English Blog # 15

Immigration is nothing to new to America. Christopher Columbus discovered a land he thought to be “A New World” however; this land was not new in fact it was a land that had been settled on for many years. He documents his voyage saying that he found a group of people known as the Native Americans.  Ever since this time period people from all over the world began migrating to America. As I was reading this article I was reminded of one of our class discussion trying to define “What is an American?” In my opinion there is no clear answer to that question because America has become such diverse nation. For example, the TCU campus is a diverse setting. You can find a wide range of students from all over the world.

While America maybe a diverse nation I feel that America inequality still exists. Ms. Silko said, “While [she and her companion] were stopped, [they] watched as other vehicles whose occupants were white were waved through the checkpoint” (Border Patrol State).  Why are Ms.Silko and her companion being investigated? Had they done something illegal? The answer is even today citizens of America are still being discriminated against because of their skin color.

Ms. Silko describes an incident, “In El Paso, a high-school football coach driving a vanload of his players in full uniform was pulled over on the freeway and a Border Patrol agent put a cocked revolver to his head” (Border Patrol State). Interesting enough incidents such as these are common. Our nation has had a problem with inequality ever since the first settlers arrived. One example is the Native Americans who were originally settled in America they were forced out of their homes and into reservations. These Native Americans were forced to assimilate to the American culture. Another example would be the African Americans who oppressed for so many years. In today’s society Hispanics are suffering from discrimination. Our society today uses words like “alien” to describe immigrants. By using words like “alien” our society is dehumanizing other people.

Immigration can only help our nation not hurt it. Our nation is a land of immigrants. It would be boring if the people of America were all the same. Diversity allows for growth and understanding of the many cultures in the world.  

Bonus Blog # 3

Edith Eaton used the pen name Sui Sin Far as a way of asserting her Chinese identity. Her sister Winifred Eaton on the other hand used the pen name Onoto Watanna assuming a Japanese persona. Both Edith and Winifred assume these pen names to show their readers that they are not just American citizens but more importantly immigrants from other countries.

Mary Antin writes about her experience as an immigrant adjusting to the life of an American. Antin’s family began changing themselves in order to become American citizens.  In Antin’s “The Promise Land” she describes how her families “real names had no pleasing equivalents they ruthlessly discarded,” (The Promise Land, 491). Her family is forced to lose their identities in order to assimilate and become American citizens. Today it is different because diversity is celebrated not discouraged.

In comparison, Sui Sin Far gives readers a surprise twist in “In the Land of the Free”. After many nights Lae Choo is finally reunited with her son after being taken away. Surprisingly the boy is reluctant and clings on to the white woman. The boy tells his mother to go away because he seems to have forgotten her. I believe that this story can be seen as an allegory. The boy’s mother could represent his culture and the white woman could represent his new identity as an American.  And just like in Antin’s story the boy is forced to lose his identity and is forced to forget his culture.

In Onoto Watanna “A Half Caste” the characters are identified by their dialect. For example, Ki-Ku has a dialect that is different from other characters in the story. One example is when Ki-Ku says, “That’d you’ fadder!” Her white father responds by saying, “You must be mistaken!” It can be assumed that Watanna gave her characters are given different dialect in order to show the difference between a foreigner and an American.

These authors are able to show readers how the immigrants were forced to lose their identity in order to become American citizens. The authors all write about the life of an immigrant. The characters in each story deal with “double consciousness” as defined by DuBoise because they will always be Americans that emigrated from other countries.

English Blog # 14

 If I were a soldier in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s unit one of the tangible items that I would carry would be the religious charm that I wear around my neck. On the front of the charm is cross and on the back it says, “Fear not for I am with you”.  This charm is special to me because it was given to me by mother who has been my strongest supporter. Also, the religious charm would be a constant reminder that God is always with me even during battle and could inspire me when I have lost my will to continue on. 

