Journal #15 To what extent is fairness a reality in Border Patrol State?

Ms Silko, 
you have provided an excellent and vivid argument as to why Border Patrol State is a questionable and largely redundant rule, as it subverts the American Ideology of the rights and freedom of citizens.

It is indeed true that the imposition of the Border Patrol State has somewhat robbed Americans off their freedom in travelling inter-state. By implementing such borders and areas of checkpoint, it creates a sense of resentment in citizens, as things are no longer the same as before. Gone are the days in which one can drive freely across the highway, without the need to bring along all necessary documents and experience the phobia of possibly being stopped and interrogated.

However, though I agree that the imposition of such borders has led to a reduction of freedom, it is still a necessary act in light of present day situation, whereby illegal immigrants is a prevailing issue. I feel that such rules are acceptable in order to ensure the safety of citizens. But the limit of acceptance is stretched, when the simple act of  “asking a question is tantamount to resistance”.  In addition to the reduced freedom in terms of travelling, are Americans also stripped off their right to speak? It is thus an extremely scary thought to even think of the possibility that a certain handful of Patrol officers may have become “addicted to interrogation, torture, and the murder that follow[s]”.

This brings to play the question of how fair they are in their judgment of possible suspects. If everyone is judged fairly without taking into account the politics of their skin color, I will follow suit with whatever rules the government may choose to implement. But if such acts of restrictions are targeted towards minorities, it is indeed an extremely vicious act. Just because illegal immigrants are naturally foreigners and “alien” in terms of skin color, it does not negate the fact that many Mexicans, Native Americans and Asians are now full-fledged citizens of United States.

It is thereby only with the eradication of “racism [being] a trump card to be played again and again”, that I will concede to the implementation of Border Patrol State. Till that day comes, I will never be in total agreement with the standards in which they choose to stop a car and interrogate its occupants.

Journal #14 What I will arm myself with

In light of all the confusion and destruction of war, it is extremely crucial for one to always retain their sense of rationality and ability to make wise judgment.

Seeing that the soldiers in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s unit are all pretty young and inexperienced in age, I will first and foremost arm myself with a good supply of easy-to- use weapon, like a rifle or knife. In order to ensure the survival of the platoon, I’ll bring along a good supply of it, so as to distribute it should anyone in my platoon be inadequately armed.

Secondly, I will bring along photos of my family and loved ones that will provide me with a sense of calamity that is integral in the midst of the chaos that comes along with war. The photos will serve as a good reminder for me to always be alert of my surroundings and watch out for enemies, as I will definitely want to come home alive and be reunited with my loved ones.

Thirdly, in light of the absence of morals in people as a result of prolonged exposure to war, I will definitely bring a Cross along with me, to remind me of my roots and the basic morals and behavior in which I should always abide to. In addition, the Cross will serve as a good assurance during my period at war, as it will ease my mind and provide me with a sense of affirmation that God is watching over me.

Lastly, before embarking on the Vietnam war, I will try my very best to leave behind all the negative feelings of sadness and instead focus on winning the war (impossible as it may seem). It is inevitable that the deaths of fellow platoon mates will scar me for life, but in the face of war, I have to force myself to toughen up and accept the fact that deaths are a natural outcome of battles. 

Bonus Blog #3 (complexity of double-consciousness)

Double consciousness is a state of being whereby a person’s identity is divided into multiple facets. This is often brought about by migration over to another country with a whole new culture and lifestyle, or as a result of one’s mixed blood. It leads to a complexity of identity as an individual feels that he or she does not solely belong to any one fixed culture.

The works of Sui Sui Far, Mary Antin and Onoto Watanna all present this state of double consciousness in a relatively negative light, albeit a different manner. Far and Antin both presents the difficulties in assimilating into another country’s way of life. In The Land Of The Free highlights Far’s presentation of the struggle Lae Choo faces between her double consciousness of being Chinese, yet having to assimilate into America’s culture and accepting the fact that everything in America follows standard protocol of paper documents and evidence. Her mindset is one in which a child should naturally follow and stay with their parents, as opposed to America’s law, whereby proper documentation is deemed more important as opposed to keeping a family together. She thus endures sleepless nights, as there is nothing she can do in order to bridge the different forms of behavior that is expected from her in her dual identity.

