What is a modern American? I think there is no such thing as an American, because many people were not born in the United States, and have not lived here most of their lives. All of us have different roots from different places outside the U.S., although we may have been born here. It all depends on your own opinion if you're an American or not. You can call yourself an American if you want, but you might not have been born here or lived here very long. In America, you are free, and have the option of making a better living than anywhere else ....