Another tangible item that I would carry along with me would be pictures of my family and friends. The pictures would help remind me of the people I love. I would also carry along a Bible to read in order to stay connected with God.  I would bring my iPod and headphones.  Music is important because it can inspire people and can conjure up healthy emotions in a stressful time.

Because I am a soldier I would be required to carry certain tools such as a knife, a gun, and ammunition for protection. I would also wear a flak jacket. Another important tool that I would carry is a flashlight. Whenever I need to see in the dark I could use the flashlight.  I would also carry a water canteen in order to stay hydrated. Also, mosquito netting would be important to carry along. The netting would prevent any diseases that are contracted by a mosquitos bite.

Just as in “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien I would carry some intangible items too. One of those intangible items would be fear. I have always been fearful of fighting in a war and losing my life. The second intangible item would be the lives of the soldiers in my unit as well as my own. When you are in a unit you depend on one another for support and protection.

My hope is that these items would not get in the way of my mission as they did in the story. Because Lt. Cross was so concerned with Martha one of the soldiers in his unit lost their lives. Afterwards Lt. Cross carried around a guilty conscience. If I were a soldier in Lt.Cross’s unit I hope that I do not allow these items to get in the way of my mission.

English Blog # 13 Response to Danielle Hecker Blog # 13: To Achieve or Not to Achieve

Zitkala-Sa had the opportunity to partake in the American Dream. However, she makes it clear that it was not her choice. Zitkala-Sa says, “And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless,” (430).  It seems that Zitkala- Sa was unwilling to assimilate to the American way of life.

Throughout her time at White’s Manual Labor Institute Zitkala- Sa is forced to lose her identity as an Native American. One example is when Zitkala- Sa is forced to cut her hair. Zitkala-Sa explains how the importance of having long hair in the Native American culture. Zitkala- Sa says, “Our mother had taught us that only unskilled warrior who was captured had their hair shingled by the enemy” (431).  Another example would be when Zitkala-Sa says, “My moccasins had been exchanged for shoes,” (431). Zitkala-Sa was not allowed to decide whether or not she wanted to give up her culture. Instead, she was forced to learn the ways of the American society.  While receiving her education Zitkala-Sa seems to have lost her identity as a Native American. When a person loses their culture identity they lose a part of themselves.

What would have happened If Zitkala-Sa never attended the White’s Manual Labor? Would she even consider leaving her home in order to attend college? Americans today are given the opportunity to decide for themselves what they want in life. Zitkala-Sa on the other hand was forced to have an American education and follow certain practices that she did not believe in. I definitely agree with the statement you made “The American Dream is something that people made a conscience decision to achieve, they knew what they wanted, and knew how to achieve it whereas Zitkala-Sa is being forced into education and what the white man views as the American Dream while sacrificing her beliefs, culture, and ways of life.”  

English Blog# 12

 “So it happens that, overawed by the power of the United States to the extent that they can neither themselves throw off the usurpers, nor obtain assistance from other friendly states, the people of the Islands have no voice in determining their future, but are virtually relegated to the condition of the aborigines of the American continent.”

This sentence from Hawaii’s story by Hawaii’s Queen I felt was important because it focuses on an idea that we have discussed all semester. Let me explain, as we have looked into the early settlements of America we saw that the Native Americans were forced to learn a new way of life and as a result the natives to lost their identity as a culture. On Tuesday we discussed the concept of Imperialism and the connection with America. We saw the picture of the Philippine boy being washed who is resisting this bath. America never gave any of these cultures a decision in whether or not to accept the American way of life instead it was forced upon them.  “The people of the Islands have no voice in determining their future.” There is not only one right answer. Early America believed that the only correct way to live life was their own and I believe that is incorrect.

