The+American+Community

__The American Community__

Personal Reflection:

The concept of having a strong community is one that is not appreciated enough in America today. It is very important that Americans not only rely on themselves in order to succeed in life but also the support from others in order to have stability in their lives. Community is a give and take concept, and in order to gain the support of your peers in difficult moments, it is important that we as Americans support our fellow community members. One's community may contain family members, friends, neighbors or people they do not know very well, but in order to gain support from them in times of need, we as Americans must be willing to support others in their highest and lowest moments. America cannot become a people of We over me rather a people that moves from a focus on "me to we."

Piece of Writing:

Early in //The Grapes of Wrath//, Steinbeck shows a main flaw in the American character and how communities are weakened when individuals do not value the whole and visa versa. In the Oklahoma community in which the Joad Family lives, there is little emphasis on community life. The Joads struggle financially and long to belong and “fit in.” The citizens living in this small Oklahoma community show that they care more for the “me” than for the “we.” People frequently give into the command of the novel’s villain, the large corporations, known as the “monster.” The monster demands that individuals think/live selfishly and act in ways that in the short term benefit “me.” For instance, the Joad’s neighbors are having their house torn down and the tractor driver realizes he can make a few extra dollars by knocking the Joads down as well. “Well, I might get a couple of dollars. And my youngest kid never had no shoes yet (Steinbeck, 38).”

This picture signifies the community aspects that existed during and after 9/11. Firefighters were proud of their country,doing everything in their abilities to save the lives of many people they didn't even know. This symbolized the true American character and community; People stood up for their personal beliefs and values, as well as those in their communities.

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