From The Promised Land by Antin illustrates the manner in which the father faces difficulty in assimilating into the American culture. Despite being in the land of freedom and armed with the mindset that one can achieve success so long as they set their hearts out to it, his Chinese background hinders him. Being brought up with little education, it is not easy for him to adapt to the English language and ways of life, and he thus “never learned to write correctly, and his pronunciation remains extremely foreign to this day” (496). However, as opposed to Far’s work whereby the story ends on a bleak note with regards to whether her long separated child will acknowledge her, Antin’s story offers greater hope, as the early education made available to the later generations will allow them to be better able to cope with the notion of their double consciousness.

A Half Caste by Watanna on the other hand differs in the manner in which Okikusan does not in the slightest bit seeks to assimilate into her two different identities. Instead, she detests her double consciousness, as it only serves to remind her of the bad memories of how her mum was abandoned by her white father.

This element of double consciousness can thus be seen as a difficult reality for one to comprehend with. 

Journal 13# The illusion of progression

The American Dream advocates freedom and equality. It is an ideal that highlights the possibility of individuals being free to choose their own path of life, and in the process, attain success and prosperity. 

On the surface level, “The School Days Of An Indian Girl” by Zitkala-Sa can be seen as an affirmation of the American Dream, whereby colonization provided her with education and the possibility of a better future. The story highlights the manner in which “three years [of] school in the East, [enabled the Native Americans to] become civilized” (436). Such a sentence hints at the element of progression, whereby one is supposed to be climbing up the ranks in terms of economic and moral prosperity. However, a deeper analysis of the story illustrates that this is in fact not the case.  

Despite Zitkala-Sa assimilating into the western culture in terms of her ideals of wanting to go to parties and being dressed in Western fashion of “tight muslin dresses, with ribbons at [the] neck and waist” (436), her life does not show much signs of improvement or freedom. Instead, the readers are greeted with the level of difficulties that she has to come to terms with, in trying to adapt to the white man’s world that she is being thrown into. With her English education, she feels torn between life on the reservation and that among the white people. No longer does she hold the same ideals that will allow her to seek understanding and comfort from her mum, as both their mindsets are now drastically different. In addition, despite her appearing to have “progressed”, it is clear that in terms of her moral, she feels greatly repressed as she finds herself struggling to make sense of her present day situation.

A school is the body of entity that is supposed to be the path that allows one to attain liberation. However, in the description of the school, the readers’ find the students being confronted with the monotonous dull of the school life, whereby people function like robots, answering to the different bells.

This thus highlights how contrary to the colonizers’ belief, their actions may not necessarily be beneficial to the Native Americans. Instead of experiencing a sense of independence, the Native Americans are instead repressed and unable to find a place where they truly belong. It is thereby ironic that the American Dream seems much more attainable at the reservation.  

Bonus Blog #2

 

All along, my mindset towards imperialism has always been negative. I regard it as a brutal act, whereby subjugation is inevitable in the midst of a particular country seeking to impose its own culture, economics and way of life upon another.

But what surprises me the most, is the manner in which most colonist are deluded by the mindset that they are in fact doing the natives a “favor” by trying to “improve their lifestyle and help the people”. They paint a positive picture, of them aiding in the country’s economics and governance, when the real bare fact, is that they are trying to rip off and attain the country’s economic prosperity for their own benefit. In the case of the Americans, it is clear that their aim is to obtain the sugar cane present in Hawaii, so as to boost their economy and  supply of sugar without having to deal with trade and the need to pay tariffs. They were not acting with the native Hawaiians’ interest at heart. If it were the case, they would have known for a fact that the people were happy and did not in the slightest bit seek to have their monarchy overthrown and their Queen imprisoned. Also, if their act of imperialism is really for the greater good, why is there a need to have the Queen suppressed and confined?

