has been.
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ArsenalinAlabama3428@reddit

John Wayne, or Marion Morrison as he was born, was a racist scumbag that doesn’t deserve to be glorified. I’m not saying people can’t enjoy his movies, but no American should aspire to be like that man.
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Elliott2030@reddit

I agree 100%, but he *is* very quintessentially American in a Crocodile Dundee kind of way. The large size, the looks, the swagger, the racism, the misogyny. Very much a caricature of America
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breezybackwobble470@reddit

I believe hitler was actually in fact an austrian....... to answer your question though, Lil Wayne!
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btinit@reddit

Walt Whitman
View on Reddit #8555266

cmkeller62@reddit

Johnny cash
View on Reddit #8555198

Reubocop4@reddit

Yosemite Sam
View on Reddit #8555035

Ok-Dish-17@reddit

Cesar Chavez
View on Reddit #8554770

Proof-Injury-8668@reddit

hulk hogan
View on Reddit #8547223

Useful_Situation_729@reddit

Dog the bounty hunter is also this flavor. And tiger king.
View on Reddit #8554438

klttenmittens@reddit

You got kids maniac?
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DPRKis4Lovers@reddit

Jimmy Stewart - actual war hero, superstar actor, lovable Everyman. Also in some of the best movies ever made with Capra and Hitchcock.
View on Reddit #8554214

KiaraNarayan1997@reddit

Carrie Underwood
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TakeOffYourMask@reddit

Names that leap to mind: Jimmy Stewart Teddy Roosevelt Henry Ford Abraham Lincoln John D. Rockefeller Jesse Owens The Wright Brothers Dwight Eisenhower
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sword_0f_damocles@reddit

Kendrick Lamar
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mylocker15@reddit

Walt Disney.
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Dragnil@reddit

Guy Fieri
View on Reddit #8552667

samurai_for_hire@reddit

Teddy Roosevelt or Davy Crockett
View on Reddit #8552360

Footwarrior@reddit

Will Rogers
View on Reddit #8542478

brlftzday@reddit

Ooh that’s my #2 after mark Twain
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Setting-Solid@reddit

Hear me out. Kid Rock. He’s who we are to the rest of the world. Maybe not him specifically but you know what I mean.
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DeeDeeW1313@reddit

It’s hard because America looks like so many people. I do think for now Dolly Parton. She’s very beloved.
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naliedel@reddit

Dolly Parton.
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blindedbycum@reddit

Arnold Schwarzenegger. Micheal Jordan/Jackson. Tina Turner. Dolly Parton. It's hard though, because America is incredibly diverse.
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Malcolm_Y@reddit

Will Rogers. He was a Cherokee who worked as a cowboy, got famous for his Western act in which he used jokes. Got more famous for the jokes, became a source of homespun wisdom and a movie star, still frequently quoted and referenced today, has a statue of him in the Capitol, and died in a plane crash with his friend Wiley Post, who was the first guy to fly solo across the Pacific.
View on Reddit #8550186

Zac_Anarumo@reddit

Clint Eastwood
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LusciousofBorg@reddit

I mean the typical answers of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson come to mind. But then I immediately think of people who questioned the status quo in our nation such as James Baldwin, Malcolm X, bell hooks, Angela Davis, Cesar Chavez and Corky Lee. The latter, to me, truly embody what an American is.
View on Reddit #8549414

azick545@reddit

Hulk hogan
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nastynate248@reddit

Kid Rock. Drunk, stupid, rich, and a hypocrite
View on Reddit #8549167

findingeros@reddit

Morgan Freeman
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JerichoMassey@reddit

Navajo Code Talkers
View on Reddit #8547801

Wingoffaith@reddit

Stone Cold Steve Austin’s character pretty much fits all American stereotypes except for fat. Rebel, is from the most American American state (Texas) and is kind of an asshole, but people somehow still cheer for him lol. I also think of Hulk Hogan, John Cena and Kurt Angle, most other answers in this post so far I find to be mid.
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greenflash1775@reddit

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the embodiment of the American dream.
View on Reddit #8546476

DisgruntledGoose27@reddit

Sheldon’s dad from young sheldon
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2aboveaverage@reddit

Rush Limbaugh
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Curmudgy@reddit

Archie Bunker. Yes, he’s fictional. Yes, he was flawed. But he also had heart.
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bassjam1@reddit

Chuck Norris.
View on Reddit #8543381

unix_enjoyer305@reddit

Jim Halpert is probably the most quintessential American at least per my experiences XD
View on Reddit #8543044

tenthinsight@reddit

Ernest Hemingway. Dude hunted German U boats for the fuck of it. Oh, and he wrote a couple books.
View on Reddit #8541988

GhostOfJamesStrang@reddit

To be fair, Hemingway hunting U-Boats was mostlu just a ploy to get the federal government to pay for his diesel fuel he burned while fishing for tuna in the Caribbean.
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tenthinsight@reddit

And he was probably wasted.
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Additional-Software4@reddit

Muhammad Ali Im not sure too many non Americans would necessarily would consider him a quintessential American. Maybe back in the 1970s
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Puzzleheaded_Time719@reddit

Dolly Parton or Gary Sinise, I think both embody what America advertises itself as (but isn't). They're generous, kind, supportive, tenacious and humble.
View on Reddit #8541863

msspider66@reddit

Great answer!!!!
View on Reddit #8541948

ChesterRockwell93@reddit

Rocky Balboa
View on Reddit #8541939

theAstroman@reddit

Steve McQueen
View on Reddit #8541914

AutoModerator@reddit

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View on Reddit #8541092