English Blog #11

Although, the war had ended African Americans were still facing troubles in America. Claude McKay discuses one of the problems Africans Americans faced which was lynching. The first four lines of McKay’s “The Lynching” seem to have made a connection to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

First, “His Spirit in smoke ascended to high heaven” (The Lynching). As I was reading this I made the connection to the scene where Jesus says, “Into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).  Second, “the cruelest way of pain” which is referring to the hanging and burning of the man being lynched (The Lynching). I was reminded of Jesus’ cruel death. He was beaten with a whip, was mocked, had a crown of thorns placed upon his head ,stripped naked and forced to carry his cross, and was nailed to the cross. Third, “His, father had bidden him to his bosom once again;” (The Lynching 2-3). I believe the father represents God. I think lines two through three are describing God welcoming the man back into heaven. Finally, “the awful sin remained still unforgiving” (The Lynching). I was not able to make a connection with the fourth line. Could McKay be referring to Original Sin? What is the unforgiving sin?  Just like Jesus Christ African Americans were forced to be persecuted. I cannot understand what African Americans did to deserve such cruel and unusual persecution. After the Civil War they were granted the freedom they desired only to be segregated against, and lynched.  

However, I really enjoyed McKay’s poem because it does a good job of allowing readers to feel like they are witnessing the lynching. McKay’s describes the aftermath of the man’s death “Hung pitifully o’er the swinging char. The ghastly body saying in the sun. The women thronged to look, but never a one Showed sorrow in her eyes of steely blue; And little lads, lynches that were to be, danced round the dreadful thing in fiendish glee” (The Lynching 9, 10-14). One thing that really surprised me was the way the children who were present were reacting. He describes the children to be happily dancing around the burned corpse. I was disgusted that children were present at the lynching let alone dancing around a burning corpse. Why are the children happy about the man who was burned and hung to death?

I feel that McKay uses such strong language so that some emotion would be stirred as American people read this poem. As a class we have learned about the lives of the African American people. I can’t help but to think that the lives of the early African American people had not improved much after the Civil was no oneWar. Why was no one standing up against this?

English Blog #10

In “The Wife of his Youth” Mr. Ryder who is preparing for his ball gets an unexpected visitor named Liza. Liza tells Mr. Ryder of her long journey to find her husband Sam, who promised to one day reunite with her. The “aha!” moment came when Mr. Ryder said, “Perhaps he’s outgrown you, and climbed up in the world where he wouldn’t care to have you find him” (The Wife of his Youth). Early on in the reading the author describes how Mr. Ryder “had come to Groveland a young man, and obtaining employment in the office of a railroad company as messenger had in time worked himself up to the position of stationary clerk,” (The Wife of his Youth). Also the author describes Mr. Ryder as someone who “was economical, and had saved money; he owned and occupied a very comfortable house on a respectable street’ (The Wife of his Youth). These passages describe how Mr. Ryder himself had moved up in society.  I could also sense distress from Mr. Ryder after the visit from Liza when “he went upstairs to his bedroom, and stood for a long time before the mirror of his dressing-case, gazing thoughtfully at the reflection of his own face” (The Wife of his Youth). I knew that Mr. Ryder was indeed the same man Liza had spent twenty five years searching for.

Another “aha!” moment came when I saw the determination displayed by Liza who spent twenty five searching for her husband. I could see that no matter what Liza was determined she would soon find her husband. It was clear when Liza said, “Sump’ns be’ tellin’ me all dese years dat I’s gwine fin’ Same ‘fo I dies” (The Wife of his Youth). I was reminded of Frederick Douglass. In his narrative Frederick Douglass is determined to accomplish two goals. The first was being able to read and the second was to become a free man.  Liza however, was in search of her husband. Neither person gave up on accomplishing their goals. Frederick Douglass would trade his food with young boys in exchange for lessons on how to read. The determination shown by both characters was the determination that our class has been discussing when regarding to the early African Americans. During early years of our nation African Americans were determined to one day have their freedom. As a result of the war African Americans were able to have their freedom; however, equality wouldn’t come till much later. For example, even after African Americans had been given the right to vote literacy tests were set up in order to prevent African Americans from voting. Determination shown by African Americans and those against slavery would impact our nation forever. 