This thus goes to show that regardless of which country, state or place is being colonized; colonizers will always seek to find a way to justify their wrong actions. They will present their misdeeds as a form of generosity and kindness; a gesture that they need not have to trouble themselves with, but the “goodness” of their heart makes it impossible for them to turn a blind eye towards the situation. The entire act of imperialism, whereby a country believes in their own superiority towards another, is basically just appalling to me. 

Journal 12# The sentence that strikes me

"While I had been no more than an interested observer, quietly awaiting the course of justice, and conscious of the strength derived from truth and right on my side, their commissioners, with such influences as their indomitable assurance could command, had been working very had to get the present rule in Hawaii out of its political and financial difficulties, by passing over to the United States a country whose hospitality they have betrayed, a land which they do not and never can own."


This sentence aptly highlights the unbreakable connection between a land and the people that resides in it. A stranger can never truly possess a land without having any of their own history or connection with it, and even in its acquisition, its a meaningless act, with no memories, as the land will always be a step away from real ownership. It is the people that that makes a land rich; their history and culture. Without it, a land is bare. 

Journal 11# The so-called "justification"

Reading Pauline E. Hopkins’ “As the Lord Lives, He Is One of Our Mother’s Child” and Claude McKay’s poems, brings to mind the question of how is it possible for the majority of the whites to feel so justified in their barbaric treatment towards the blacks.

In Pauline E. Hopkins work, we learn how it is deemed agreeable for the whites to partake in an act of lynching when they aren’t even a hundred percent sure that the person they have decided to strip off the life from, is definitely the culprit behind the crime. In fact, the entire story seems ridiculous, and at the ending, are we, the readers supposed to feel any sense of happiness that finally “Jones and Gentleman Jim were publicly exonerated by a repentant community” (250). The entire presentation of the supposedly “repentant community” (250) does not seem the slightest bit sincere, and it is absurd that only after the needless and innocent death of Jones, that they finally realized they had been targeting the wrong people all along.

In “If We Must Die” by McKay, the poem highlights how the white men are like “murderous cowardly pack” (14). It connotes the idea of how the whites wrongfully kill people and only possesses the courage and strength to do so, when they are the majority. This can be seen, as firstly, the whites are not even certain of the validity of their actions. Secondly, they are afraid of the possibility of the blacks overthrowing their powers one day, or that the situation may turn nasty in the midst of them condemning the blacks for a crime that they did not commit.

The manner in which the whites portray this image of being righteous and legitimized in their actions, just serves to highlight the bravery and strength of the blacks, as evident in Gentleman Jim who refuses to “be taken alive” (248). We applaud the bravery of the blacks that are capable of making the best out of the reduced circumstances they are thrown into. This is aptly illustrated in the manner in which “The Harlem Dancer” is able to sing and “danced on gracefully and calm” (5), despite the fact that “her self was not in that strange place” (14).

This injustice thus only serves to portray the whites in a negative light, while celebrating the heroism of the blacks, who try their best to ensure they die a noble death.

Journal 10# The Aha! Moment

The “Aha! Moment” is an element of narration that never fails to take me by surprise, as I find myself taken aback and awed by the sudden realization of information. Throughout Charles W. Chesnutt’s short story “The Wife of his Youth”, the build up was such that one expected Mr. Ryder to marry above his status and continue his progress in stepping up the hierarchy ladder of the social status. It seems only natural for him to do so, as he is presented to possess such refined manners, with characteristics and attitude befitting that of the aristocrats. By placing Mr. Ryder on the pedestal, it initially appears as if he was only showing sympathy and concerned towards the elderly woman who is clearly lower than him in terms of status. It is thus a jaw dropping fact to find out at the end of the story that not only is he the very man that she has been searching twenty-five years for, but rather, that he is willing to give up Mrs. Dixon and publicly acknowledge this elderly woman as “the wife of [his] youth” (61), despite clear awareness of the intellectual, social and monetary gap that currently exists between them. What Chesnutt offers in his portrayal of Mr Ryder, is thus a pleasant moment of surprise, as it further elevates my impression of him as someone who is not blindly swayed and consumed by his present day position in life.

