#15 -- In response to Kalekia Adams and a few of my own thoughts.

I too found myself at times agreeing with Ms. Silko’s words, and then at times I found myself disagreeing with her essay. I agree with the idea that by reading Silko’s article and other writings like hers, a person will be “gaining some insight from a native Indian perspective”. By reading about other people’s experiences we can gain some insight and information about different cultures. Not only will we gain information, but also when we read and listen to other people we can begin to understand life outside of our own world. By reading about your experience with the police in Dallas I also learned and gained insight as well. I learned that it does not matter what year we are living in racial and ethnic prejudices still exist. Even though we have come along way America still has along way to go. I think it‘s also important to read about other people’s experiences. I also am in agreement with you regarding Silko’s opinion and words about the men riding the train traveling into Arizona. “In the twilight I saw the most amazing sight: dozens of human beings, mostly young men, were riding the train; everywhere on flatcars, inside open boxcars…”I do not agree with this statement as well, but for different reasons. I do not agree with this statement because it makes it seem like it is okay to come into the United States in this manner. By Silko’s use of the word amazing it gives the impression that this was a good way to come into the country, and it also makes it seem that all immigrants who come into this country have “sneaked” in. It further causes problems for all of the Native American and Hispanic people living in the United States that are born here and who have achieved their citizenship legally.

A few of my own thoughts…
I think the state of immigration and illegal aliens is a sad situation. Not sad as in depressing, but I feel like Americans are losing some of their humanity. With every criminal who has sneaked in illegally, there are people who are trying to come to America legitimately and have little or no success. I believe there are rules and laws that should be followed, but I also feel that the American government needs to come up with better solutions for protecting our borders while at the same time being a country where people can come and have a chance at a better life and a brighter future.

Bonus Blog 3

I believe that all three stories share both similarities and differences. All three stories tell of how being different brings challenges and newfound awareness about themselves and others. In Onoto Watanna’s story the main character struggles with the fact that she was raised in Japanese culture and is seen as Japanese but she is also aware that she is half American. “I different from everybody else”(Watanna). She struggles in the story because she knows that to survive she must play the part of a geisha girl even though she despises what being a geisha girl means. She knows whom she is inside, but she knows that she must conform to others perceptions to survive. Mary Antin’s story and Sui Sin Far both tell stories of immigrants dealing with trials and obstacles that come with being strangers in a new country. Mary Antin’s story has an exciting hopeful tone, while Sui Sin Far’s story has a gloomy sad tone. Both stories talk about hardships and disappointments, but Mary Antin’s story has an element of hope and optimism while Sui sin Far’s story has feelings of disappointment and delusions. The characters in Sui Sin Far show how they are aware of how Americans view Chinese people when Hom Hing tries to plead with customs. Hom Hing is aware that he is a husband and father but more importantly is aware that he is a Chinese man in America. “ I had no fear of trouble. I was a Chinese merchant and my son was my son… The officers conferred for a few moments; then one drew Hom Hing aside and spoke in his ear. Resignedly Hom Hing bowed his head, then approached his wife”(Sui Sin Far 2: 300). However in Mary Antin story also shows how her characters are also aware of themselves and how other perceive them, but in this story it coupled with optimism and hope. Young Mary knows that their new home is located in the slums of the city but sees much more than the poor neighborhood. “But I saw a very different picture on my introduction to Union Place. I saw two imposing rows of brick buildings, loftier than any dwelling I had ever lived in. Brick was even on the ground for me to tread on, instead of common earth or boards”(Antin 2: 489). She does not focus on how she is perceived by Americans but instead decides to focus on what living in America means to her family. In the end all of the characters in the stories were aware of how others perceived them, but each remained true to themselves.

