"Boarder Patrol State"

I think that Ms. Silko had very valid points about racial biases when she discusses her experiences and stories with the boarder control.  In many countries this is the norm, people are judged based on appearance by national security.  I know I have heard stories before like the ones Ms. Silko point out in her essay.  I agree with her in that these people are making assumptions based on race and the biases that each person brings to the table affect others.  My parents lived near Mexico for a few years and I remember hearing so many board control stories. One time, we had crossed the boarder and we went into Mexico to shop and then when we were crossing back over into the United States, we were stopped by the boarder control because it was summer time and my older sister has long dark hair and is very tan.  They asked us a series of questions and we were able to drive through after awhile, but as Ms. Silko points out, people initially look at outer appearances and make judgments.  Even though I think this is not the best method, I do appreciate that United States is watching the boarders closely and not letting just anyone in. Being cautious and careful is better than not.  Having said this, I can honestly say, that as a Caucasian in the United States, I have not personally faced being discriminated against because of my race so I do not know exactly how Ms. Silko feels.  I know that these situations that Ms. Silko bring up are very valid, but I cannot think of a solution because I think everyone naturally has some type of biases, whether that be against a race, religion, or gender.     

This summer, when I traveled to the Middle East, I experienced for the first time what Ms. Silko describes in her essay.  I was on the receiving end of racial bias.  I traveled to Israel and customs as an American trying to enter Israel is more difficult than I ever imagined it would be.  It literally took at least four hours to get through the boarder, while it took other individuals from certain others countries no time at all.  So many questions were asked and they treated us very poorly.  As an American, it was as if we had a huge red target on our backs going through the boarder.  The boarder control assumed many things and asked so many questions.  Like Ms. Siko points out, they do not care about your time; they are on their own schedule and they think they can do whatever they want with you.  It was a unique experience and I cannot imagine having to deal with that in a country I call home.  This experienced definitely opened my eyes to different biases people have and has taught me to not treat others in this same manner. 

Bonus Blog: "Double Consciousness"

W.E.B. DuBois idea of “double consciousness” means looking at oneself through the eyes of others.  This is particularly present in immigrants as they came to make a life in the United States.  Immigrants brought their cultural identity with them while also wanting to conform to the white American culture.  It was hard for immigrants to have one identity with the pressures of the new American way.  Sui Sin Far, Onoto Watanna, and Mary Antin each write about their experiences as immigrants to America and the stories share similarities and differences. 

Some of the similarities between these stories are seen through the white man’s uncaring spirit toward immigrants’ culture.  This is displayed “In The Land of the Free” by Far when the American customs officer says, “ Seeing that the boy has no certificate entitling him to admission to this country you will have to leave him with us” (299).   They are taking this family’s son away from them and the attitude of this custom officer does not seem to care; it is natural for this to happen because they have seen it so many times before.  Because this family is immigrating, the white man does not seem to even notice that they are taking the family’s most prized possession-a life! In the same way, Antin’s story, “The Promise Land,” she states, “with our despised immigrant clothing we shed our impossible Hebrew names” (491).  The family shed their own names in a way to culturally be more accepted by the white man.  It is as if, Americans would not have cared about them or would have treated them differently if they would have kept their given Hebrew names, so therefore, the family changes each of their names to fit in better.  In both of these stories, it is obvious to the immigrants that the white man does not truly care about them and their culture.  The white man wants immigrants to conform to American ways. 

There are many differences present between the stories that can be seen.  The immigrants in “In The Land of the Free” by Far do not have a strong desire to be American like those immigrants that are described in “The Promise Land” by Antin.  The mother in “In The Land of the Free” does not have a strong desire to be in American because she does not have her child.  This directly foils the father in “The Promise Land” because he has a very strong desire for himself and his family to be in American to receive an education and a chance at a better life.

Immigrants during this time struggled with having an identity because of the “double consciousness” that was present.  They could not simply embrace their culture while being in a new nation.  Now, I think this has changed and immigrants can more easily keep their culture and be American. 