In Frances EW Harper’s poem “Learning to Read” I find myself presented with the humble insight that the act of perseverance will always be rewarded.  Despite being restricted by their status and skin color, the speakers in the poem did not allow themselves to be at a disadvantage. They hold on to the belief that every Man creates his own destiny and it is only when one tries hard enough to “learn by hook or crook” (12) and “never stopped till [they] could read (39), that one actualizes their goal of achieving whatever they set their mind out to. This is a theme reiterated in “The Wife of his Youth”. Due to the fact that the elderly woman did not allow herself to lose hope despite the arduous duration of twenty-five years, she finally managed to attain the rewards of her devotion. Such perseverance is a take-away point that many readers can learn from.

It is thus these “Aha Moments” that provides a pleasant and refreshing element to the story as such little twist never fails to surprise and leave the reader wanting more. 

Journal 9# Contemporary connections in magazines and fashion

After numerous campaigns that advocates for equal rights and say regardless of one’s gender position, the period of 1865-1914 greatly highlights the rising importance of women’s role in the society.  Women are finally seen as a powerful group that is armed with the means and ability to spend money, and subsequently influence the economic structure of the country. No longer are they sidelined and overshadowed by the masculine gender, and this is evident from the “emergence of a series of magazines specifically designed to appeal to [women’s] interest and tastes” (27).

This idea of recognizing women as a strong consumer group, who are willing to open their wallets and spend money, is a reality prevalent even today in the 21st century. At present, women are bombarded with a wide variety of goods. The number of women centered magazines are on the rise, such as Vogue and Glamour, with specific articles dedicated in educating women on to improve their health, wardrobe, life, and relationships. Similarly, a walk in the mall reveals the startling fact of how a good sixty percent of stores cater strictly to women’s fashion and needs. A brand that targets women, such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21 and Lancome, clearly acknowledges the spending power of the feminine gender. The success of such brands on a global platform, thus serves as evidence of women being the driving force behind the achievements of such industries.

However, one thing that is worth noting is the content of magazines that portray women is an extremely idealistic manner.  Photoshop are commonplace in today’s society and the definition of a woman’s beauty is increasingly defined by the narrowness of an individual’s waistline. While it is good that women are gaining recognition in terms of being valued alongside their male counterparts, we have to be wary of such unrealistic presentation of women. If such things were to persist and in turn affect the manner in which women view themselves, this will subvert all that has been achieved so far.  No longer will the male gender be the culprit for stepping on a woman’s ego- but rather, women themselves will in time to come, deflate their own self esteem.  

Women should thus not consume magazines on a literal sense and instead, learn how to decipher for themselves what is realistic. Women are valued only to the extent in which they regard their own self worth. 

Both “A Memorial Discourse” by Henry Highland Garnet and “Second Inaugural Address” by Abraham Lincoln seek to attain the outcome of peace, by highlighting the issues that needs to be addressed and eradicated.

In doing so, Lincoln uses the notion of the common God to highlight the similarities between people of different skins. Seeing that “both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God” (1374), where’s the justification in discriminating against one another? He uses the method of reconciliation, to allow members of the public to identify within themselves that they are in fact of no difference to the party they’re fighting against.  What they are so bent on overpowering, is merely the lives of people who are in every aspect, a human being just like them.

Though Garnet presents a similar argument to Lincoln, he goes a step further in illustrating the exact thing that is necessary in order for the abolishment of the war. He portrays this idea in a very objective manner. Slavery must be put to an end, as peace will only be attainable “when all unjust and heavy burdens [are] removed from every man in the land” (1376). Garnet thereby makes known the exact problem that has to be addressed.