English Blog # 9

From 1865 to 1914 America was rapidly changing and evolving. Advances in technology and education made America a powerful nation. However, there was still a lot of controversy regarding the equality of people. Although, the Civil War had just ended tension between African Americans and the Anglos did not just fade away. In fact, it seemed to have gotten worse. For example, African Americans were given the right to vote. In response literacy tests were set up to prevent African Americans from voting. However, there was another problem in America and that was who is an American? Should all people be allowed to immigrate in America or only the selected few?
In her poem “The New Colossus’” Emma Lazarus claims, that America was a land that welcomed immigrants. In an opposing perspective Thomas Bailey Aldrich stresses his views against immigration.  So which author had the right answer about immigration in America? “In response to growing anti-sentiments, Congress in 1882 passed the Chinese Exclusion Act” (17).The law prevented anyone from China to enter America. It would seem that America was not promoting itself as a land for immigrants in fact it seemed that it was against immigrants. At this time America seemed to be a land for certain individuals excluding immigrants, African Americans, and the Indians. In a letter to the New York Sun Saum Song Bo says, “The statue represents Liberty holding a torch which lights the passage of those of all nations who come into this country” (17). Bo then asks, “But are the Chinese allowed to come?” (17) America was a land built on immigration. After Columbus' discovery people were immigrating a land that had already been settled in by the American Indians. So why should others not be allowed to do the same? 
The controversey surrounding immingration has not gone away most recently; Arizona passed an immigration causing much controversy around the nation. Becoming an American citizen is not an easy process. It is important that we see the value of our citizenship and not take it for granted

English Blog # 8

Option 1: Choose ONLY two texts that seem to be in conversation with each other (they could agree or disagree). Analyze and discuss their competing visions of the American Dream. Whose is the most persuasive? How likely would 19th-century readers be persuaded by such writers/speakers? How would geography determine that audience's receptiveness to the writers'/speakers' claims?

During the Civil War America was not UNITED in any sense. There was a lot of tension between the North and the South. This tension was due to the difference in opinions regarding slavery. For the Southerners slavery had become a customary way of life. As we have read in our text the Northern states was a place where slaves could attempt to flee to in order to live a life of freedom. Many people from both sides had different opinions.

The first author I would like to discuss is Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut. Mary Chesnut being a Southerner viewed slavery as crucial to the Southern way of life. In her diary when finding out about General Lee surrendering Mary's response was, "Now we belong to negroes and Yankees!" Chesnut is upset because she knows that the South will no longer be able to own slaves and she blames the “Yankees and negroes” for changing the lifestyle to which Southerners are accustomed to. She continues, "They are everywhere, these Yankees, like red ants, like the locusts and frogs which were the plagues of Egypt." I find this statement made by Chesnut to be ironic. Does Chesnut believe the South to be like Egypt? I believe that there is a connection between the Egyptians and the South because slavery was present in both. Chesnut believes the North to represent the plagues I believe there is a connection between the North and Moses because both advocated against slavery.  

An opposing view comes from John Brown. John Brown says, "Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I say let it be done." Brown as an advocate of slavery is accepting his punishment because he believes that he along with others are fighting for a good cause. Brown even quotes the Bible saying, "Whatsoever I would that men should do to me, I should do even so to them." This is from Matthew 7:12. Brown believed that he had a calling from God to participate in the antislavery crusade. A connection could be made between Moses who received a calling from God to free the slaves of Egypt and Brown who believes he too was called by God to free the slaves of the South.    


After analyzing both readings there is one question to be answered which of these two readings is most likely to persuade a 19th century reader. The answer would mostly depend on a person’s location. For instance a Southerner would side with Mary Chesnut because they too do not want to get rid of their way of life owning slaves. However, if a Northerner were to read John Brown's statement before his death they would empathize with him. As a reader from the 21st century I am more persuaded by the just cause being Brown. As we have read both the North and the South were both religious. However, the question is did the South act, as Christians should? No, because as we have read those who were Christians in the South tended to be the more cruel of masters. 

