Jacob-Reflections

Personal Possession: Americans are obsessed with their personal possessions. We take immense value in our property and our "continual exertions to increase it makes it even more precious to" us (De Tocqueville, 636). We focus so much attention on our plasma TV’s, our new Mac computers and our new car. Alexis De Tocqueville believes that this is a bad thing because possessions are not nearly as important as socioeconomic issues. I too share his concern. We are so focused on the little things in life that sometimes class struggle and social change take a backseat. That's why a new iPhone has more news coverage than the continual suffering of the lower class.

Land of Dreamers: Our nation is seen as a land where dreams truly do come true. Sadly, I think otherwise. Our nation is a land of hope, but dreams seldom come true. We build dreams up so much that they are impossible to achieve in reality. This is what happened to Jay Gatsby. Jay Gatsby represents the American Dreamer; a man who believed that he could go from “rags to riches” and have the same privileges as someone coming from an upper class upbringing. His dream is suppressed and reduced not only by his actions, but also the society around him. Our society does not allow for all dreams to come true. There are too many obstacles and far too many dreamers. The true significance of dreams is that they push us to reach our goals and become better people. We are all dreamers. We all dream of a better future, and that is what drives us.

Invisible: To Ralph Ellison invisibility is defined by American's refusal to see black people. It’s not that people are color blind, they simply “refuse to see” (3) black people. When people look at them they see “everything and anything except” (3) the black people that are standing right in front of them. Black people are not the only ones invisible. Far too many Americans are invisible. They are hidden behind generalizations and prejudice. People cannot work past their labels. Their label is what defines them. When sex offenders apply for a job, their resume does not matter. It doesn't matter if they are brilliant and hard working, being a sex offender defines them. This is also true for homeless, immigrants, minorities, veterans, ex-convicts and disabled. They continually struggle to assimilate into American society. They are hindered by their modern day scarlet letter.

Desire: Desire is what drives Americans to become better people. We desire to reach our dreams. We don't lack motivation. As shown in the video of times square, Americans are always moving, but in no specific direction. We all desire to be better. Being a Junior in high school, I desire to go to college, then graduate school and then find job. This is the path that most Juniors are trying to take. We all seek to advance. I personally don't know anyone who is content with where they are at. You don't see people sitting around and doing absolutely nothing with their lives. This desire that we have can drive us into the ground. This is exactly what happened to Blanche in __A Streetcar Named Desire__. She desired a companion and youthfulness; she figuratively died when she couldn't achieve her goals.

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