Journal # 15

After reading "Border State Patrol," By Leslie Marmon Silko I found that I agreed with many points she had to say.

In the past Silko explains how Natives were free to travel where they please. She states, "I used to travel the highways of New Mexico and Arizona with a wonderful sensation of absolute freedom," but over the years that had changed greatly. Border patrols were practically everywhere and they only stopped dark skinned people. They would humiliate them and search their cars, detaining Natives for any reason they could. It is sad to me that America had went through this change because Americans thought that white were so much more superior than any other race. She says the patrols not only stopped natives but people who appeared to be clergy or chinese too.

When Silko explains they German Shepard dog that searched her, I think she brings a lot of emotion to her story. By saying she "[could not] forget the expression in the dog's eyes; it was as if she were embarrassed to be associated with them," she portrays the border patrol men as monsters and creates a great amount of sympathy for her and other native travelers. I agree with Silko when she says that many Natives were shot and killed by the border patrol because how can anyone know what actually happened on those dark, lonely nights. And if Americans were as racist as history shows, I have no doubt that they acted violently towards Natives.

Silko says that borders are "no use," and that they will never work. I believe that this statement is somewhat true even though America created border patrols, the  "Iron Curtain," and a fence between Mexico. America can use its power and can make it difficult for Natives to travel into the US or throughout the US, but with all the connections that people have, it would be impossible to keep all of them out forever. Just as Silko says they not only have the connection of language. commence, and cosmologies. I also have realized many Americans even have Native blood in them themselves; I am part Cherokee. I have never thought about it in this way before but when she says human beings are a "natural force of the earth, just as rivers and winds..." it really makes sense to say that stopping Natives or minorities from traveling into America is not possible.

Journal # 14

If I was a soldier in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross's unit I would carry many things with me.  In his story, "The Things We Carry," O'Brien says men carried many objects that "varied by mission" as well as rank, superstition, and necessity.  I find it practical that everyone would carry items that fall into all these categories.  I would first want to make sure that I had the proper uniform on to protect me and camouflage to blend in. Weapons for my protection would probably be my top priority so I would have a way to defend myself. I would make sure I always have a canteen on me for water, a compass if I ever got lost, and tools such as a pocket knife or mosquito netting. These objects would fall into my necessities. I would also carry with me some sort of lucky charm, just as Lieutenant Cross carried his pebble from Martha. I think having something like that gives people hope in a certain way and so having a good luck charm would help bring a positive outlook. I would also carry sentimental things, as did Cross when he carried Martha's letters and pictures. I would have a picture of my family and significant other. I believe these sort of objects would remind me how important they are to me and give me  motivation to continue on through the rough times of war. Although I would try and not focus all of my attention on them unlike Cross did because I wouldn't want it to distract me from my job, being a soldier.  I would bring a Bible with me to also help inspire me if things got hard. Lastly, I would carry with me a positive attitude. Although it is intangible, I think it is probably the most important aspect that I could carry. Having a positive attitude can make all the difference because I believe that happiness is a choice.

Journal #13

The American Dream is one of that thousands of people dreamt of. Everyone who lived in America or moved to America had hoped of oppurtunity to start fresh and prosperity to become successful. I belive in Zitkala-Sa's story The School Days of an Indian Girl, she did not live the "American Dream."

The reason I believe Zitaka-Sa did not experience the American Dream is because she was forced away from her home native land to the "Land of Red Apples" as she calls it. If you were forced to leave your home to be civilized by the American people and educated and raised the way they wanted, than that is no where near living the American Dream. Zitaka-sa should have been able to choose her own future, isn't that what the American Dream is all about? She should of been able to decide whether or not she wanted to go to school and leave her hometown. She was humiliated throughout school, and felt very out of place. At one point she says, "they took their forefingers out of their mouths and pointed at my moccasined feet...this embarrassed me, and kept me constantly on the verge of tears." She also got her long hair cut off which made her "[lose] my spirit." Zitaka-Sa had every right to keep her long hair, for it completed part of her identity. The fact that these Americans were forcing her to change and causing her so much pain is why I believe she did not live the American Dream.