#14 Post -- The Essentials

First, I would definitely carry my bible because that would be my tangible spiritual compass. This is the first item on my list because in times of war soldiers are asked to behave and act in ways that would be only necessary in times of war. If I have my Bible, when I look at it, I would be reminded to stay true to who I am even in the most brutal of times. Next on my list would be pictures of my family. My family’s picture would be a reminder of what I am fighting for. Seeing my family will give me the strength to carry on and will also be a source of hope that I will be reunited with them again. I would definitely carry two extra pairs of glasses. I cannot function without them. If I do not have my glasses I cannot see more than a foot in front of me, much less the enemy. I would definitely carry extra socks, shoes, underwear, antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and definitely some types of washcloths. I know there will be times when showers may be limited so these items would help me get through until the next time a shower is available. I would also carry an assortment of medicines and bandages. I am notorious for being clumsy in my daily life so I would definitely make sure I have painkillers for my falls, bumps, and bruises. I also have a knack for being allergic to different types of bug bites and plants, so I would also make sure I have items like Neosporin and antihistamine medication like Benadryl. Also, I would carry headache medicine to battle tension headaches because being with the same people day-in and day-out would be frustrating and stressful, on top of the stresses of war. As for weapons, I would carry small handguns because I am so short. If I tried to carry and handle a bigger weapon I might end up maiming one of my fellow soldiers or myself. I would also carry more ammunition because not only would I want to have enough for myself but I would want too have enough in case one of my unit members needed some from me. I would also carry some type of utility knife. I think I would also carry binoculars and a compass so I can find my unit if I get separated from them. Besides my bible I think the most important and valuable item I can carry with me is love. The love I have for my husband, and my family, and more importantly the love that God has for me and the love God has filled me with. I believe if love is the only thing I can carry that I can never lose or ever run out of, I have everything I need to get through the day or night because “love never fails”.

#13 Journal -- In The Pursuit of Happiness

I am torn. I believe that Zitkala did achieve the American Dream and yet at the same time I do not think she did achieve the American dream. When I read Zitkala- Sa’s writing I was disappointed at how she was treated throughout her childhood. I could not imagine how confusing it was to be growing up. Childhood and adolescent years are a confusing time period even in the best of circumstances. Zitakala- Sa and many other Native Americans were forced to change their identity when they were still learning who they were and what type of person they wanted to be. They were caught somewhere in between. Zitkala has a young girl was taught that in her culture short hair was see in a negative light. “Among our people short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards”. During her early school days she was forced to assimilate into the traditional American culture at that time. She not only had to trade in her moccasins and clothing but she also lost her spirit when her long her was cut. I believe that choice was taken away from Zitkala in some areas, and in that way I do not think she achieved the American dream, because like many Native American choice was taken away from them. However I do not think that Zitkala would have worked so hard and achieved so much if see had not faced or experienced hardships growing up. She not only completed the required education but she chose to further her education and attend college. She even experienced success in her education. “ Later the decision of the judges awarded me the first place”. I believe that Zitkala did achieve the American dream because she did acquire not only an education, but a college education as well. I believe that education is a big part of the American Dream. Zitkala was able to pursue an education and receive all the benefits that having an education brought. Even though the writing reflected that she was often times not happy in her adult years she chose to pursue her happiness.

#12 Journal

And just here let me say that I have felt much perplexity over the attitude of the American press, that great vehicle of information for the people, in respect of Hawaiian affairs.
This sentence stood out to me when I was reading Queen Lili’uokalani’s story. In this quote Queen Lili'uokalani's use of the word perplexity shows how confused, surprised, and blindsided she was by the attitude of the American press in regards to not only Hawaii, but to the Hawaiian people. She expresses how the press was the mouthpiece of information and how it was the source that most American people were receiving information about Hawaii’s affairs. The quote also conveys how the queen knew that the press could help Hawaii by reporting the whole story and could be instrumental in reporting how Hawaii was in danger of losing its sovereignty. I chose this quote because it reminds me of how the written word is such a powerful tool.

#11 In response to Morgan Willis

How did African Americans maintain their faith when dealing with harsh treatment? How were many African Americans able to resist retaliating and maintain their Christianity? In reading: “As the Lord Lives, He is One of Our Mother’s Children” I often found myself asking that same question.

While Reverend Stevens could have made $1,500, he found it in his heart to cover Stone's back and keep him safe in hiding, until all of the commotion blew over and he could safely escape. This display of kindness and care is expected of a reverend.
I agree that Rev. Stevens’ Christian behavior was to be expected. I also think that it was rather easy for him to act with integrity. In my opinion, most reverends do not go into ministry for the money so I do not think it was that difficult for him to ignore receiving a reward for turning in Jim. However, I do think that it was hard to show bravery and courage to harbor a fugitive when he was responsible for the safety of his son. I think it if he waivered at turning in Jim it would have been to protect his son not out of greed or malicious intent to cause Jim harm. Although I think that Rev. Stevens also thought of the example he would be not only setting for his son, but for the example, he was setting for his flock. How could he send an innocent man to face an unjust punishment and still be able to minister to his congregation?