English Blog # 7

As we have discussed in class slavery was a big issue in America. There were many attempts to inform the American people about the issue. Such an example, would be Frances E.W. Harper. Harper's work was promoted by William LLoyd Garrison, the editor of the abolitionist newspaper the Liberator. Her work was popular in the year 1854.

In order for an author to relate to a reader they must use certain tools. In this case Harper uses images in her poem  entitled The Slave Mother to "create vivid images appealing directly to the senses" ( Writing about Literature 83).  One example is when Harper says, "She is a mother,pale, with fear, Her boy clings to her side." Through her imagery readers can in vision a boy and her mother terrified of whatever danger they're encountering. Then Harper says, "He is not hers, although she bore For him a mother's pains; He is not hers, although her blood Is coursing through his veins!" Harper through imagery is describing the pain that both the mother and son are feeling because of their separation. Then Harper says, "He is not hers, for cruel hands May rudely tear apart" I assumed that Harper is describing the master of the slave is taking her child away. The mother is angry with her master for taking the only joy of her life. Finally, Harper says, "She is a mother and her heart is breaking in despair." Having a child should be a happy time instead for this slave the mother is feeling everything but happy.

 During this time a slave child was taken away from his mother. A slave child being seperated from his mother is dehumanizing to both the mother and the child. Harper uses imagery to invoke emotions from her readers. A reader should feel for the mother and the child who are losing the most important relationship in a person's life. Through her poem Harper creates the horror that a slave mother faces when her master takes her child. She feels anger towards the "cruel hands" that are separating the two. The fear both the child and mother have of losing one another. And finally the "breaking heart" of the mother. Even though the mother in the poem had this child she legally had no rights to parent him or even be apart of his life. Harper wanted to inform her readers about the issue so that in return, readers  would fight against slavery rather than participate. Through this poem it is the hope of Harper that this cruelty, and unfair treatment of African Americans would come to an end.

English Blog # 6

  2. Race and culture: How are characters portrayed as being caught between cultures? Are any characters engaged in a conflict with society because of their races or ethnic backgrounds?

Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl makes it apparent that America faced a time period of inequality. Those who were suffering from inequality had no way in changing their roles in society. During this time period African-American people were being unfairly forced to be  slaves because of their skin color.

Linda tells readers about her mother’s relationship with her mistress.  Linda says “my mother’s mistress was the daughter of my grandmother’s mistress. She was the foster sister of my mother; they were both nourished at my grandmother’s breast. In fact, my mother had been weaned at three months old, that the babe of the mistress might obtain sufficient food. They played together as children; and, when they became women, my mother was a most faithful servant to her whiter foster sister “(p.771). Although, these two women grew up together society had divided the women into different social roles. Linda’s mother was forced to be the “loyal servant” while childhood companion was Anglo would be her mistress. Although growing up together Linda’s mother would not be given the same opportunity as her mistress to be free.

When a person decides to marry their decision is based on their personal feelings. Linda and her lover as she stated “planned to go north” if they were to marry however, the couple faced many obstacles such as having no money to pay for expenses. Another conflict the couple face was Linda being a slave and the man she loves is a free African-American. Society made it nearly impossible for the two to marry because of the different social roles they had. Linda knew that had they have married “the husband of a slave has no power to protect [his wife]” (773).In today's society a person would simply get the blessing from both parents however, in Linda's case she had to face her owner Dr.Flint who became outraged with the idea of Linda marrying a free African-American.

The two examples that I shared were important because the restraints that society had on African- American slaves. Although, Linda had fallen in love she could not marry. Linda’s mother had to serve her childhood friend. Just like Linda and her mother, African Americans during this time were not given the same opportunity to share in the “American Dream”. It is important for the American society today to realize how valuable the “American Dream” really is. Through reading texts such as Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl I am able to understand the struggles that African-Americans faced.