Yes Zitaka-Sa was given these oppuritunities to go to school and become educated and civilized which may appear to seem like she did live the American Dream, but truly, I believe that the American Dream was meant for people to prosper in their own way but in Zitaka-Sa's case, that was not true. Instead she was constrained, humiliated, and overcome by these Americans people who forced her to live their American Dream.

Journal #12

"I, LILIUOKALANI of Hawaii, by the will of God named heir apparent on the tenth day of April, A. D. 1877, and by the grace of God Queen of the Hawaiian Islands on the seventeenth day of January, A. D. 1893, do hereby protest against the ratification of a certain treaty, which, so I am informed, has been signed at Washington by Messrs. Hatch, Thurston, and Kinney, purporting to cede those Islands to the territory and dominion of the United States. I declare such a treaty to be an act of wrong toward the native and part-native people of Hawaii, an invasion of the rights of the ruling chiefs, in violation of international rights both toward my people and toward friendly nations with whom they have made treaties, the perpetuation of the fraud whereby the constitutional government was overthrown and, finally, an act of gross injustice to me.

This was my favorite quote from Liliuokalani's story. The formal language that she uses not only portrays how respectful she is to other people, but also conveys her courage and the true ambition she has to stand up for her native land and all the people that live there. She states that for the United States to take control and rule Hawaii is a "violation" towards the Hawaiian people but also says it is a violation towards her. I think the last sentence where she says, "injustice to me," has such an strong message because by including that it will effect her personally makes her argument much more influential.  By explaining how this "invasion" will be detrimental to herself, Hawaiians, and other nations connected to Hawaii, I believe she creates an exceptionally admired argument and really shows her passion for her native colony.

Bonus Blog # 2 Imperialism

Hawaiian Islands

The definition of the word "Imperialism" is described as "the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or a nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding dependancies." But the word imperialism goes much deeper than just an empire ruling over a colony. Imperialism is not just connecting two different places by political status, it is when an empire changes the ways and culture of the new land they acquire; they influence the currency used, sports played, crops grown, and resources made.

The British Empire was one of the most successful empires throughout history; it was kingdoms from India, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Scotland all put togther. America also became an empire when it joined with Puerto Rico, Guatemala, The Philippine Islands, and certain parts of China.

After reading about the Hawaiian, Queen Liliuokalani, and her story of Hawaii being taken part of the American Empire it altered my views on the effect it made on these smaller countries and the people who lived there. The Queen was against becoming part of the new empire because she believed that it would be detrimental to their native islands which had such great independence. At one point, after America had successfully succeed Hawaii to become a part of their country, she says, "those poor Hawaiians, strangers on their native soil." She believed that their "crown lands" were not made to be for sale. I agree with Liliuokalani. Although what has happened in the past we cannot change, I think it was unjust for larger, more powerful countries, such as America and Britain, to take other dependencies and make them part of their own and force civilization on the people. Those people should have a right to do what they want and live as they please. But when a greater force comes in and conquers their land, the people have no choice but to adapt to the new lifestyles forced upon them. It is sad to know that many people, including Liliuokalani, we're distressed by this process and I wish that they could of kept their own identity and could of stayed independent as they hoped.

Overall, reading experts from this story has shown me new light to imperialism and how it changed our world from what it once was. Although Hawaii, and many other smaller colonies were succeed into larger empires, I hope their will always be a way to express their true native culture.

Journal # 11

After reading Hopkin's As the Lord Lives, He is One of our Mother's Children, and Mckay's poems I decided to focus my question of perplexity on how African Americans truly felt about America and what their views were on living here.

In Mckay's If We Must Die poem, it states that African Americans are "hunted" and "penned" by angry dogs (white men). He refers to white men as a "cowardly pack" and states Africans accomplished a difficult task by fighting back even though they were outnumbered. This poem conveys that African Americans were treated unjustly and extremely cruel; they wished to be treated nobly and with respect but America did not give offer them any of those qualities.

