Native American Poem: A Hidden Place

Scott, Carol Elain Faivre, "A Hidden Place"
17 Mar, 2008 <http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/holbein/369/napoet.htm#A%20Hidden%20Place>

A Hidden Place
Each of us has a hidden place Somewhere deep within ourselves;A place where we go to get away,To think things through,To be alone, to be ourselves.This unique place, where we confront our deepest feelings,Becomes a storehouse of all our hopes,All our needs, all our dreams,And even our unspoken fears.It encompasses the essence of who we are and what we want to be.But now and then, whether by chance or design,Someone discovers a way into that place we thought was ours alone.And we allow that person to see, to feel and to share All the reason, all the uncertainty And all the emotion we've stored up there.That person adds new perspective to our hidden realm,Then quietly settles down in his own corner of our special place,Where a bit of himself will stay forever.And we call that person a friend.

-Poem by Carol Elaine Faivre-Scott

Reflection:

The author expresses that this hidden place is within all human beings, it's why we act, how we dream, what we like, and it defines us as a person. This hidden place is our individuality what makes us different from everyone else, and escape from the norm, this place is shaped to whatever the person decides it to be. Goals and self made promises are sprouted from a person's hidden place. Without a hidden place a person would be void of emotion, thought, and self-preservation because it helps find ourselves in time of struggle. Although the body wears away over time, a hidden place stays forever.

This poem reminds me when I was a kid in fourth grade. There was this book about meditation one of my parents had, and there was an exercise called, "the secret place". Like the poem, the book described that this secret place shapes to our imagination, defines who we are, and should be visited when troubled so one can find hope to his answers. With all the stress and lack of sleep in my life I could sure use some relaxing in this secret place of mine.

Diary:

Dear Diary,
Our elder Three Bears taught us that no matter how big or small a person is there is a hidden place within all of us. I couldn't really imagine that dirt, bugs, and trees could all be inside me, so I asked him how that could be possible. He smiled at my question and responded that it is not exactly earth that remains in us, but a reflection of ourselves, and that this place changes over time to what we do, what we've felt, and how our fate has shaped us. I thought about Three Bear's words and decided to describe somewhere I hope to see. I've seen a place, where I walk among the rolling ever-green plains and where the trees can never be cut down. I've seen a place, where light tenderly sheds through the thick canopy of the forest, gently brushing the ground. I've seen a place where the desert is always bare, and the sun sets out to the west and streaks crimson on the sky. I've seen a place where nature never lashed its fury. I've seen a place where nothing is ever wasted. I've seen a place where sorrow is but a lesson. I've seen a place where I saw no else, but only me and myself.

What about the Dream? (EQ)

The pilgrims escaped Britain and sought a place where they could establish their own way of life and enjoy the company of their fellow people. However, the pilgrims' dream for a new life cost the lives of many American Indians. The natives of the "New World" were doomed as the zealous puritans sought to establish civilization. Throughout the American timeline, Native Americans were always a target for prejudice and have been constantly oppressed by the "Land of the Free". Indeed it was right for the pilgrims' to seek a freedom, but they were wrong to take away the freedom of these native people.

Anne Bradstreet Poem: Letter to Husband

Bradstreet, Anne "A Letter to her husband, Absent Upon Public Employment"
16 Mar 2008 <http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradlet.htm>

My head, my heart, mine eyes, my life, nay, more.
My joy, my magazine of earthly store,
If two be one, as surely thou and I,

How stayest thou there, wilst I at Ipswich lie?

So many steps, head from the heart to sever,

If but a neck, soon should we be together,

I, like the Earth this season, mourn in black,

My Sun is gone so far in's zodiac,

Whom whilst I 'joyed, nor storms, nor frost I felt,

His warmth such frigid colds did cause to melt.

My chilled limbs now numbed lie forlorn;

Return, return, sweet Sol, from Capricorn,

In this dead time, alas, what can I more

Than view those fruits which through thy heat I bore?

Which sweet contentment yield me for a space,

True living pictures of their father's face.

O strange effect! now thou art southward gone,

I weary grow the tedious day so long;

But when thou northward to me shalt return,

I wish my Sun may never set, but burn

Within the Cancer of my glowing breast,

The welcome house of him my dearest guest.

Where ever, ever stay, and go not thence,

Till nature's sad decree shall call thee hence;

Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone,

I here, thou there, but both but one.

Reflection:
The elements within this poem help the reader feel the author's desperation for her husband's immediate return. She sets a tone of longing by pleading by contrasting the seasons of summer and winter. She feels that with her husband's absence she dead inside like nature's slumber in winter, thus referring to the constellation Capricorn. She then describes that the return of the Constellation Cancer brings the warmth of summer to the earth just as his return to their home will bring warmth and life to her heart. However, what is the real purpose of this letter? Is it for the author to convince her husband that true bliss awaits their home as he returns? Or is it an attempt to draw him back through guilt due to citing the desperateness of her situation. Do they really love each other or does she simply need his support to insure the survival of her child and herself.

