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.