Personally, I feel that 19^th century readers will be more comfortable with Lincoln’s argument. The notion of a common God is something that the people will be able to better relate to, as some individuals may feel threatened by the direct manner in which Garnet specifies exactly what is necessary for peace to be achieved.

However, despite the differences in both of their approach, it is clear that ultimately, they fulfilled their purpose. Though it is unclear whether this is the exact piece of work that successfully changed the mindset of the people, we know that it definitely has a role in contributing towards the peace and unification of the United States. 

Journal 7# The ills of slavery

In his poem “The Slave Mother”, Francis Harper presents a strong and vivid image in the minds of the reader, highlighting the deplorable results of slavery. The brutal act of enslavement serves to benefit only the stronger party, with sole consideration of their needs and wants, with everything else concerning the slaves, conveniently negated.

Slaves live with the torment of having the physical bond and affection forcefully removed between mother and son. From the moment the slave child takes his first breath, the slave mother is robbed off any sense of authority or ownership over her very own child. “He is [indeed] not hers, although she bore/ for him a mother’s pain” (17-18), and this is truly a powerful image that reconciles with every single one of us. I find myself not overly affected by the imagery conjured by words of pain like “shriek” (1), as physical torture appears to be the very basis of slavery that is unavoidable. But what strikes me most, is the sheer cruelty that white man, who are born exactly the same like their victims, have child of their own, and are no different apart from the fact that their skin color are a few shades lighter; can find it within themselves to tear apart the bond between mother and son, in spite of every single cruel deed that they have already executed.

In a way, it highlights the fear these slaveholders harbor, should mother and child conspire and successfully overthrow their power. With this in mind, does it not show that people of colored skins possess the brain to think and act, just like the whites? We really have the abolitionist to thank for, as all in all, enslavement is downright an unjustified act, which totally goes against the American ideology of freedom and rights. 

Journal 6# The effects of class membership

Class membership in this case, is only skin-deep. The degree of whiteness in a person’s skin serves as the determinant that indicates the social standing and place of an individual. Though one may be brought up in a lavish, educated and loving setting no different from that of their white counterparts, the way that they are viewed and treated differs drastically, for no other reason, but that they possess the one drop of negro blood.  Existing laws held that "one drop of Negro blood makes you a Negro”, and this is indeed a socially constructed mentality that the tyranny of society has agreed upon. An individual’s membership in a social class, thus pretty much determines their success in life, as Negros are not recognized as equal to their white counterparts, and are oppressed in numerous ways. It is impossible for one to break free from the fetters of their social status in life, as doors and opportunities closes on people, for no other reason, apart for the mere fact that they possess the wrong skin color. By being black, they are condemned to the lowest of the hierarchy order, and the social institution has made it such that many people have just come to accept the subordination of the colored skins as the norm.

Possessing wealth and a good upbringing is by no means an escape from one’s position in life, as highlighted in “The Quadroons”, where Xarifa eventually loses her mind and dies. Despite the fact that she belongs to the upper class, possesses genteel education and sees herself as someone worthy of love and care, society condemns her and views it as perfectly acceptable for her to be auctioned off, due to her mixed blood ancestry. This injustice is also highlighted in her mother Rosalie, who illustrates her subordination by passively accepting her lot in life. She does not oppose to Edward’s marriage nor display any signs of anger, as deep down inside, it is clear that she has been indoctrinated by the society’s ideology, and knows very well that by being possessing black blood, her marriage to Edward is “unrecognized on earth”. The death of both Xarifa and Rosalie can thus be regarded as the figurative death sentence imposed on all the non-whites. So long as the “one drop rule” applies, Native Americans will never be able to fully “live”. This- is a lesson that can be brought over even to today’s society. 