Diary:

Dear Diary,
Help me to find the answers, the answers to the question I'm too afraid to ask out loud. And council me that I step lightly across this path of eggshells to reunite my family. Does he still love me? Why does he not write? Has he met someone else that he favors more than me? How can he be not interested in the new miracles our daughter performs daily? Oh, I wish I knew his heart. Oh me I shall write immediately to my cousin who employs my husband. Hopefully I can glean some insight on this matter. Maybe she knows more than I have learned. I hope to God that I'm wrong in the questions I ask myself. Heaven forbid he deserts his only wife and seed. I cannot raise this child alone.

Anne Bradstreet Poem: To my Husband

Bradstreet, Anne "To my Dear and Loving Husband"
16 Mar 2008 <http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradhyp.htm>

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Reflection:

The author displays a tone of exaltation, which makes the reader feel that it can overcome the certainty of death and that true love carries on through the ages. Bradstreet's imagery in the poem portrays love in an eloquent style. For example, the following line describes the speaker's appreciation of love, "I prize my love more than whole mines of gold. My love is such that rivers cannot quench" portrays the gratitude of the speaker's husband since she values his life and spirit, and her love for him is infinite. Furthermore, repetition is used in lines 1-3 with the word "if," which emphasizes the emotion of love, "If ever two were one, than surely we," depicts appreciation the two people have for each other and their feelings are one in unity. Metaphors in the poem emphasize the speaker's imagery, "Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense. Thy love is such I can no way repay, The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray." The speaker's husband brings her such joy that she cannot repay him in any mortal way, so she prays that God will grant her husband the same bliss he has brought her.

Anne Bradstreet Poem: By night when others soundly slept

Bradstreet, Anne "By Night when Others Soundly Slept"
March 23, < http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/209.html >


Reflection:
The speaker is once again a woman who displays a tone of gratitude for love and what it brings to her life. It seems as though she calls for her certain man, as if night is the only time she prays for his presence. Yet, she must be careful since she does not want anyone to know of her ritual. Since puritans believe that humans must relieve themselves of their materials and man-made objects and only embrace god. The speaker must be secretive of her pleas to the certain man. For example, "By night when others soundly slept…My waking eyes were open kept, And so to lie I found it best". This explains that the speaker is dependent upon her lover's arrival, since it must be a custom of the puritans for the women to be asleep at night, while the men are out. Thus only her lover can quench her agitation for his presence, "I sought him whom my Soul did Love, With tears I sought him earnestly…My hungry Soul he fill'd with Good". Apparently this man fills this woman's heart with such joy; it is pure sensation for him to be in her presence. Her tears, pain, and fear vanish while both this man and woman are brought to together in unity. This man is her savior, and she repays him through commitment and vows to experience eternity with him.

Huswifery

Taylor, Edward "Huswifery"
17 Mar 2008 <http://www.puritansermons.com/poetry/taylor14.htm>

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;
Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,
And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.
My Conversation make to be thy Reele,
And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:
Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,
Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;
My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill
My wayes with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparell shall display before yee
That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.

Reflection:

This poem is basically the process of marriage. The speaker is obviously a man, who prays to God throughout his life, and asks for God's grace and guidance. In the first paragraph, the speaker prays and asks to be guided to find the right women in his life. For example, "Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate… My conversation make to be thy Reele". This portrays the speaker's request to find the women in his life that is right for him; when he finds that woman, may God grant him the right words to woo her. The second verse discusses the journey through time the couple carries on, "Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine: And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills: Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine". The speaker has found the right women in his life, but he prays to God to make his marriage work so that he and his wife will bring joy to each other's lives. In the final verse, the speaker once again prays to God, that after all the laughs, tears, and time the couple has gone through together, God will recognize the goodness in their union and find the honor in their marriage, finally welcoming them into his kingdom with open arms.
It seems as though we can all relate to the author. Not really just finding someone in your life, but finding enough peace and happiness, and that is rare to find especially in a time of war. Lives are lost, the economy recesses, and the country itself splits into factions and feuds. Pressure is put upon everyone to join a side, "Are you republican? democrat? independent?" what's the point to ask a kid that kind of a question? I don't even pay my own taxes.

Diary:

Dear Diary,
Life aboard this ship is dull as can be. All of us are cramped, suffocating in the same air, and waiting. Waiting for the day we reach the island. That's all we can do is wait. However, there is something else that's occupying my mind. I found her again. I met her, my angel for the second time. I'm not sure where to start, what she likes to hear. I can't go through these unexpected meetings and just say hello; my tongue is tied and my stomach aches. How can I woo her, get her to know me? How can I acquire that sweet tongue that draws women like honey to flies? All I can do is pray to God that some day, some time, I will be able to draw her into me. I feel this woman like no other, her warmth, her touch, that delicate innocence in her eyes. Like no other! All I can do is hope that my senses are right about this woman. My tongue is my rod, and God my consultant. God grant me the words to touch her heart.