The Things I'd Carry

If I were in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s unit I think there would be many things I would carry depending on the different situations and missions like the other men did; however, I think there would be a few items that I would be important for me to always carry.  The first and most important item that I would carry would be my Bible.  God’s Word is vital to my life and I need it everyday to live.  My relationship with the Lord is the most important aspect of my life and without His living Word, I would not be able to have the relationship that I have with Him.  His Word allows me to know God more and God uses His Word to teach me and speak to me.  The Bible would be an imperative item to carry because it would help me get through the bad days as well as the good days.  The book is filled with stories, lessons, and words or encouragement for anything and everything I have to face in this life.  The Book of Life would be my crutch if I were a soldier.  The words of God give life, hope, joy, and peace unlike any other book. 

Along with my Bible, I would bring a journal to so that I would be able to write things down each day.  I would use this journal as a way to record different things that happened along the journey, memories from each day, and different things the Lord is teaching me along the way.  The last valuable item that I would bring carry would be photographs of my family and friends.  The people that are in my life are so important to me and I know that if I were a soldier, I would miss them terribly.  I would have to have pictures to remember them and the fun times we spent together.  My Bible, a journal, and photographs of family and friends would be the three items that I would carry with me at all times because they represent the most important aspects of my life.        

Bonnin's American Dream

I believe that Bonnin’s story is displays the American Dream coming true, even though the American way of life was forced upon her at a young age.  She resisted the American Dream and wanted no part of the white man’s civilization when she was younger.  She did not understand the language, customs, or way of life for the white man, but when she was forced to go to school, she eventually learned the white man’s culture and the idea of the American Dream.

            The American Dream is surrounded by success and the chance of achievement of a better life and education in this world is a big way of achieving the American Dream.  So many benefits come from a good education.  In today’s time people cannot usually be as successful in achieving the American Dream without the proper education.  Education is crucial!  The American Dream for Bonnin came true by way of her receiving an education.  She explains, “at the close of this second term of three years I was the proud owner of my fist diploma” (437).  This statement displays her ownership and pride in her accomplishment of receiving an education.  Even though this was against her mother’s will, Bonnin pursued a high education and succeeded.  I believe her story displays the American Dream coming true because of her academic achievement and chance at a better life because of her education.   I also like that Bonnin makes a point to say "first diploma."  This leads me to believe that she went on to further her education and received more degrees.  

Quote from Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen

“It is not easy to explain its origins to those alien to our natural life, but it seems perfectly natural to us.”

         Culture defines so many aspects of life, from the small little traditions, to the major life changing decisions.  It is fascinating that the world is comprised of such a variety of cultures and that each culture has unique characteristics; as an outsider, traditions in different cultures can seem strange, but to that culture, everything seems completely normal because that is the way it has always been.    

A Perplexing Question

         I enjoyed reading Hopkins’ “As the Lord Lives, He Is One of Our Mother’s Children” and loved that Rev. Stevens saved Stone’s life, even after he read the poster with the $1,500 reward.  This made me think, if another person had found Stone in the river, would they have later turned Stone in for the reward?

         I think this is an interesting thing to ponder because do you think Rev. Stevens just saved Stone’s life because he was a man that served the Lord and read the Bible?  Did other factors play into his decision to let Stone live?  Did race have anything to do with it, since Stone looked white? 

         I think this is a hard question to answer and honestly, I think if another Christian man would have found Stone and then read the poster, he would have been more likely than not to turn in Stone and get the reward.  I say this because I think back on past readings, such as The Narrative of Fredrick Douglass and the instances where the Christian people are the ones that are the most hypocritical and treated African Americans the worst.  I wish I could say that I think most people would not take the reward and would have chose to save Stone’s life, but I think that many people in this time would have turned him because of the societal view that African Americans are bad.  Most people would not have gone straight to Stone like Rev. Stevens did and ask for the facts; people would have assumed the worst after finding out he was an African American and supposedly was running from the law.

         I think the end, when Stone risks his own life for Rev. Stevens and his son, displays the kind of man Stone was; one of integrity, honor, and thankfulness toward Rev. Stone for all that he had done for him.  He was willing to give up his own life for Rev. Stevens and his son.  This also leads me to question what would have happened if Stone had not been there to save Rev. Stevens and his son?   

The Aha! Moment

When reading “Learning to Read” by Frances Harper, I had an Aha moment just in the realization of what a privilege it is that I learned how to read at such a young age.  I cannot imagine starting to read at the age of 60!! Harper explains, “And said there is no use trying, Oh Chloe, you’re too late; But as I was rising sixty, I had no time to wait” (1389).  I learned to read when I was 6 years old and I do not know how I would have gotten through life without this skill.  I just remember when I was younger having to learn and complaining about having to read for school, so it is amazing that Chloe had such an inspiration to read.  Reading allowed her to have a better life, even at the age of 60.  It was worth it to learn no matter how old she was and she was determined to learn so that she would be able to read the Bible. 