Journal 5# The theme highlighted in Apess' and Sigourney's work

To date, the readings of this American Literature class have provided us with great insights as to the manner in which the native Indian are confronted with the issue of injustice, lack of equality and sheer discrimination. This is a recurring theme, as we recall how the symbol of American identity promises “world-wide welcome” (Lazarus 7)- but in reality, this act of open arm remains a dream harbored by many. We find ourselves being thrown with the harsh reality of how Native Americans are forcefully stripped off from their homes, their land, crops, way of life, status, and basically- the right to be treated as an equal human being. In this world where the white dominates, colored skins are sidelined and regarded like second-class citizens, side-kicked and robbed off the opportunity to have a say.

This cry for equality, is also reflected in both Apess’ “An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man and Sigourney’s “Indian Names”. Apess draws upon the notion that no Man has the right to dictate who is superior and assume supremacy. The one person who is the creator of mankind and worthy of all praise is God. If God himself does not brand people with ranks based on the superficiality of their skin tone, who are we to do so? Also, seeing that God created Man in his image, and chose to make “fifteen colored people to one white and [place] them here upon this earth” (Apess 642), how does that indicates that God has a lesser regard for the colored people? Everyone is made in God’s image, and to have a disregard for any single soul is by extension, looking down on God himself. Since this is not the case and the bible teaches us that everyone is equal in God’s eye, why does injustice prevails? Sigourney further lobbies for justice, by highlighting how the Native Indians are here to stay, as they are as much as “noble race” (Sigourney 2), as any other races can claim for themselves.

In this persistent plea to attain equality, we can see the unwavering strength and perseverance of the Native Americans, as showcased in Sigourney’s poem. Regardless of all that has been inflicted upon them, “ye may not wash [them] out” (Sigourney 8). This, can be thus seen as an sense of triumph, that some day in future, fairness will actualized. 

Journal 4# Element of character in "The Tenth of January"

Via her portrayal of characters, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps exemplifies the notion of a flat character. “Her life had not been one to develop” indeed, as all aspects of the protagonist’s life undergoes little changes and remains pretty stagnant. Right from the very beginning of the story, Phelps preps the readers with a lengthy description of Asenath’s “sickly face” and physique, enabling one to foresee and expect the fact that there will be no happy ending for her- a number of unfortunate happenings are bound to take place. It is clearly a case whereby the outward description of one’s appearance directly mirrors the state of one’s life. Because Asenath is ugly, she does not receive a happy ending. Her relationship is filled with insecurities, and there’s this constant inferiority complex that she is un-deserving of Dick, who unlike her, is “handsome”.

“Pretty Del” also provides a clear illustration of a flat character, with a positive correlation between appearance and blessings. Because she is a beauty, Phelps presents her such that it seemed only natural that she possesses the good fortune to be rescued out from the ruins and fire. Her attractive features are like a triumph card that guarantees a good life. As readers, this clear cut manner in characterization eliminates any element of surprise, as one later finds out that Dick is attracted to her, such that the mere act of looking at her face makes it difficult for him to suppress his adoration.  

The presentation of characters itself, thus reveals a great deal about the story.

Journal 3# What does Irving's short story, "The Wife," say about American values regarding marriage, women, and economics?

Irving’s short story “The Wife” departs from what I believe to be true in the past- that marriage was a form of convenience. My mindset is one in which a woman marries into a family for the sake of financial stability, a shelter over her head, and basically, a job purpose in life (to be a housewife, as women were often passed for consideration with regards to any other sort of jobs available).  It is only via marriage, that a woman is made a ‘real woman’, armed with a genuine purpose in life- to take care of her husband and ensure that all his needs are met.  In addition, I was a firm believer that divorce is not an option for most woman, and the only reason why they would hold on tight to their relationship, was because they could not bear life alone, and being a married and divorced woman is tantamount to bringing shame to her own family. Similarly, it also signals a failure on her part, in living up to her socially constructed roles.