In the poem America Mckay gives mixed emotions about how African Americans felt about America. In the beginning he explains how America "feeds me bread of bitterness," "sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth," and steals people's breath of life. This negative connotation describing America definitely shows that blacks did not enjoy living in America. But later in the poem Mckay changes his view and talks about how he loved "this cultured hell," and that people stand within America's walls with no fear.

In Outcast Mckay describes how African Americans were born far away from their home and wish that they could experience living in their native land. He says that "his soul would sing forgotten jungle songs," but how he was never able to hear those native songs and how something within him was lost.  He uses strong diction to describe how awful it was to live in America; he says he'll never hope for full release, and how he is "under the white man's menace." He also states how the "western world holds me in a fee."

These three different poems portray that, overall, African Americans probably hated living in America where they didn't have their own rights and freedom and because it made them grow a part from their native origins. But a part of them may have liked it according to the poem Ameirca because it gave them protection or some sense of opportunity to learn about new cultures and ideas.

Journal # 10 The Aha! Moment

Both Chesnutt's story, The Wife of His Youth and Harper's poem, Learning to read, had "aha moments." Aha moments are when the reader discovers a hidden meaning behind the story that gives the story an even greater significance than it once had, and the reader an even greater insight to the story.

When reading The Wife of His Youth, I was extremely surprised after I read, "permit me to introduce to you the wife of my youth." That moment was definitely the aha moment for me because I did not expect that the visitor looking for her long lost love would of been Mr. Ryder. Throughout the story I was convinced that he was going to propose to Ms. Dixon at the grand ball as he said he was going to. But after he explained his story to everyone at the ball and confessed his true love for the old woman, it was a turning point in the story. There was one moment in the text that said, "he went upstairs to his bedroom, and stood for a long time before the mirror of his dressing-case, gazing thoughtfully at the reflection of his own face," and after finishing the story I realize that it was foreshadowing what was to come. At that moment he had knew that the man in the picture the old woman gave him was himself, and that after 25 years, she was still faithful to the man she once loved.

In Harper's Learning to read the reader is influenced to believe that the old freed slave was not able to read because she explains different ways in which slaves would try to learn how to read. One by greasing the pages of his book and hiding them in his hat, another by listening in on the children spelling. She describes that the slave owners would not allow them to read or write because it would make the slaves "too wise." So I, the reader, wouldn't of never expected the end stanza of the poem. She says, "and never stopped til i could read, the hymns and testament," from The Bible. At that moment I understood that she was actually able to read. This hidden meaning established just how important literacy was to slaves, and that once they were able to read it enabled them to finally be independent and sit "upon [their] throne."

Both of these stories were very interesting, I really enjoyed reading them because the endings were unexpected. I've always thought that a sense of surprise or a twist in a story makes it better, and now I know that it also deepens the readers understanding.

Journal # 9

America experienced great changes from 1865 to 1914. This time after the Civil War was even called the "loss of innocence" for America, and even after that brutal war America continued to have problems such as the Mexican War, the Chinese Exclusionary rule, and uniting the North and South. However, this was a time where America greatly expanded not only population wise, but in technology, marketing, and innovations too. America's industrialization boomed during this time period; Abraham Lincoln created the Pacific Railway stretching across the country, and people such as Rockafeller helped the oil industry prosper. And reading increased throughout the country through newspapers, magazines, poetry but most of all short stories. These innovations assisted in creating the country we know America as today.

The the main connection I saw between the present day and this time period was entertainment.  Back then, entertainment applied to novels, magazines, and newspapers printed in the country. It was a huge business that grew rapidly making publishing a big business. Fiction was popular at this time and short stories were people's favorite literary feature. Although today's entertainment is a little different due to television and movies, we still have thousands of books in America that people read. Reading has always been and will always be a prime source of entertainment for people.

Another strong connection I found between today and 1865 to 1914 was the political aspect. In the past, the North and South had extremely different views and did not get along, but after Abraham's death, they started to unite, but this was not the end of conflict for America. The Americans fought in the Mexican War and also had conflict with too many immigrants coming in from China and Europe. I believe America will always have its political conflicts with other countries no matter what because today just like in the past, we are in another war, the war with Iraq.