I realized after reading this poem, just how many little things in life that I take for granted everyday.  I have never thought of being able to read as a privilege because I learned at school, just like everyone else, but the reality to it is that I have been blessed in so many ways.  The time period in which we live is a major factor that has influenced reading.  Literacy has come such a long way since the time when this poem was written in 1872, especially for African Americans and women. 

I learned by reading this poem just how thankful I need to be for my education.  I am receiving a great education at TCU and I cannot lose sight of that, even when school becomes overwhelming.  The fact that I am a woman, I can read, and I get to go to college would have been crazy to think of during the time period in which this poem was written, but for me it a reality.  I need to be thankful for the little things in life and never lose sight of how far we have come from the time when these things were not an option for everyone.     

The Contemporary Connection

         I can see a contemporary connection between today and the years of 1865-1914 in the aspect of education, specifically with reading.  The book states that, “following the Civil War was the surge in reading, which was encouraged by the growing number of libraries in the United States” (23).  I believe that the same is true, but in a different way today.  There has been a push for literacy and reading for a long time in schools, but the use of technology for reading has increased in today’s time.  During 1865-1914, people could walk to libraries and get books and the convenient factor was something that helped promote reading like never before.  People had easy access to books for the first time, which was revolutionary.  Now, I believe that the same is true, but it looks a lot different because of the advances in technology.  It is somewhat rare for people to go to the library and check out books in today’s time because of all the other options that are available.  For instance, with the use of the Nook, Kindle, and iPad alone, reading has increased because of the accessibility.  It is so much more accessible to people, a person can download a book in less than a minute and have it accessible.  The fact that technology is so portable and compact these days encourages people to have these devices on hand and it also encourages reading.  It is amazing how far technology has come and a blessing that technology can be used to further reading and education in this world.

         Another aspect of education that is mentioned in the book is the increasing number of women going to school and college during 1865-1914.  The same is held true today and it is especially noticeable at TCU where the girl to guy ratio my freshman year was three to one.  It is encouraging to see so many women going to college.  It seems crazy that this was not normal during that time.  This shows just how far education and women’s rights have come since the time period between 1865 and now.               

The American Dream in the midst of war

John Brown’s Last Speech given by John Brown and From A Memorial Discourse given by Henry Garnet display a unique relationship in which both men are fighting for the antislavery mission, yet they go about it in different ways.  At first I did not think that these two texts seemed to connect in any way, but after delving deeper into the speeches, I found that they share qualities of similarities and differences.  These texts both agree in the fact that slavery is wrong; however, Brown goes about bringing justice in a way directly opposite of Garnet.  The time period and the circumstances were different when each speech was given and this detail cannot go unnoticed.  Brown’s speech was given in 1859, while Garnet’s speech was given in 1865. The Civil War took place starting in 1961 until 1965; therefore, it is important to see that Brown’s speech was given before the war began and Garnet’s speech was given at the end of the war.

In relation to the American Dream, it was hard for me to see the relationship that either of these text had to it.  I found that these texts surrounded the idea of slavery and the way in which each man went about expressing their thoughts and ideas in different ways as abolitionists.  However, since we are discussing the American Dream, I found that Brown represents the idea that hard work and a willingness to fight and stand up for what you believe in is crucial in life, even if it means death.  In Brown’s fight for abolition he took an active role and tried to bring about change and this demonstrates that in America, that individuals can fight for what they believe in, even if it cost lives. The quote, “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” (1358).  Brown is willing to die for his cause and this displays that he wants the American Dream to be attainable for all people in America.  Slaves should be given their rights!  Brown fights for the idea in the American Dream that all are equal, everyone has rights, and America should be a place for a better life.  He is willing to die for these ideals and he in fact does.  

While, Garnet does not go about abolition in the same form as Brown, it is obvious that they share the American Dream ideal in that all are equal and should have all the same rights as Americans. Garnet states, “when, in every respect, he shall be equal before the law, and shall be left to make his own way in the social walks of life” (1376).  He is referring to the American Dream that surrounds the idea of coming from rags and obtaining riches.  All Americans should have the chance to make his or her own way in life.  Garnet makes a plea for justice for African Americans for the right to a dream in America; these African Americans should have the right to the same American Dream as any other American and Garnet makes this clear. He asserts, “Let slavery die” so that the American Dream can be attainable for all in America (1378). 