After all Stevens did for Stone out of the love in his heart, Stone knew he had to save him and his son. Therefore, he works and works to get the tree off the track, with the love and support through prayers from God. In his final moments alive, Stone is one on one with God, praying for help and salvation. Stone then gets struck by the train, taking his life to save the lives of Stevens and Flip. Both men found it in their hearts to sacrifice their safety through God's faith and love to save the other.
I agree the Stone/ Jim wanted to help Rev. Stevens and his son because of the kindness he showed him. In addition, I also think that Jim helped them because that is what he wanted someone to do for him. Jim wanted and needed someone to help him when an angry mob burned his wife and son out of pure hate. Jim showed God’s love by sacrificing himself for someone else. By doing this final act in his life I believe that Jim was forgiving everyone that had wronged him and his family. This final act released any bitterness and unforgivness that he still harbored. He made peace and was able to move on to the next life.

I wonder how people of their time still managed to have faith in God despite all of the turmoil and hard times they faced.
In response to your initial question, I believe many people held onto their faith because they grasped an important Christian concept and belief. They had an eternal mindset. Their focus was not on the natural world of earth, but their focus was on heaven and the next life they would spend with Their Lord and Savior. Like Uncle Tom, in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, they also knew that in order to achieve and keep their salvation they needed to continue to act accordingly to reach heaven. I believe they knew one day they would be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. I also believe that this was a big incentive.

#10 " Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying"

“Get busy living or get busy dying.” That is my favorite movie quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption. I think about this quote often in my everyday life. After reading Chestnutt’s, The Wife of My Youth and Harper’s, Learning to Read, I found myself thinking about this quote once again. I always try to remember how time and opportunity are gifts that God gives people. I found myself thinking about how Chloe and Liza Jane’s quests were different in nature, but were very much alike. During the Civil War many people put their lives on hold. Even though there lives in a sense stood still time kept moving forward. After the war people tried to carry on with there lives, but they had lost precious time. Not only did they lose time in years in age but they lost years of missed opportunities. Many people spent years searching for family members after the war, like Liza Jane. Liza Jane was determined to find her husband Sam. She was so determined that she spent over twenty years looking for him. She never gave up hope that she would be reunited with him one day. Other people like Chloe did not waste any time learning to read once she was granted the opportunity to learn. She had the determination and perseverance to reach her goal despite the discouragement from others. She kept going until she reached her goal. Both ladies were determined and showed strength and perseverance in attaining their dreams. Even though they achieved their goal later in life they achieved their dreams just the same. Chloe’s age did not hinder her desire and passion to learn to read the written word. She was not going to let her age become a roadblock in her learning to read. Liza Jane was not going to let years of disappointment keep her from finding her husband that she loved. Both women kept living and took advantage of the opportunities regardless of circumstances around them. They both held on to hope, because “hope does not disappoint us”.

Post #9 Who can be an American?

During the late 1880’s and through the early 1900’s America faced some tough questions. Do we make the slaves American citizens? Do we give the African Americans the same rights that Anglo Americans are given? How do we handle immigration and citizenship? The nation was divided on key points regarding race and rights. President Andrew Johnson declared “this is a country for white men, and as long as I am President, it shall be a government for white men". He also vetoed the amendment that granted citizenship to all people born in the United States. Fortunately congress later passed the Reconstruction Acts. Unfortunately, southern states enacted "Jim Crow" laws that made it lawful for Black and white American races to be separate. African Americans were not the only race that suffered from discrimination. With many Americans moving west to start a new life Native Americans were further pushed aside by "manifest destiny". With the success of the railroad and the aftermath of the Mexican war, Mexican Americans also struggled to keep their homes, and way of life. After reading the introduction for volume two, I found myself thinking more about present day America than America in late 1800’s. I found that even though times and technology have fast evolved there are still very important questions that keep reoccurring. With modern day immigration and border control a hot button topic during 2011, to me it seems that the questions facing early Americans still face American citizens today. I believe that most Americans in 2011 would agree with the sentiments that Aldrich expressed in his poem, Unguarded Gates, that America is “wide opened and unguarded”. There are many politicians currently wanting to build a wall to protect America’s borders. Today many cultures still struggle with having equal opportunities that faced many cultures previously. Even though the year is 2011, America is still facing the same questions that were posed during reconstruction. Who is an American? And more importantly who can be an American?

