...Tani’qua Jones Dr. Boyd American Lit. After reading and analyzing de Crevecoeur’s essay, “What is an American,” one could argue that the entire purpose of the essay was to describe an egalitarianism society, a society which has never existed in his eyes. De Crevecoeur was raised in a family of Counts and Countesses, experiencing the fortune of being born into a wealthy and prosperous family, while witnesses the misfortune of those who weren’t. Through the details and images described, from his experiences, in Letters of an American Farmer we obtain the true sense of being English or French; something de Crevecoeur wasn’t all too proud to be called. John de Crevecoeur was more honored to be called an American, working as a farmer, a life vastly different from the comfort and riches of being a Count. In “What is an American,” De Crevecoeur compares Europe and America to define the nature of being an American. And he illustrates throughout the essay, why the great American frontier is preferred by the vast majority. Although de Crevecoeur was born in France, he sees himself as an Englishman who has come to settle in America. Through his eyes we explore the differences he encounters in America that he would never discover in England. Most of these changes are based on his experience of being an American farmer, working on the beautiful open frontier. Here de Crevecoeur sees the industry of his native country displayed in a new manner, “there are no great manufacturers employing...
Words: 1547 - Pages: 7
...a land full of freedom and opportunity. These immigrants are slowly but surely turning America into a culture melting pot, giving it the most diversity people have seen in a lifetime. Although it is a common misconception, these people are not just looking to live in America for working privileges. Their real desire is to become something that depicts pride and honor, an American. Being an American in a country as diverse as ours means more than just living on American soil, it has endless benefits that allows one to feel free. Unfortunately, the rapid flow of immigrants into America has led to many issues. One of the main ones is the concept of assimilation, which has been disputed for years due to the capacity of the incoming immigrants. Jay Nordlinger, in his essay “Bassackwards: Construction Spanish and Other Signs of the Times” notes that not “everyone who comes to America is dying to melt into the pot”. Yet he stresses, as does Linda Chavez in her essay “Supporting Family Values”, the need for immigrants to assimilate to American culture. These two concepts have been floating around America since the first illegal immigrants started to show up and they’ve been controversial ever since. Everyone is looking for a happy medium for the issue but can’t seem to find it. Recent immigrants are being expected to trade their ethnic and national identities for new American identities, and the concept of ‘Americanization’ commences. Is the idea of American culture as a “melting pot”...
Words: 1262 - Pages: 6
...In Sherman Alexie’s essay, “Superman and Me”, Alexie explains how his life is as an American Indian. He explains all of the consequences of being an American Indian and how most people considered them to be lower class and not as smart as others. During this time, American Indians were not taught how to read and write or really learn anything at all considering that they were identified as being “dumber” than the other kids by society. Sherman Alexie did not agree with being treated like this, he wanted to be smart, and he also wanted to learn. He taught himself how to read and write and when he got older he taught other kids how to read and write as well. In the essay titled “Superman and Me” it states, “I throw my weight against their locked...
Words: 655 - Pages: 3
...what it means to be American What defines an American? An American is someone who is free to go on their own path and strive for what they want, knowing that they can accomplish their goal. One of the great things about America is the freedom to choose your own path and live your life to your standards. To be free of the restriction and oppression of the former land. Many immigrants from this land were people with dreams and hopes of a future to be free of what they had left behind. in the poem “The New Colossus” when the author says “give me your tired your poor your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”she saw the statue of liberty she saw freedom and opportunity to start living the life she wants. An example of of this would Goerge from Of Mice and Men. The author quotes that george's dream is to “Have a little house and a couple of acres and a cow and some pigs.” He believes in his dream...
Words: 1249 - Pages: 5
...Summary of American Ways In chapter 9 of the book American Ways, the author provides a thorough analysis detailing the manner in which the American educational system works. The author starts by emphasizing the importance that is attached to education. The American society is shown to have different classes either in the lower stratus, the middle class or in the upper class. However, it is through education that everyone is provided with an opportunity to prosper and become whatever they desire. Established in 1825, the American public school system operates under the principle of equal opportunities for all Americans regardless of their social and economic background. The author also adds that the public system is funded through tax papers money. Despite the existence of the public school system which is shown to be very efficiency and accommodates a majority of the American population, there are other types of schools which are ether run by religious organizations or by private entities that target the upper class. Althen, Doran, and Szmania (276) say, “In spite of these dangers, public education is likely to remain one of the most important institutions in American society. Although it has many flaws, no acceptable substitute for it has yet been found”. Financial success is a great motivator for most students and American students are not an exception. This is emphasized in the book which explains that Americans have the desire to be financially successful and one of the...
