Reader Response

In our last discussion, we had talked about Christopher Columbus' letter and Rose Murray's "Puritain Woman". I found it to be very interesting reading or discussing Columbus' letter just because it was my first time even reading his letter or even hearing of it. It was very interesting what he had stated in his letter and what the meaning or purpose was behind it. In elementary and in high school, we were always made to believe that Christopher Columbus was a very important figure in discovery. However, it kind of doesn't seem so. Yes, he did set sail and discover, but he discovered what was already discovered. It was interesting to realize that most discovers wrote letters to prove that they "discovered"land and bring it back to the head of their country. Realizing this along with learning that he even brought indians back home with him to Spain in order to verify his discovery was very shocking or eye opening. Our discussion in class really opened my eyes in really learning our "discovers" and their reasons behind sailing to our country.

Also, our discussion of Pocahontas really was interesting to me. As a child, my favorite movie was Pocahontas. Literally, everything I had was from the movie. I thought she was so pretty and I could watch the movie over and over again! As years went on and we starting discussing her life in high school, I realized that Pocahontas was different from that of Disney. Disney portrayed her as this young, spirited, open minded individual. But when reading more about her, it would seem that she was opposite. I found it interesting how we grew up knowing this individual in the movie but then later discovering who she really was, who she represented, and how her appearance was far from different.

What is An American?

In reading the following poems and literature regarding American identity, it has brought many answers to my attention. When I had looked into what it means to be an American, I came up with the typical definitions of freedom, equality, liberty, etc. However, my definition of American identity was challenged. After reading the different pieces of literature, especially the first one which talked about Englishman and how they were Americans really brought in a light to my analysis. By the authors' remarks, it made me understand what being an American truly meant to individuals back to the 1700's versus late 1800's. In reading Hughes' take on Americanism, I felt it corresponded with my idea of Americanism on how individuals have to work hard in order to receive what they deserve. Coming from an individual who stood along the lines on inequality and frustration, really opened my eyes and viewed what Americanism truly is. After reading Hughes' poem, it also made me realize that Americanism isn't just about working hard to accomplish freedom, but knowing how to accomplish that freedom. Both pieces of literature brought up great main ideas and really looking deeper into the first reading made me realize the flaws in that piece of literature and how it poorly describes what it means to be American versus Hughes' take on Americanism.