Zheutlin+-+Reflections

Reflections:


 * Change in America**

Change is the only consistent thing in America; everything is constantly evolving to superficially meet the needs of citizens. But the change that carries a higher level of importance is often not pursued because people fear the consequences of activism versus the prize of fundamental change. Change is often a talking point for politicians, who think they have the power to spark change. When a politician creates change, will the American people ever be satisfied? We want change until wee see the short-term inconvenience it brings. I think that the only way change can ever really be achieved is when a lot of people, with common positions, stand up together and fight for their cause. But I have to agree with De Tocqueville, because it does not seem to me like a majority of the population is investing their time to causes that are worth while, I think because society has breed us to go with the flow and support others.


 * The American Image**

The American image is an ideal that is so hard to achieve yet so many citizens work so hard to perfect their looks. Immigrants are a great example; often times they reinvent themselves completely, to make it look as though they have no foreign mannerisms that would make them look “different.” In //A Streetcar Named Desire// Blanche Dubois thought that by making herself look beautiful, her problems would subside and her world would be possible. Opposite of Blanche was Hester Prynne, who had the image of a sinner but inside (later on in the book) had the inside is a free, independent woman. But there is more to the American image, abroad we are often thought of as loud and obese. The American image might also be beautiful woman competing to see who is better looking and talented. This page has made me think about how different the various images are that all can represent America.


 * Inequality and the American Dream**

Somewhere in the laws of human nature is something that gives satisfaction in being superior to someone. Naturally from that feeling, Americans are good and creating unequal playing fields, to keep us higher and keep “them” inferior. That type of inequality, inevitable, affects our American dream. For MLK jr., his dream was equality for all, but for activists for the LGBT community their dreams include marriage equality. The United States is big enough to accommodate everyone and their rights’; the task now is fighting for equality so everyone has a chance at the same American dream. When I think of inequality and the American Dream, I cannot help but think of immigrants. They come and face adversity to achieve a dream that some would say they are never going to be able to achieve. The dedication of immigrants speaks to the hope that the American dream can inspire, even under the oppression of inequality.


 * Our Perfect America**

This page goes with the American image. Does achieving that ideal American image mean you are indicative of a "Perfect America." It seems to me that there is a vision of perfect America that supersedes over all other views of what that perfect America is. I find that on television perfect America is a white family living in a fancy suburb community, with one or two friends that are diverse. But that is not reality for most people. Most people look upon television and Hollywood to give us a glimpse at how perfect our lives could be. The poem I, too, sing America by Langston Hughes brings a different perspective to the "perfect America" discussion. Instead of fame and riches, he poetically speaks about the desire for equality.