English Blog # 5

In my second blog I discussed the topic of discrimination more in depth.  For example, I stated that the Indians had settled in the “New World” long before anyone else. We have read about settlers who came to the “New World” in search of independence and FREEDOM from the British Parliament.  The settlers felt that they deserved to be treated better and set out to establish a new colony known as the Thirteen Colonies. By the time the Thirteen Colonies had been established most of the Indians had been driven out of their territories and forced onto reservations. These settlers were escaping unfair treatment however; they were unfairly discriminating against the Native Americans.

While reading “An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man” and “Indian Names” I noticed more similarities rather than differences. Of course the readings are written by two different authors of different gender and race but they shared a common message that these authors felt needed to be heard by the American people. The theme that these two readings share is the discrimination of Indians that was occurring at that time.

In “An Indian’s Looking- Glass for the White Man” Apees the son of white man and an Indian woman was taking somewhat of a religious approach. For example, “Did you ever hear or read of Christ teaching his disciples that they ought to despise one because his skin was different from theirs? Jesus Christ being a Jew, and those of his Apostles were certainly not whites and did not he who completed the plan of salvation complete it for the whites as well as for the Jews, and others?”  In the “Indian Names” Sigourney is taking a different approach. She tries to remind her audience of the of the Native Americans.  Before the reading a question is asked “How can the Red men be forgotten, while so many of our states and territories, bays, lakes, and rivers are indelibly stamped by names of their giving?” That is here message throughout the reading. For example, “Yes say, they have all passed away, But their names is on your waters, Ye may not wash it out.” I believe that Sigourney is trying to let her audience know that although the Native Americans may not be as visible of a people as they once were but they remain with the land because they had settled their homes in America first.  

Appes looks tries to discuss the importance of putting an end to discrimination based on skin. While Sigourney is reminding her audience to never forget the people who settled in Americas. By doing this Sigourney is showing the negative effects of discrimination. One of those effects the Native Americans have almost ceased to exist. At this time if they still do exist they were forced onto reservations.  While the two readings may seem to have difference they share one important message which is informing readers that the Indian people will always be the land and as Sigourney said “Your mountains build their monument, though ye destroy their dust.”

English Blog #4

There are seven elements of fiction.  Looking at a story from a certain point of view “can make a big difference in how [readers] perceive it” (Writing about Literature). While reading “The Tenth of January” it was obvious that the story was being told from a third person point of view. This element of view point gives readers an insight into the story that may not have been there if the story was told from a first person point of view.  “First-person narrators can be unreliable, as do not have access to all vital information, and their own agendas can often skew the way they see events”  (Writing about Literature).   One example, “The old man, left alone, sat for a while with his head sunk upon his breast. She was all he had in the world, this one little crippled girl that the world had dealt hardly with”.  Immediately after that the narrator states “She loved him; but he was not, probably never would be, to here exactly what she was to him”. Readers are given the view point of the old man who is Asenath’s father as well as, Asenath herself.  This element is insightful because readers are allowed into the minds of two characters at this particular moment. 

English Blog # 3

In his story "The Wife" Irving describes marriage as good support system. Irving states that "[he's] observed that married men falling into misfortune, are more apt to retrieve their situation in the world than a single men". He supports this theory by stating "[married men] are more stimulated to exertion by the necessities of the helpless and beloved beings who depend upon them for subsistence". I think what Irving is trying to say is that because a married man knows he has his family who depend upon him he is more likely to overcome any obstacles while a single man "is apt to waste and self neglect". Based on the story I believe Irving sees women as comforting and supportive. In the story the husband is afraid to tell his wife of their misfortunes because he is afraid of her reaction. The husband feels that he is "dragging her down". However, the wife is said to have taken the unfortunate news like "an angel". The husband is told by his friend "you call yourself poor, my friend; you never were so rich you never knew the boundless treasures of excellence you possessed in that woman".  In the story that is the main concern for the husband the status of himself and his wife because they have grown into poverty.However, Irving views women to be treasures that make a man truly rich rather than money or possessions.