I think that Garnet’s speech is more persuasive because he displays the fact that justice is needed and true freedom and equality is needed in America for the American Dream to be within reach for the multitudes of others in the nation that have never been given a fair change to achieve the American Dream.  His speech is more positive than Brown’s and sheds light on the fact that action has been made, but still more needs to be made. 

I believe that many in the House of Representatives that heard Garnet’s speech would have been persuaded by his wise and insightful words.  I also think other African American and Northerners would agree with his stance.  However, Brown’s harsh speech to the court I do not think had a great an impact.  He was stern and spoke in a manner that displayed that he did not do anything wrong in fighting back against slavery.  I think 19^th century readers would have had more positive response to Garnet’s speech. 

The geographic location during this time would have been of great importance.  At the height of the Civil War, the battle between the north and the south was grand.  The difference in belief was radical and especially over the issue of slavery so audience was a major issue for these men when giving their speeches.  The north represented the idea for abolition and the freedom of slaves, while the south was the opposite.  The northerns would have been the only people receptive to these men’s points of view.  

"...but it is far more terrible for women."

In Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Jacob’s gives great insight into the life of an African American (mulatto) slave woman.  Her gender plays a huge role in different things she experienced as a slave.  Being an African American (mulatto) slave meant being at the bottom of the social ladder and adding female in front of that title meant even more prosecution.  Jacob’s paints the picture of her tragic life and the struggles that she had to endure because she was a woman slave.  It amazes me that this type of treatment took place in a nation that was founded on the ideas of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Obviously there were extensive measurements that needed to be taken to ensure these rights to all races and peoples, and it incredible that America has come so far. 

Jacob’s is restricted in numerous circumstances because of her gender.  First of all, since she is a slave woman, she is restricted in whom she can marry.  At the beginning of the story, she falls in love with a free African American, but her owner will not allow her to marry him because she is a slave woman.  She could only marry a slave man and her master does not give her an option, he says, “if you must have a husband, you may take up with one of my slaves” (773). One of the main themes that Jacob’s emphasizes is the idea that, “the child shall follow the conditions of the mother, not the father” (780).  This places restrictions on women because most women did not want their children to have to endure the life they were apart of, but if masters had relations with his slaves, and they became pregnant, the mother was responsible for the child.  The woman could not ensure a better life for her baby because he/she would be born into a life of slavery.

The power relationship between women and men during this time period, especially between a slave woman and her master were colossal.  The difference was night and day.  In Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Jacob’s displays this power struggle in the relationship that she has with Dr. Flint.  The master is in control; he is the ruler over the slaves and more specifically the women slaves.  He has the ability and authority to do what he wishes.  He can have sexual relations with any of his women slaves and treat them as he please-like dirt, less than dirt.  Jacob’s describes the way Dr. Flint looks at her by explaining, “no animal ever watched its pray more narrowly than he watched me” (774).  He was predator and she was his pray.  She was at his mercy and he had complete power.  He treated her and watched her as if she were an animal; this also displays the idea of dehumanizing the African American race.  The relationship between Jacob’s and Dr. Flint only change after Jacob’s runs away and resorts into hiding.  While in hiding Dr. Flint still had power over Jacob’s but in a different form.  He still could instill the fear factor into Jacob’s and for this reason she remained in hiding.  His power/ male dominance power is still present, even after there is not contact between the two characters. And then finally after Dr. Flint dies and Jacob’s receives her freedom the power struggle dies down.

I believe that Jacob’s tries to resist the gender roles that society has stamped on her life.  She wants to be an independent woman.  She can read and she can write, which was uncommon for a woman, much a less a slave woman.  She does not want to be confined to the life of slavery.  She resists her master in the beginning and does want to obey him because she values her self worth and dignity.  As a mother, she resists her roles a little because she leaves her children and goes into hiding.   From the story, you can tell that she desires to be with her children, yet she still decides to go into hiding and abandon her children for sometime.  This defiles gender roles because the mother was usually the caregiver especially when the father was a white man.  She had sole responsibility of the children, however Jacob’s still decides to go into hiding to escape percussion.