On the other hand, a man is often portrayed such that he has to be successful in all aspects of life. He has to be the sole breadwinner, the pillar of strength in the family and is responsible for providing a comfortable life for everyone who depends on him.  It is often unacceptable for a man to fall short of these predetermined expectations and Irving’s short story falls true to my mentality of how a man perceives himself. Leslie deems it a terrible “blow” (Irving 527), to have to confess to his wife that “her husband is a beggar” (Irving 527), and he fears that she would leave him upon knowledge of it. Leslie thus subscribes to conventionally predetermined roles of a man and woman, as he was so sure that having failed in leaving up to what is expected from him would render him a loss of his wife.

However, it is a call for celebration in this short story, to realize that the institution of marriage is not only one-dimensional. True love does exist, and regardless of the type of hardships that may loom in the near future, Leslie’s wife sticks by him. She proves herself to be an “angel” (528), an exemplary woman who can stand up when the occasion calls for it, and assumes the tough role that is normally only associated with the opposite gender.

Thus, role reversal is possible, as one can break down the fetters of the socially constructed positions expected from the different genders.  

Journal 2# How the readings serve as a basis for my musings and thoughts

 of today, the readings in this class have really been an eye opener, providing me with great insights into the history of America. There is this sense of injustice that I derive from Columbus introduction, which further fuels my knowledge of how Native Americans are sidelined and treated as second-class citizens. It seems farfetched and even absurd, for the European explorers to be so quick as to regard the already existing land as theirs, then make a judgment that they are superior to the indigenous people and seek to attain ownership in this land which they choose to term the “New World”- despite the fact that they are in no manner genuine discovers of a new piece of land.  However, one can’t deny that even till today, there is always this sense of power struggle, as different nations or countries attempt to usurp the other and claim superiority. 

What strikes me as the most crucial element of American history is the emergence of the printing press, as it serves as an extremely important tool, by which a person’s ideas can be “widely disseminated” (333).  Armed with the focus on education, these two factors are imperative, as it is the only way in which one can guarantee that their ideas are understood and instilled into the minds of the people. But then again, one has to understand the downside of the power of words and newspapers, as they possess the ability to influence a wide spread of audience, but are expressed by the brains of only a certain few. They are thus extremely “influential” (323). 

With this awareness, one have to always bear in mind, the importance of making their own judgment and not merely accepting what is placed in front of them. 

Journal 1# The American Identity

As a Singaporean, I grew up thousands of miles away from America and do not possess first hand experience of what constitutes the American identity. However, I believe that despite the geographical distance, the American identity is in many ways similar to what makes up a Singaporean. Just like how the American identity is a melting pot encompassing the blending of different races, cultures and practices, Singapore is a multi-racial country with many different colored skins from all over, choosing to set up a home in Singapore.  Both countries promise great opportunities and equality, with the outward proclamation that no one solid individual race totally constitutes this nation and none should thus be privileged over the other. Despite this, we all know the ugly truth that has failed to be kept behind closed doors. 

In terms of America, the many poems, documentaries and stories I’ve came across during previous literature classes, tells me for a sure fact that the much celebrated American identity (equality, freedom, and power), is but a mere dream to the minorities. They yearn for this attainment of independence and meritocracy, for America to “be the dream the dreamers dreamed” (Hughes, 6), but the harsh truth is that they are often sidelined and are never really held in high regards, to be a true blue American. I thus concede that America “never was America to [the minorities] (Hughes, 5), as till today, there is still this struggle to assume a proper identity in this society, whereby the socially constructed notion of an American, is someone with white skin and gold hair. Till today, I honestly have yet to come across a novel that portrays its American protagonist as someone who departs from the conventional American. The statue of liberty may thus be portrayed as a symbol that offers “world-wide welcome” (Lazarus 7), but can it guarantee that one will not be regarded as a “menace alien to [American] air” (Lazarus 29)?

Just like Singapore, the minorities often assume job positions that are overlooked by the masses. They live out their life over in Singapore, just like many of us- but at the end of the day, can all Singaporeans really say that we regard these minorities as a part of the Singapore identity?