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.