Gender was a large aspect of life during this time, especially for women.  I find it very telling that Jacob’s expresses, “ when they told me my new-born babe was a  girl, my heart was heavier than it had ever been before.  Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women” (780).  This quote displays the difference between gender and degree in which mistreatment was felt.  Women suffered the most difficulty.  They were abused sexually, mentally, and physically on countless occasions.  It is incredible that this took place and people did not see how awful these women were being treated.  Before Jacob’s baby girl was born she was in morning because she knew what kind of life her daughter would have to endure.  I cannot imagine as a mother knowing the mistreatment your daughter will go through in the future and there is nothing you can do to stop it from happening. Jacob’s opened my eyes to what it would really be like to be a woman during this time period especially as a slave.  She was the lowest of lowest and was treated even worst.        

We are called to love, yet did we?

When European’s came to America, they came seeking freedom from the British Empire.  The new world gave people the opportunity for religious freedom and a dream of a better life.  The freedom that people desired when they arrived in America developed into the free society we have today, but I find it very ironic that while the colonists were seeking freedom from Britain they were mistreating the Native Americans and not giving them the freedom they deserved.  The white man came to America and took over, along with that, they pushed the Native Americans off their land, killed them, and took their women for wives.  The European white men robbed the Native American’s freedom that they had for centuries and treated them very poorly.  It is amazing that no one stepped back and thought something was wrong with this picture- we are seeking freedom while taking the exact thing from someone else? How did that make sense?  Did the white man not see a problem with this?

The mistreatment of the Native American people is an overarching theme in “An Indian’s Looking Glass for the White Man” by Apess and “Indian Names” by Sigourney. Apess expresses the mistreatment of the Native American people from a religious perspective, while Sigourney shows how much the white man owes to the Native American people.  I think that both Apess and Sigourney have very valid points in displaying the mistreatment of the Native American’s and they each do it in a unique way that displays the importance of the Indians. 

Apess highlights the fact that God called His people to LOVE one another and this was not taking place in America during this time.  Many European’s were Christians and in fact came to America seeking religious freedom and knew the word of God, yet they did not always live by it.  Apess calls out the white man for not treating the Native American people as Christ would treat others.  They do not love on the Indians; they do the exact opposite.  Apess brings to light the fact that “we find that Jesus Christ and his Apostles never looked at the outward appearances.  Jesus in particular looked the hearts…” (643).  This shows Apess’ desire for the white man to look beyond the red skin of the Native Americans and look deeper into the heart of the people who have lived in America long before the white man showed up.  Apess also presents the idea that, “God is the maker and preserver of both the white man and the Indian, whose abilities are the same and who are to be judged by one God, who will show no favor to outer appearances but will judge the righteousness” (640).  God is the God of ALL people, and no one deserves to be treated differently because of race.  God is the judge of souls, not the white man. 

In the poem by Sigourney, the white man mistreated the Native American people, yet America and the names of many landmarks are all due to the Native American people.  The Indians died and suffered treatment that they never deserved and the only thing preserving their culture are the names of different places in America.  But without the Native American people these places would not be known as they are today.  The white man owes much to the Native American people, yet in return they received mistreatment.         

The Beauty in "The Tenth of January"

Beauty is a unique characteristic in life, but it surrounds so many different aspects of life in our society.  What is beauty?  Is it solely a person’s outer appearance? Is beauty seen as an inward quality?  Is beauty really in the eyes of the beholder? What qualifies a person to be seen as beautiful? These are all valid questions when America as a society is dominated by material success.  Americans are infatuated with beauty.  Advertisements and movies are filled with what America sees as “beautiful people.” Women need to be thin, tall, have long bond hair, and blue eyes in order to be beautiful by American standards.  However, this truly does not encompass what beauty really is in life.  Beauty is a driving force in America society, and this theme is also seen throughout “The Tenth of January” by Elizabeth Phelps.  

