The exercise and videos we watched in class prior to the readings exemplifies the many and varied perceptions of what defines and American. Some of the terms that were mentioned include: dreamers, educated, patriotic, diverse, leaders; some of the important symbols portrayed in the videos included historical landmarks, national objects and diverse landscapes. Moving onto the readings we were presented with interpretations of “what is an American” from figures that date back to our nation’s first beginnings. In his letter “What is an American,” de Crevecoeur’s definition is summarized in his concluding quote: “The American is a new man, who acts upon new principles; he must therefore entertain new ideas, and form new opinions. From involuntary idleness, servile dependence, penury, and useless labor, he has passed the toils to a very different nature, rewarded by ample subsistence—This is the American.” His celebration of our nation supports the principles of self-determination and freedom that we still uphold today. These principles can be termed the “American Dream,” which has been ingrained in the minds of Americans for centuries. My definition coincides with his in that I too am proud of what my country represents. Langston Hughes poem presents the perspective of the black man in America. Although his words reveal some issues with concepts of freedom and equal opportunity, his attitude is a hopeful one, but it also shows an anomaly in the American Dream. Prejudices unfortunately are still present today that hinder peoples opportunities, so the American Dream is somewhat idealized in this sense.
The following two works focus on the issue of immigration. The New Colossus is a pro immigration piece that portrays America as a welcoming nation for refugees of other nations. It rings with the promise of freedom and celebrates lady liberty as the “Mother of Exiles.” Aldrich’s Unguarded Gates is the anti-immigration companion to The New Colossus. He is weary of America’s open-door policy and questions the character of immigrants whose histories have drove them out of their native lands. These poems definitely challenged my ideas on immigration, which presently aren’t necessarily pro or anti. I can definitely sympathize with people who are subject to corrupting governments and feel suffocated by inequality, but I also can relate to fears of job competition and overpopulation.
After much reflection, I believe our class discussion confirmed my definition that Americans are a diversified group that enjoy liberties, are grounded in dreams, and exercise hopeful attitudes. The realist in me also understands that we live in an imperfect world and that these freedoms are accompanied by struggles and exceptions.