America has grown so much from its past, reading this introduction I found it interesting that people were still fighting for their rights. African Americans were fighting for the 14th amendment which established equality and their right to vote, and women fighting for the 19th amendment for equality too. But today we have our first African American president, Obama. I think this conveys how much of a progress we have made and I am blessed to call this country my home.

Blog #8: Response to Denzel's Blog

After reading the excerpts assigned I too noticed how much religion was used throughout the texts. Denzel's blog talks about, "John Browns Last Speech," and Garnet's, "From a Memorial Discourse." These two texts in-particular stood out to me because they used God to relate to their audience. When describing the cruelty slaves went through and the hardships they faced, they each bring up God in a similar way. Like Denzel said Brown describes how the new testament taught him many valuable lessons and also says, "God is a respecter of persons." And Garnet states, "in the name of God, the universal Father, we demand the right to live." I completely agree with Denzel when he says those texts were, "equally persuasive by involving the religion that the entire country was familiar with." In my opinion, by using a common religion as a way to argue that slavery is unjust and cruel would really speak to people everywhere because, back then, most people were Christians. It would connect with people in a new light and maybe allow people who had slaves to finally see how wrong it was. I also agree with Denzel when he says these two excerpts criticized the, "American Dream." They portray a slaves life was no where near the true "American Dream," that many Americans lived, but in fact, laborers treated inhumanely. In conclusion, Brown's and Garnet's Christian faith conveyed in their speeches were excellent ways to influence slave holders to think of slavery differently, and I also thoroughly enjoyed reading and responding to Denzel's post.

Abolitionist Poetry

Both John Greenleaf Whitter's poems and Frances E. W. Harper were devoted abolitionists of their time. Harper was one of the first African American writers, who was influenced by Garrison's Liberator and also participated in the underground railroad. Whitter was a quaker who was interested in slavery and devoted himself to the "antislavery crusade."

I found reading these poems, both authors used vivid imagery to create certain feelings pertaining to their purpose of their poems. In Harper's Slave Mother she describes "she is a mother, pale with fear, Her boy clings to her side," to help the reader to imagine the experience of being separated from your child, which was common being a slave. Saying her face was pale and "hands so sadly clasped" really portrays to the reader that it was an extremely difficult time for the mother, and even sickening. In Whitter's The Hunters of Men, he states "Her foot's in the stirrup, her hand in the rein." This imagery conveys that even when the wives of their masters were kind, they were so tied up with their husbands that they too became corrupted. He also uses many descriptions in his second poem. At one point he describes the slaves dwellings as "rice-swamp dank and lone" and connects it with "noisome insect stings," "fever demon strews," and "poison with the falling dews. These characterizations are all associated with a negative image. This causes the reader to view their homes as awful, lonely and painful places.

Using imagery in poems is a effective and great way to truly give what you want your audience to take away from reading your poem. In my opinion not only does imagery allow for the reader to actually picture an image in their mind, it allows the reader to understand and relate to the poem on an even higher level.

Bonus Blog

Harriet Jacobs, "A Life of a Slave Girl," is an account in which describes her entire life throughout the time she was enslaved up until she was freed. This story is completely truthful, as she assures the reader knows. In the introduction she states "this narrative is no fiction" and her "adventures...[are] strictly true." She also states that she has not written this story in light of getting sympathy for her sufferings, but rather to raise awareness to others. As we discussed in class, she probably did have some intention of getting a little sympathy from her readers. In her story she describes her detailed emotions and how wretched she felt, which entices the audience to feel sympathetic for her. Jacobs also wrote directly to her readers. In one instance she said, "Reader, did you ever hate? I hope not. I never did but once" and again later she states, "And now reader, I come to a period in my unhappy life which I would gladly forget if I could." Directly speaking to her reader, in my opinion allows for the reader to pause and reflect an even greater amount than what they usually would. This makes her writing much more personal, on a whole new level, almost as if you knew her personally.  She uses this technique right before she describes her actions when she slept and got pregnant from a white man which disgraced her family. She is also ashamed of what she has done and tries to convey her feelings by connecting to the reader (which was targeted white high class women) and by telling them that having a lover who has no control over you brings "akin to freedom."