            During this time in America, there was a standard of beauty just as there is in today’s culture. Asenath is not seen as beautiful to the outside world.  She has a humpback and a scar on her face and she tries to hide herself from others.  One day when she was walking home, someone passing her said, “Look at that girl! I’d kill myself if I looked like that” (Phelps).  This is sad and just shows how inconsiderate people can be and just how important society views outer appearance.  The theme of beauty is also seen between the comparison of Del and Asenath, in which Del represents the ideal American beauty and Asenath displays the opposite.  However, it is interesting that Asenath is the one with the fiancé and Dick has promised to love her and be with her.  I think this displays that beauty is not always what is on the outside because Dick really does care for Asenath.  He may not have looked at her the way he once looked at Del, but he was faithful to Asenath.  The love that Asenath’s father shows for her is not conditional to her outer appearance; he loves her greatly and encourages her when life is challenging because of her condition.

            Physical beauty, especially during this time period was influential in American society and it is amazing that it is still a driving factor today.  I do think that things have gotten better surrounding this issue, but Phelps did a good job of displaying throughout the story how important this one factor was during this time.    

And the two shall become one...

“The Wife” by Irving displays the importance of marriage and women in America.  Marriage and women are a vital aspect of life in America because the companionship in marriage with a woman provides not only support and comfort for her husband, but she also provides an uplifting and tender spirit.  Men and women are different in multiple ways, but in the context of marriage, they balance each other out in a way that cannot be described. Irving displays the fact that a man needs the companionship of a woman to get through each day and especially during the hard times in life. He states, “I have observed that married men falling into misfortune, are more apt to retrieve their situation in the world than single men” (526).  The support system that is in the context of marriage is unlike any other.  However, it is interesting that Irving has this stance on women during this time period because women did not have the same rights as men.  “The Wife” presents women as a necessity in life for men and demonstrates the need and importance of marriage in American society. 

Irving also addresses the economic issue at hand in “The Wife” with the story of Leslie.  At the beginning, Leslie was ashamed of his circumstances and did not want anyone to know the predicament he was in, especially his wife. But after talking to his friend and then his wife, by the end of the story he realizes that sharing his struggles with others and having a support system was more important than being embarrassed about his circumstances.  This shows the value that Americans have for working hard and overcoming adversity with the support of others.  Irving shows that relationships are vital in overcoming economic adversity. I also think that this concept relates back to the Bible and the importance of marriage that is displayed throughout the Old Testament and New Testament.  The idea that the two become one is demonstrated in "The Wife" in many ways and this would relate to the people reading during this time period because life was centered on the Bible.  

The Effect of the Printing Press

From our class discussion and the reading over American Literature 1750-1830, I constantly see the importance of the printing press during this time period.  It revolutionized not only America, but also the world as a whole!  The printing press allowed individuals the accessibility to books, articles, pamphlets, newspapers, and other texts on a whole new level.  And in return there was a rise in education.  For instance, in America, the Puritans focused on education and wanting everyone in their society to be able to read and interpret the Bible as an individual.  This would have not been possible without the printing press.  The idea of the printing press seems simple to us today and I have never really thought of how it was a central point of development and the way in which it transformed America.    

“The changes in print culture between 1750 and 1776 were crucial to the development of both colonial unity and a growing sense of national identity” (314).  It is amazing that because of print culture, the colonies in America developed a sense of unity and identity as a country.  What would have happened if this didn’t take place during these crucial years of developing as a country? Would we be where we are today? The effect of print in our culture and nation has transformed America into the society we are today.

What does it mean to be American?

The class discussion on Tuesday made me examine my thoughts about American identity and the freedom that we have as fellow Americans. I was in the Middle East for part of my summer and going abroad really opened my eyes to how blessed and fortunate I am to be an American.  It was amazing how much being away from America increased my pride and patriotism for this great country.  Therefore, when looking at the question, “What does it mean to be an American?” at the beginning of class, freedom, equality, liberty, and a land of opportunity came to mind first; however, the poems took me back to a time in history when these adjectives were not necessarily true of America and all the people that called America home.  Though this nation was founded on these principles, not all the Americans experienced them in the same manner. 

Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again,” really made me think about freedom and equality of all people.  He brings up the issue of true freedom and the fact that America does not possess this form of freedom. African Americans, Indians, and immigrants at this point in time had not experienced the America, “homeland of the free,” and equality that the founding fathers intended.  Change needed to take place at this point in history for many people!   

From our class and group discussion, my definition of the American identity did not change because I still feel like America is a place where people have the freedom to make their own choices, equality, liberty, and opportunity; yet, it did open my eyes more to the reality that the America we know today was not the same years ago.  This nation has come a long way since its foundation and it makes me thankful for not only the gift of living in America, but especially living during this time period.