English Blog # 2

Use the readings (Introduction v. 1 p. 311-3333) as a basis for your own musings, anecdotes, or personal reflections. In other words, allow your mind to make connections between what you read, past readings or class discussions, and your own experiences and sense of things. Write 200-300 words before class time on Sept. 1, 2011.

The independence of the Thirteen Colonies was based on a way of thinking known as the Enlightenment. Ideas such as “all men are created equal and are endowed with certain natural rights; and [those governed are] justified in rebelling if their natural rights are violated”. The Thirteen Colonies believed that “their rights had been violated by Parliament and King George III”.

In class we have discussed the Indians who had settled in the “New World” long before anyone else. European settlers began coming over to the “New World” after Christopher Columbus discovery. As these settlers began coming over assumptions were made that the Indians needed the help of European Settlers. Indians began losing their land, freedom, and more importantly their identity. By the time the Thirteen Colonies  “most of the Indians had been drive out of the thirteen colonies” and forced on reservations.

Another group whose rights were being violated were the African Americans. According to the text book “90 percent of [African Americans] were slaves in the South”. Although being the second largest groups in the country African Americans were not given the rights promised in this new settlement.

After reading and discussing the early days of America I feel that the early Americans were cheating others such as the Indians and the African Americans out of their rights.  Early Americans fought so hard to have independence from Parliament because they felt their rights were being violated. However, these early Americans were violating the rights of others. 

English Blog # 1

If I were asked to define the identity of the American society I would say that America is a diverse society of different ethnicity, and provides equal opportunities for all its citizens. In my eyes America should be a land where all people of all color should have the same opportunities in life as long as they are willing to work hard.

Overtime America has become diverse in culture, ethnicity, ideals, beliefs, religious customs, and so much more. However, that idea of diversity is challenged in de Crevecoeur’s What is an American?. De Crevecoeur’s definition of Americans is defined by a certain group of races such as the English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes. The problem with de Crevecoeur’s definition of Americans is that he excludes other races that are of color such as the Spanish, the African Americans, and the Indians. In other words de Crevecoeur does not consider people of other ethnicities and races to be American citizens. While this idea challenges my own I believe that America should be a diverse society not just those of Anglo descent.

In his poem I Too Sing America Langston Hughes describes the inequality that occurs in the early days of America. Hughes is forced to go to the kitchen when visitors arrive. He isn’t allowed to sit at the table instead he is forced to eat alone. At the time when Hughes wrote this poem there was a problem occurring specifically with the African-Americans being treated unjust. Even though Hughes was being treated unfairly he still was willing and proud to say he was an American. Although Hughes is defined as a slave he is still able to show patriotism. As time has progressed America and it’s tolerance towards the differences of others has also progressed. Rather than challenging my own ideas of America Langston Hughes shows demonstrates the troubles that America once faced.

Being able to grow up learning the history of America has allowed me to see the success and failures of America. For instance, in today’s society most people are given equal rights and opportunities. If today we as citizens were not educated on America’s past who knows where our society would be. It is even possible that America could still be divided as it once was. Because of the advancements America has made the rights of an American citizen are not based on a citizen’s race as it once was. A good example of the advancements America has made President Barack Obama is currently serving as the country’s first African-American president.

Equality is still something that America strives for. Current issues still make it seem somewhat impossible to achieve. One such example would be the problems with immigration and border patrols. Just as Thomas Aldrich’s Unguarded Gates represents the theme of anti-immigration. Emma Lazarus The New Colossus opposes anti-immigration. America may not be perfect but advances have been made and will continue to be made.