Post #8

It is amazing to me how people who lived during the same era, and who considered themselves American, have very different ideas on life in America. After reading all of the stories and writings from volume 1 of the Bedford Anthology, I am finding that conflicting ideas of the American dream were a common occurrence during the nineteenth century. Henry Highland Garnet’s From a Memorial Discourse, and Mary Boykin Miller Chestnut’s A Diary from Dixie April 19-22, 1865 is a clear example of how Americans were divided on the issues of freedom and the American dream. Garnet’s speech is articulate, passionate and makes a powerful argument to congress that there is still work to be done in ensuring the equality of men. He uses the civil war as a way to persuade his audience to continue the cause of freedom. Garnet says, “…the men who endure the sufferings and perils of the battlefield in the defence of their country…”Grant also uses Christian principles, as another way to persuade his audience to continue the cause for freedom. He says, “Let slavery die. It has had a long a fair trial. God himself has pleaded against it. The enlightened nations of the earth have condemned it. Its death warrant is signed by God and man.” Grant’s speech expressed ideas that made sense to many fellow Americans, but not everyone agreed with his views. Chestnut’s writing painted a picture of how many Southerners did not share Grant’s views during this same time period. Chestnut also speaks about the civil war, but in a very different way. Chestnut gives a personal account of how the war has affected her life. She does not comment on the lives that were lost for the cause of slavery and freedom in the war, but instead speaks of the war in the terms of North against the South. “They are perfectly willing to have three killed for our one.” She also comments how Northerners have gotten rich off the war. She also speaks of how her home has been disrupted by the soldiers and neighbors who frequently have to take up residence in her home. She also writes that she hardly sees her husband and even comments how she lacks furniture. Even though Chestnut mostly speaks of current events on a personal level she makes a strong comment about Lincoln’s death. “The death of Lincoln I call a warning to tyrants. He will not be the last President put to death in the capital.” Chestnut and Grant both write about the same period of history, but clearly do not share any common ground. I believe Grant’s speech is much more persuasive than Chestnut’s writing. Grant makes such a strong argument about continuing the cause of equality for all Americans that I believe even Southerners would have to agree on some of the points he brings up in his speech. Chestnut’s comments on life in the South during the war lack emotion and feeling. I do not think slaves or Northerners would be persuaded to empathize with her. People were fighting and dying for freedom, not for comfort or material possessions.

# 7 Rhyme is the Connection

As I read poems, I wonder why they are written so differently. I ask myself questions like, why do poets use dashes in the middle of sentences? Why do they use objects and places to describe ideas and emotions? Why do poets often make the words in the poems rhyme? I am now realizing that poets use certain techniques in their poetry for a purpose. Poets use these methods to help convey their message and ideas to their readers. In the poem, The Hunters of Men, Whittier uses end rhyme to appeal to readers’ sense of sound. The use of end rhyme helps reinforce the ideas behind his poem. Whittier’s use of end rhyme helps paint a picture of the brutality and degradation of slavery. By using end rhyme, he connected two ideas together. Two thoughts and visual images would now be connected because of the end rhyme in the poem. For example, Lines twenty-five and twenty-six read,
“Right merrily hunting the black man, whose sin
Is the curl of his hair and the hue of his skin!”
The use of end rhyme connects the word sin with skin, but more importantly it poses questions. How can a person’s hair type and dark skin determine whether a person deserves to be punished and treated like an animal? Is a person’s dark skin worthy of punishment like sin? Another powerful connection that end rhyme helped form is in lines thirty-eight and thirty- nine. The lines read,
“What right have they here in the home of the white,
Shadowed o’er by our banner of Freedom and Right?”
By rhyming the words white and right, Whittier poses more powerful questions to his audience. How does white skin make them right, or how does white skin determine freedom? Also, how does having black skin signify being wrong and determines the criteria for bondage? Without the use of end rhyme this poem would not have the same impact on the audience. The poem’s tone and attitude and its impact on the audience would be different. By using end rhyme, Whittier’s, The Hunters of Men, paints a clear picture of how barbaric slavery is, and how there is no justification to excuse slavery.

