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America the Beautiful

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Submitted By 2118monique
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“Let America Be America Again” is a poem not about just one group of people, but about African Americans, immigrants, poor white people, American Indians, and any and all groups who have been left out. When Mr. Hughes says:
“I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart, I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars. I am the red man driven from the land, I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.” (Hughes 697)

He speaking is for everyone, except the rich and privileged as we see in the line that says: Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land! Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need! Of work the men! Of take the pay! Of owning everything for one’s own greed (Hughes 697)

It is important for us all to remember this land is for everyone, not just the privileged. Reading this poem and passing it on to others is a good way to remember what this country initially stood for and what most people are still fighting for. At one time America stood for liberty, equality, and the land of the free. When Mr. Hughes states “Let it be the dream it used to be” and “America never was America to me” we understand that he never has felt America was equal or free, but we also see that Mr. Hughes wants America to fulfill the promises of freedom, liberty, and equality. I enjoyed this part of the poem because it reminded me of why people came to this country and still come to this country. I also hope, like Mr. Hughes, that America can be what was promised someday. “Let America Be America Again” is a very important piece of literature. It reminds us to be free. “A homeland of the free” and free in every way such as being equals, free to get jobs, and to live free are all things we need to strive for. Freedom was one of the main concepts that this country was built on when

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