Words: 1422 - Pages: 6
...When one thinks of education, it is common to view it as an opportunity to expand the mind and that education is used to facilitate learning new skills,values and thoughts.However, education in America is not as effectual as it should be for everyone, due to institutional racism deeply embedded within the system. As displayed in both Sherman Alexie’s “Superman & Me” and James Baldwin’s “A Talk To Teachers”, children of minority are not given the same opportunities as white children and it is almost predetermined that black or indian children cannot be successful in school. While both essays argued the same general point about education, the way each point was presented contained differed tones and styles, setting the two pieces apart. In Sherman Alexie’s “Superman & Me”, Alexie begins his story by introducing how he learned to read, by using a Superman comic. This is important because it stresses the fact that Alexie did not have the same extensive resources that privileged white children do. Alexie read whatever he could find to educate himself, because he was aware that the only key to success is through obtaining an education. Alexie’s sharing of personal experience creates a connection with the audience. When Alexie speaks about how he learned to read from a comic book, this is almost a depressing statement. However, the audience knows that Alexie was able to overcome this depressing situation to become successful, even though he was never given proper educational resources...
Words: 783 - Pages: 4
... In his short essay, “The Preconditions for Racial Change,” author Harvard Sitkoff argues that economic, political and ideological considerations played a major role in bringing about racial equality for African-Americans in the United States during the middle of the 20th century. Sitkoff maintains that the introduction of televisions into American homes, a booming postwar economy, the decolonization of many African nations from white rule and the emergence of the United States as the leader of the Free World were the driving forces behind bringing racial equality to the forefront for many Americans, both black and white. The arguments offered by Sitkoff regarding this awakening in many Americans are both compelling and convincing. While his viewpoints are based on nothing more than perception and opinion, his logic is sound and his line of reasoning is very persuasive. Sitkoff begins his essay by discussing the opportunities afforded to blacks as a direct result of positive changes in the American economy. With the explosive growth of our Gross National Product (GNP) after the 1940’s, many blacks saw a sharp increase in their income, the availability of jobs in industries that had previously been off-limits to them and advancement opportunities that ranked them alongside their white counterparts. In the past, the fear of blacks taking jobs that could have gone to whites was a powerful incentive to suppress the advancement of black Americans in the workforce....
Words: 1133 - Pages: 5
...ESSAY FORMAT Introduction with three ideas First paragraph with topic sentences followed by reasons and personal examples to support view Second paragraph with topic sentence followed by reasons and personal examples to support view Third paragraph with topic sentence followed by reasons and personal examples to support view Conclusion of three ideas Write a 250 word essay explaining why you feel this way. Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion in each paragraph. • Decide whether you agree or disagree with one of the following statements. • Proof read your work when you are finished writing. • Did you state your opinion in the first paragraph and briefly give your reasons? • Did you support your position in each of the next paragraphs? • Does your last paragraph tie the essay together by briefly reviewing what you have said? • Have you checked your punctuation, capitalization, and spelling? • Have you looked for run on or incomplete sentences? Native American Essay Topics to Choose from 1. Some people feel that tribally controlled schools are more responsive to Indian students’ needs, while others feel that the “melting-pot” theory of public schools is more beneficial in the long run. Select a side in this discussion and support it with 250 words. 2. Some people favor legalizing gambling on the reservation to increase tribal revenue and create employment opportunities. Others oppose it. Their...
Words: 1352 - Pages: 6
...Reeta Zamro English 120 Essay #4 Wolfe November 23, 2013 Argument Essay America’s famous and most well-known nickname for centuries has been the “Melting Pot.” The origins of this nickname came from the immigration of people from different countries to one country- America. Immigration has always existed in the United States, and without it the nation would not be where it is right now. The benefactors of immigration limitless, and Americans should treat immigrants not as a danger and disadvantage to the nation, but a way to help the nation progress as a whole. One of the first reasons immigrants are beneficial to America, is because the diversity they bring to the states. For many years immigrants have brought different types of cultures to the United States. With these cultures there has been an increase in diverse foods, fashion, and work ethic. Many people might say that immigrants take away jobs from American workers, however; with their introduction to different cuisines and shops it has created more jobs for Americans to pursue. When looking at the restaurants around us we can notice that all the stores do not originate from America, but other countries that have passed on their secrets to us. Immigrants also take the burden off Americans by working jobs that need to be done, but with no American citizens to volunteer t work. The idea of minimum wage in the United States is to have fair pay for everyone. An American apple picker would expect to get pain eight-seventy...
