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What does it mean to be an American in 2026?

June 24, 2026

The BBC conducted interviews with American citizens from diverse locations across the United States, including California, New York, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Washington DC, to explore contemporary American identity. This project was undertaken as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. The piece presents various perspectives on what it means to be American in the current era through video content featuring these citizens' responses.

Who is affected

  • US citizens across multiple states (California, New York, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Washington DC)
  • Americans approaching the country's 250th anniversary
  • BBC audience consuming content about American identity

What action is being taken

  • The BBC is asking US citizens about how they identify and what American identity means to them through filmed interviews across the country.

Why it matters

  • This exploration of American identity is significant because it captures diverse perspectives on national identity at a historically meaningful moment—the approach of the United States' 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial)—during a time when questions about American values, unity, and identity are particularly relevant to public discourse.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC