Reflection+on+the+American+Capacity+for+Change

Reflection on the American Revolutions
The items in this wall are designed to reflect the ability of Americans to affect change in their lifestyle, and their desire to do so. Immediately noticeable is a a depiction of a battle in the famous American Revolutionary War. This conflict is perhaps the most famous of the attempts made by Americans to achieve an aim that they thought both desirable and necessary. An endorsement for regular and future rebellions is provided in the statement from Thomas Jefferson. The following quote from the French philosopher and political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville reveals his doubt not of the capacity, but of the desire of people living in a democratic society to initiate revolution in their lifetimes, a far cry from the sentiments of Jefferson. While I see tbe merit of de Tocqueville's argument, I do not believe Americans are forever without the desire to change, and to this end, I have included depictions of several instances in which Americans have taken attempted to alter their society through mass action. A scene from the the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, and a photograph of united female workers protesting against unfair treatment are fine examples of motivated Americans. A further quote from Steinbeck speaks to the ability and capability of Man to make change in his society. The two videos depicting Bob Dylan's famous standard of protest, "The Times They Are-a Changin'" and the popular "The Shape of Things to Come," performed by Christopher Jones in the satirical 1968 film from American International Pictures //Wild in the Streets//, are poetic calls to the spirit of change that I feel colors the mind of every American, and can be occasionally coaxed out of hiding to show its true colors. Finally, Walt Whitman provides some thoughtful words of wisdom for foreigners seeking to institute democracy in their own nations, and reminds everyone of the virtues of gradual change.