Words: 700 - Pages: 3
...Assessment Title: | The American Experience: SAT Style Argument Essay | Task: | Suggested Engagement Scenario: In order to be well-prepared for the SAT that you will take this year, it is important to practice the essay component of the exam. That is what you will do today.Part 1: Compose a 25- minute timed SAT style argument essay. Use the rubric to guide your response to this prompt: Is the American Dream possible for all people? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your position on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.Part 2: Review anchor papers with rubric, then determine your own score. (This does not replace teacher evaluation)Part 3: (optional follow-up) Compose a diary entry focused on the American Dream from the perspective of a Colonial Era immigrant. (W.# Narrative Task) | Standards: | RI.11.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information in order to address a question or solve a problem.W.11.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.L.11.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening. | Materials: | Teacher Materials: * Teacher directions * Rubric | Student Materials: * SAT Style Essay prompt sheet * Rubric...
Words: 2298 - Pages: 10
...Colin White Mr. Shaw W131 12/4/14 Essay 3 Although there have been many laws put in place and women have seemingly become more individualistic with their roles in society, there is still an unspoken idea of what seems to be the role of women. Due to many selfless attempts from female activists and politicians, there are now a lot of opportunities for women to achieve successful lives by getting an education and being treated fairly in the workforce. However, many women still have difficulty overcoming the stereotypes and expectations that once dictated the responsibilities and opportunities for women in this country. Although there are no longer laws inhibiting unequal treatment towards women there is still a sense of inferiority towards them versus men. A picture drawn by Wladyslaw Theodore in 1873 displays a woman who seems to be a mother going through various tasks that Americans have traditionally recognized as “womanly duties.” In her picture she attempted to display some of the most common domestic tasks that women have historically been in charge of taking care of such as cooking, nurturing for her children, sewing, and cleaning. Wladyshaw’s picture displayed the common tasks of women in older generations and some of these responsibilities that are displayed still remain very common for women today. The photograph suggests, that throughout the history of the United States, the advancement of women has been constricted by certain stereotypes, expectations and preconceived...
Words: 1682 - Pages: 7
...The efforts and repercussions of the predecessors that came before us have fought for our rights as human beings. These individuals contributed to the establishment of people of color and minority groups to be able to exercise rights that never applied to them. These actions demonstrate positive and negative freedom. Positive freedom can be perceived as the ability to decide the course we want our lives to take by setting goals and achieving them. However, positive freedom does have its limitations because one is truly not free from higher authority putting constraints on these decisions. This is evident that one is no truly free when given the ability to control their lives. Negative freedom on the other hand is being free from the constraints...
Words: 1957 - Pages: 8
...Espanol” is one of the best essays I have read in my life time because I can relate a lot to it. This essay was written by Tanya Maria Barrientos. This essay will help you see the struggles she had to over come while growing up in The United States and not speaking Spanish her native Language. Mrs Barrientos was born in Guatemala and was raised in El Paso TX. When she was 3 years old her family brought her to The United States. Her parents decided that they were only going to speak English in her household. Her parents had decided that the only way her and her brother could fit-in in the Anglo society was by only speaking English regardless of their Hispanic appearance. She wrote about a time when her parents took her one week late to school because they were on vacation. “At the school's office the registrar frowned when they arrived.” She told them “ you people. Your children are always behind, and you have the nerve to bring them late?” I personally been through that similar situation during my school years while growing up. I love her mothers response when she says “ My children will be at the top of their classes in two weeks.” I bet that took the registrar off track. Since she was young she thought that speaking Spanish meant various things. One of the things was that Spanish meant being poor. Another thing was that it meant waiting tables or cleaning hotel rooms. When she was 16 years old she informed to her father that “she hatted being called Mexican.” Mr Barrientos...
Words: 737 - Pages: 3
...Definition Essay I believe that being an American is being free and not getting forced to do anything or getting told what to do constantly. Being an American should be one of the greatest things you could ever do , you're never forced to do anything you don't want to do you are always free. Being an American means that you are always free and that you account for yourself. You don't have to agree with what the government says every time. We just get life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness being an american . Americans should have pride living in this country because not alot of people get the freedom we have a lot of other countries have to go by rules all the time and get told what to do. Being an american also means. Have independence...
Words: 309 - Pages: 2
...In the essay “The Joy of Reading and Writing,”Sherman Alexie claims reading saved his life. It explains Alexie’s life as an Indian boy and how reading and writing shaped his life. He learned to read despite having limited resources. Alexie proves that you do not have to be affluent to obtain an education. Alexie and his family come from an underprivileged Indian reservation in eastern Washington state. Although his family was considered very poor in American society, on the reservation he was from a middle class family. This shows how tough life was on the reservation and how much poverty there was. His father had a passion for reading and would buy cheap books from pawnshops. It rubbed off on Alexie and he would pick up books before he could...
Words: 664 - Pages: 3