Bonus Blog "I Second That Emotion"

I enjoy reading all types of stories. Stories that impact me on an emotional level, or the kind of stories that make me want to skip ahead just to find out what happened, because I cannot wait to the end. My favorites are the ones that make the reader feel like they are in the story. As I was reading Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, I found that this story is the type of story that I enjoy the most. Jacobs’s story draws the reader right in. As I was reading, I found myself picturing how Linda looked and also thought about her facial expressions and how her voice sounded as she spoke. I found myself drawn into Linda’s world because the story is told in a sentimental and descriptive language. One instance where I found myself drawn in, was when Linda begins to explain how she became pregnant and how this helped her escape being raped by her master. Linda, states to her readers, “The remembrance fills me with sorrow and shame. It pains me to tell you of it; but I have promised to tell you the truth and I will do it honestly, let it cost me what it may” (Jacobs 1: 776). The words she uses are so expressive and emotional. As I reader, she already had my sympathy and compassion before she even divulged any details of the events. I believe she did this deliberately because she knows that her behavior is morally and socially unacceptable and needs to appeal to her audience’s sense of compassion. She makes certain that her audience knows that she could face repercussions just for being honest about the events surrounding her pregnancy. Another point in the story where I felt myself drawn in, is when Linda boldly asks her readers to excuse her scandalous behavior. The language and choice of words that Jacobs’s uses is so full of emotion, I can picture the tears as she says,” Pity me, and pardon me, O virtuous reader!” (Jacobs 1: 776) Not only is this a moving statement, which plays on the readers’ sympathies, but it also appeals to the Christian virtues of forgiveness and compassion. I can honestly say I have enjoyed reading Jacobs story, because of the language she used to tell her story. This has left me eager to read other slave narratives.

#6 Going Once, Twice, Sold!

Have you ever been to an auction? There are many items arranged for buyers to come and hunt for potential bargains. People come from near and far just get a good deal. I myself have been a potential buyer at an auction. The auction I attended had all types of items for sell from computers, to cars and trucks. Each item was tagged with an item number so buyers would know how to bid. No name, just a description. After reading Jacob’s The Incidents In the Life of a Slave Girl, I will see auctions in a new light. Linda, in Jacobs story, is constantly struggling to move from being considered auction chattel to obtaining her freedom. Even though Dr. Flint owed her, she refused to allow him to rule over her. She was determined not to be like the other slave girls that had babies from their masters and then were discarded. ”I had seen several women sold, with his babies at the breast.” She wanted not only the American dream of freedom for her, but for her children as well. On more than one occasion, Linda’s family tried to purchase her with no success, but Linda had the determination and was filled with the hope that one day she would have her freedom. Linda finally obtains her freedom for herself, and her children by the kindness of Mrs. Bruce. Although she is truly grateful and excited, she struggles to accept that her life was bought and sold. She remarks, “ So I was sold at last! A human being sold in the free state of New York!” I love Linda’s spirit. She acknowledges her condition as changed, but she expresses that her life’s dream was something entirely different. Like many Americans today, Linda’s dream is to own a home. For in her mind she was always free.

Post 5 The Theme

After reading the writings of Apess and Sigourney I noticed a common theme. The unifying theme is the unfair treatment of the American Indians. Both authors spoke about the same issue, but use two different approaches to convey the same idea.  Apess’s approaches the topic by using Christian principals and precepts to validate his argument. He also passionately reminds his audience of the how Indians are taught and converted to the Christian faith, but do not see these Christian precepts that they are to endorse reflected in the way “white Americans” treat American Indians.  Apess gives the example of Christ’s treatment of people of all colors.   Apes writes, “Jesus Christ being a Jew, and those of his Apostles certainty were not whites- and did not he who completed the plan of salvation it for the whites as well as for the Jews, and others?”   He even posed the question how would Christ treat Native Americans. Sigourney posed argument and viewpoint by posing intelligent questions and observations. Sigourney pointed out the intelligence of the American Indian by pointing out that geographical locations in American there were named by the American Indian.  Sigourney appeals to the thought that The Indians have value and should be treated accordingly. Both authors use different arguments but convey the same idea.

