Answer:
Based on Joy Cho's overall message in her section of "American Like Me," the sentence "I knew I was American in theory, but I wanted to be American American" reflects her desire to fully embrace and embody the American identity.
Cho is expressing a longing to be recognized and accepted as not just someone who happens to be American, but as someone who truly embodies the core values, culture, and experiences associated with being American. In other words, she wants to be seen as a "real" American, fully integrated into the fabric of American society. This statement reflects her personal journey of seeking a sense of belonging and acceptance within her country of birth.
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