Overall her language is personal and portrays her struggle she experienced throughout her life. She attempts to obtain some sympathy and understanding from her readers by telling them her reasoning behind her actions and her feelings towards how she felt about them, knowing her audience may judge her she used this personal language to earn attraction and awareness.

Race and Culture

Both the, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl," and "The Quadroons" were extremely sad stories. From history classes I have always known slaves were treated poorly and unequally, but after reading these personal stories I feel like I have learned so much more and now realize what their lives were like on a whole new level. I am choosing to write about race and culture because, being African American, both Rosalie and Jacobs experienced an usually difficult life. 


In "The Quadroons," Rosalie did not have as bad as life as most slaves in that day because of her wealthy owner, for she lived in a beautiful cottage in Sand-Hills and fell in love and wished to marry a man named Edward. However how great can a life be when you are "owned" by someone. Her marriage would not even be recognized in the state because of her race. It is so sad that just because of her ethnic background that society would place such restrictions on her. In the future they had a daughter together named Xarifa, but when Edward left Rosalie, she grew into depression. For she longed to move Xarifa to England because Rosalie knew her fate here in America would not be a good one, and knowing what her fate would be (a slave), Rosalie's "soul was filled with anguish." Once Rosalie passed, Xarifa was then bet on as a slave. One man says "I bet two thousand dollars." It amazes me that society as a whole back then thought of humans as property solely because of the color of their skin. 


In Jacobs account, she had a terrible life. Not only did her master not allow her to marry the man she loved, he abused and cursed her, even threatened her life. Just because of her race, her owner believed it was just to treat her the way he did. Eventually Jacob ran away from her owner and hid in a small hiding place, in which she had gotten frost bite and wombs from bugs that lived with her. Although she went through these tragedies she would of rather been anywhere else besides with her cruel owner as she explains, "Yet i would have chosen this, rather than my lot as a slave." In the end she and her children were freed alas even though she still had the painful memories from her past. 


Due to Americas culture of believing that whites were so superior to blacks and they had the right to actually own people and do whatever they wanted with them, Jacobs, Rosalie, and Xarfia all had painful experiences in their lives.  For race was the reason in which they were treated so unequally. It is sad to me that just being a different race would cause such horrible things to happen to you. But I am glad to know that our culture has changed drastically over the years and now everyone, no matter what race, is treated equally and given the life they wish to live. 

Native Americans

Throughout both passages, "An Indian's Looking Glass for the White Man," and "Indian Names," there is a common theme describing how the Native Americans of that time were treated poorly, given unfair rights, and discriminated against. Apess's story reflects much about his own heritage and how he was actually part Native American himself. Growing up with a white father and Indian mother (although his parents split), he has had a great interest in the "history and rights of Native Americans." His story explains how he believes Indians should have the right to be treated equally. He was a minister so he mirrors a lot of what the Bible says. He believes that no man should be affected by the color of one's skin color, because God would never be disgraceful towards someone who had black or red skin. He also talks about the white men's cruelty towards the Indians and how they "robbed...murdering their women and children," and deprived them of their lawful rights in which they deserved. 


In Sigourney's poem, "Indian Names" we also see a theme supporting Native Americans. She too was raised in a devoutly Christian home which I think is maybe connected to why both authors have reflected the same feelings towards Native Americans. She talks about how Natives were "brave" and a "noble race" in which whites have killed off. Her poem conveys that Natives were spread out all throughout the country from Kentucky to Missouri and were the first people in this country. She also talks about how their memory will always be remembered and names on our waters, that won't washout, even though "ye destroy their dust." 


Sadly, these two passages reflect the way in which Natives were treated poorly and killed off. But it is encouraging to see people who think so highly of the Indians, having Cherokee Indian in my myself.  