Post 4

In the story, The Tenth of January the author uses the point of view to help convey the meaning and moral of the story.  Phelps tells the story from a third person narrator who is omniscient. Phelps use of the third person narrator allows the readers to know how characters are thinking and how they feel about themselves and others. For example, in the beginning of the story the reader knows that Asenath feels bothered when her father speaks to her. ” She was never cross with her father but her words rang impatiently sometimes.”  This helps the reader have an understanding of how she interacts and feels about her farther. The story point of view also allows us to see how much Asenath’s father cared for her. “She was all she had in the world,-this one little crippled girl…” This is important because Asenath does not think she is worthy of love or is even worthy to live. She feels this way because of her physical appearance and disability. However the readers know that her father loves her dearly. This helps to convey the message of the story that life is valuable and worthwhile to someone even though you do not possess physical beauty. Asenath feels so unworthy and feels that her life is not worth anything to anyone that she gives up and tells the rescuers to save her friend. She feels this way so much that she tells her father, “I don’t mind it much”. The author use third narrative to express the idea of the value of life at any state regardless of one’s self-image.

Blog 3

Even though times are changing, certain mindsets, perceptions and ideas on American values remain the same. Irving’s The Wife was written in the Nineteenth century but its story still resonates in 2011. Irving’s main characters deal with the core issues of marriage, finances, and the women’s role according to men. I find it rather humorous that the dilemma in the story still plagues many Americans of 2011. I find the story humorous because recently spouses all over America like Leslie had to have tough conversations with their spouses about money. The Wife seems like it could be about the Smith’s from down the street who had to move because the husband invested poorly in the stock market. I also found it interesting that even though the story suggested that Irving had a high viewpoint of women there were still some phrases that suggested that a women’s happiness was tied to wealth. For example, Leslie expresses that he does not think his wife will not be able to handle the change in lifestyle and comments that his wife will be, “brooding over a prospect of future poverty.”  The suggestion that women are only happy when they are wealthy depicts women as being shallow.After reading the story it was also clear that the husbands were the sole bread winners and women were financially dependent on their husbands. Although times are changing it seems that Irving’s The Wife is aging well.

Blog Posting #2

I never realized how much early American history influenced American literature and the idea of the “American Dream”. Growing up I always knew that The Declaration of Independence is significant to American History, but to be honest I never really viewed the work as American literature. I never even thought of how American literature as shaped the “American Dream” and will continually help to reshape the dream. The ideas of the declaration came from the thinkers and writers of the Enlightenment. The Declaration of independence was written by Thomas Jefferson who said he,” used neither book nor pamphlet” as he wrote. This piece of American literature put the ideas of the enlightenment into action. These thinkers used the written words to make their cause. However this was good and bad. I say this because not everyone’s viewpoints were expressed in newspapers or in books. The views and subject matter were those of the ones who controlled the printed word. Many other causes were left in the background and took a back seat to the politics between the colonies and England. This is evident in the way the controlling powers viewed education. Women were mainly educated to become good Republican mothers. Slaves were forbidden to be taught to learn to read or write. The Declaration of Independence left out a huge group of people. I am sure most slaves did not view slavery as the pursuit of happiness or that most women felt happy in their restricted roles. The American Dream will continue to evolve as the literature landscape continues to be redefined by either book or blog.

Blog Posting #1

I have always considered myself fortunate to be living in this day and age.  After reading the writings of Aldrich, Hughes, and De Crevecoeur, I have come to the realization that I owe God big time for my date of birth.  To be honest I do not think I have ever really put much thought into what it specifically means to be an American. However, what I do know that as an American we are extremely more fortunate than most people from other countries. I do know that to be an American is to be a free person. I do know that to be an American means we have a chance to live better than our parents. I know that to be an American means that our social class or gender does not define whom we become.
Reading “Letters From an American Farmer” I had a moment of reflection. I knew that historically an American was defined as a Caucasian male from specific nationalities. I have always known that American definition existed and even now still creeps up in peoples thinking and understanding. However seeing it in print moved me. I have a greater appreciation for the people who made America what it is to today.  I know that because of the people who fought and even died for causes like the abolishment of slavery, women’s rights, and civil rights, the definition of what it means to be an American was redefined. I also have a deeper appreciation for all of the Americans who lived before these great defining moments in America.