Introduction
People have different views about America, which are impacted by varied experiences. America is mainly viewed as a land of opportunities, hard work, and freedom, and where family values are upheld. Another essential aspect of America is respect for war veterans who fight for the country. This research paper will analyze the similarities and differences between the responses provided by participants and relate them to the poems.
Insights from the Responses
One of the insights generated from the responses is that America represents freedom. Participant 1 indicates that “I think America represents freedom for every person regardless of their race and ethnicity. America is a land of opportunities and every person has the chance of success. Every person in America is free, which may be different from other countries” (Participant 1). This statement is collaborated by participant 4 who notes that “My view is that America is freedom, it’s the land of the free. The extensive rights that people enjoy in America are central to its foundation. These rights are enshrined in the constitution” (Participant 4). In the poem Let America be America Again by Hughes, the speaker notes that America should be a land of freedom for every person. However, not every person enjoys the freedom that is viewed by most people as representative of America.
Another important aspect that has been highlighted is America representing opportunities. Walt Whitman alludes to the aspect of hard work and opportunities in the poem I Hear America Singing. The meaning is that with hard work people can take advantage of the many opportunities available in the country and be successful. Participant 2 indicates that “I am of the view that America represents opportunities for every person living in its lands. People can come from other countries and earn a living. America is hope for many people in developing countries” (Participant 2). The respondent mentions the issue of migrant workers coming to America for better opportunities. Participant 8 confirms this assertion by indicating that “I think that America represents opportunities and freedom. I think people enjoy more freedom in America and have diverse opportunities. Freedom is also an important aspect for most Americans” (Participant 8). Therefore, based on the replies, the availability of opportunities is another characteristic of America.
Another aspect that represents America is the issue of the American dream. Based on the replies of the respondents there were two instances where the American dream was mentioned. Participant 10 notes that “I think that America represents opportunities. There are many chances for citizens to achieve the American dream. It is a country where people support each other” (Participant 10). In the poem by Whitman, pioneers are encouraged to provide backing to their colleagues, “we take up the task eternal, and the burden and the lesson” (Whitman). The representation of the pioneers as courageous can be related to the depiction of America as a land of the free. Participant 6 notes that “I believe that America is the dream for many people both in the country and outside the country. It is a country where people can achieve the American dream. The quality of life is slightly better” (Participant 6). This shows that to achieve the American dream, individuals must be fearless.
Analysis
The perception of Black people has resulted in questions being raised on what constitutes freedom. The poem I Too Sing America depicts this aspect, “they send me to the kitchen when company comes, but I laugh, and eat well, and grow strong” (Hughes). Participant 5 notes that “For me, America represents violence against the minority. The division between white people and other minority groups represents what it means to be American. America should be free of violence” (Participant 5). The issue of viciousness against the underprivileged also enhances the notion that America is for the rich. Hughes’s poem highlights the discrepancy between the American dream and the realities of American life, “Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed’ (Hughes). The differences in neighborhoods of white people and those of blacks show that America has lost its key foundations.
As a country that seeks to uphold the rights of every individual, minorities have a voice. This allows the underrepresented groups to fight for their freedoms and to ensure that they are treated equally. Participant 7 notes that “I am of the view that America represents freedom for the underrepresented. Women in America enjoy quality opportunities and respect from their peers. America is a country that upholds freedom for the oppressed in society” (Participant 7). The poem Let America Be America Again mentions that “let it be that great strong land of love” (Hughes). The actions of being involved in wars do not represent the idea of a land of love.
Conclusion
In summary, the representation of America is dependent on the experiences of the individual. America is characterized as a land of freedom, opportunities, and hard work by the majority of the respondents. Minority groups have a different view when it comes to the aspects of opportunities and freedoms. This is because of the disparities that exist between white people and minorities.
Works Cited
Hughes, Langston. “Langston Hughes – I, Too.” YouTube, 2010, Web.
“Let America Be America Again.” YouTube, 2007, Web.
Participant 1. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 2. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 3. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 4. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 5. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 6. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 7. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 8. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 9. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Participant 10. “Personal Interview.” 2022
Whitman, Walt. “‘I Hear America Singing’ Walt Whitman Poem ‘I Hear America Singing, the Varied Carols I Hear.’” YouTube, 2016, Web.
“Pioneers! O Pioneers! By Walt Whitman.” YouTube, 2013, Web.
Addendum
Participant 1: I think America represents freedom for every person regardless of race and ethnicity. America is a land of opportunities and every person has the chance of making. Every person in America is free, which may be different from other countries.
Participant 2: I am of the view that America represents opportunities for every person living in its lands. People can come from other countries and earn a living. America embodies hope for many people in developing countries.
Participant 3: For me, America represents hatred and division, which are based on race. America is not a free country because some people have it better than others. America used to be known for its extensive freedoms.
Participant 4: My view is that America is freedom, it is the land of the free. The extensive rights that people enjoy in America are central to its foundation. These rights are enshrined in the constitution.
Participant 5: For me, America represents violence against the minority. The division between white people and other minority groups represents what it means to be American. America should be free of violence.
Participant 6: I believe that America is the dream for many people both in the country and outside the country. It is a country where people can achieve the American dream. The quality of life is slightly better.
Participant 7: I am of the view that America represents freedom for the underrepresented. Women in America enjoy quality opportunities and respect from their peers. America is a country that upholds freedom for the oppressed in society.
Participant 8: I think that America represents opportunities and freedom. I think people enjoy more freedom in America and have diverse opportunities. Freedom is also an important aspect for most Americans.
Participant 9: For me, America represents strength because of its power over other nations. The country projects its strength and ensures all other nations stick to the plan. It has been involved in various wars over the years.
Participant 10: I think that America represents opportunities. There are many chances for citizens to achieve the American dream. It is a country where people support each other.