Theme in the "Tenth of January" By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

After reading this story I considered many options of different themes that would be suitable, I came to conclusion that, even if things in life are bad, don't take it for-granted, would be the best fit. The theme was developed slowly throughout the story and became apparent at the end. In the beginning, Asenath was  sorrow and looked down upon herself.  She constantly allowed not only herself, but others to put her down because of her past and her looks. For instance two people talking about her whispered, "Look at that girl! I'd kill myself if I looked like that." Yet she actually thought the same way because at one point in the story she had, "wicked thoughts," in which she envisioned jumping off the bridge. Her life was extremely tough and was put in unfortunate situations, but I believe there was always something in which she could be happy about. Her father cared about her and she always had God to go to when she felt alone. There were even little things in her life that could make her happy. In the end of the story when Asenath was close to dying, she had finally come to realization that "Life- even her life- was sweet, now that it was slipping from her." Even if life is hard, I agree with this theme, I believe that life should never be taken for-granted for it is too big of a gift.

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

Irving's Story, "The Wife," conveys many different things about marriage, women, and economy. In the story, the man describes how sad he becomes and how "mortifying" it is to be poor. This shows that there was a lot of pressure in society for men to be wealthy and support their wives and families. He was scared to tell his wife about his failure throughout the story because he thought it would break her heart. What class you were in was obviously very important to people in this era. The story also says a lot of information about wives. It portrays that they are there to support you and give you comfort whenever you may need it. The story says single men are more "apt to run to waste and self neglect" whereas married men are able to share prosperity and receive sympathy from their wives. It explains that sharing emotions with your spouse is a way to create a bond that can keep hearts together.  Even though the husband is scared to tell his wife about his misfortunes, when he finally does she was actually relieved to hear the news, because she knew something had been bothering him. I agree with what this story conveys. Husband and wife should always be there for the other one, no matter what the news may be. And if you are not sharing something with your spouse I believe that they will be able to sense that something is upsetting you, so always be willing to share, and I think you will be satisfied with the outcome.

Allow your mind to make connections between what you read and your own experiences and sense of things.

Most of our readings reveal information that tens of thousands of Native Americans were here in America long before Columbus and his people. They explain how they were successful farmers and traders, how they had their own diverse languages, arts and how they were actually very intelligent. By Columbus calling America a "New World" he exploited the fact that they were already settled and living there. Some people have made it seem as though Native Americans weren't civilized people. The Spaniards and Englishmen treated them unequally and used them as slaves.  Our generation is lucky to have the laws and constitution that we have. Nowadays all races and genders are treated equally, having all the same opportunities. History has improved itself throughout the years and we now know that everyone, no matter what age, religion or anything else that differs people from each other should be a deciding factor of how they are treated. I feel extremely lucky to be an American. Although some of our readings had different views, Emma Lazarus stated that anyone with a dream is welcome in America with open arms. I believe that America gives everyone a fair opportunity and is an amazing place to call home.

How have your definition and ideas of American identity been challenged?

After going through and analyzing our reading assignments and having our class discussion, my view of being an American has changed in a certain way. I've always thought that being an American is a blessing and that we are so lucky to have had the opportunities, equality, and freedom that we have in this country. Where men and women are created equal, and where we have an official document stating all of our rights that give us our freedoms. After our class, I do still believe all of that. I still truly think that living in America is such a privilege because we are able to have lives in which we choose what we want to be, who we want to be, and where we want to live. In other countries people are not given those benefits, such as in India, where nine year olds are getting married to people who are picked out by their parents. So although I do think that being an American is a blessing, my view has been changed a little. Reading Hughes poems, "I, Too," and "Let America Be America Again," I realize that not all people feel the same as I do. Some people in America may have a different opinion and think it is not all that great. People don't all have the same experience growing up in America and now I am more sympathetic to the fact that not all people enjoy living here. So overall although I still think living in America is wonderful, I know now that not everyone has those same feelings and I am understanding to that.