Of Plymoth Plantation

Bradford, William. "Of Plymoth Plantation"
19 March 2008. <http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm>

Reflection:
No doubt the story is about the pilgrims' first encounter with this so called "New World". However, it is a much darker version than the children's tales of Elizabeth Hopkins and her Indian friends. On their voyage, the inhabitants of the ship still segregate themselves from the people with money and the dirt poor. Although they have one thing in common, their belief that God is the ultimate navigator on this journey. It was apparent that every act was God's will, every life lost, was God's decision. Some very sick and poor people were thrown into the ocean just because people concurred that God wanted it to be done. As this story progresses, it seems that this "act of God" becomes an excuse for any wrong-doing the pilgrims commit. Upon their arrival on Cape Cod, the pilgrims discover native inhabitants. We all know how this turns out, and no, not the children's version. Instead of bartering or negotiating, they immediately decide the Pequot are a threat to their existence and must be obliterated. The Indians must have felt similar mistrust when they first saw the camps thinking, "What right do they have on our land?" The Pequot felt intimidated of such an invasion. Yet it is the pilgrims that sought to destroy anyone or anything that they felt was not worthy of their standards, or more importantly, God's. It is no more different than a holocaust.
On a personal note, I once felt a similar irritation. About a while back, I went to open a bank account with my mother, since I got tired of caring wads of cash in my room without spending the money for some odd months straight. And as were sitting down and talking about the different types of accounts, the manager asked, "Is your son legal?" I can assure you my mother wanted to raise hell after that meeting, but I was not angry. It seemed to me as if someone walked up to me and asked, "Is that dog, not a cat?" As the manager could plainly see, my mother is as white as a ghost. If he had taken a minute to realize that she is an American citizen, then I, her son, would be an American citizen before I would be born. I'm not exactly sure why he would ask such a question, just like the Pequot must have thought, what right does anyone have to invade someone else?

Diary:
According to the Captain, we are on the second half of our journey. I can't stand how people are already separating themselves into groups and causing feuds amongst each other. What's the point? Where all here for the same reason, free land. So why bother fighting? It disgusts me that some people throw others off board, and just say, "For God's grace". Especially that one boy who is a little younger than me, that started suggesting we should toss over the ill since this voyage has no mercy for the weak. I don't remember God choosing him to suggest such things. I'd like to have a whack at him. I have kept myself silent so far and I don't want to end up like the others in the ocean. Before we hit Cape Cod or this "New World" I need to set plans for our settlement with father. Ethan and Elliot are not even big enough to grasp a musket, so my parents are counting on me. The big question is though, what does this "New World" look like? Could it really be different than Britain? Our family has not even traveled beyond our town, since were not rich. At least I'm not that poor to throw off board.

Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God

Edwards, Jonathan. "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God"
28 March 2008. < http://www.piney.com/JonEdwSinHands.html >


Reflection: Edward's "Sinners in the hands of an angry god" expresses that man is condemned to hell, yet it is God's will that man shall not perish. The puritan's express everything according to god such as it was the act of God that this person died or it was God's will that the meteor struck the town. The author, Edwards, seems to convey God's wrath in his sermons, considering he wants to convince his audience one thing is for certain, all of us are going straight to hell. Yet God does not wish to cast man from earth, although he has the power to crush any form of rebellion against him. His support tests our faith, and without his hand to hold us we would immediately fall straight into the fathoms of hell. Well, if the puritans are zealous servants to God and embrace him, what is Edward's purpose in writing such frightening works? Apparently these sermons are a means of scaring the people and telling them about man's potential wickedness. Of course it is all about keeping the puritan community under control, making sure that no one would deviate from their religious customs. This fear Edwards creates is a weapon that is used against those who differ from the puritan community. For instance, say if an individual visits the puritan community in that time frame. The individual believes in God; however, he does not celebrate the rituals or customs of the puritan faith. The outcome would most likely be brutal considering that Edwards pressured the community to despise anyone who is not like them, not like the true righteous believers. Throughout time fear has been one of the greatest tools for man. By inspiring fear into people telling them that God does not want to welcome man to heaven and that no matter how kind or pure of heart, they are still wicked and belong to Satan. All Edwards has really done is create prejudice thus preventing the puritan community to advance and eventually de-evolve.
At the age of 11, I was in fifth grade at a private school. This would be my first and last time in private school. It was specifically a Christian school; it was nothing different from public school except that the last time of the day was saved for reading parts of the bible. I never said anything about my beliefs considering I was not dedicated to any religion. People knew that about me, since I kept asking questions about God's wrath such as, "If God wants us to love him then why does he punish people?" The friends I had didn't mind the fact I was not Christian, yet it did stop me getting into trouble. A few times our class was not on its best behavior, and so we would be forced to read more of the bible or other religious texts during lunch. One time I simply didn't feel like it so I escaped the classroom before lunch began (by asking to use the restroom). It didn't take much effort for the teacher to know that I was skipping since our class consisted of only twelve kids. She said it was no excuse for me not to read the bible since I was not Christian. After that, she did not tell me I was going to hell for skipping in fact I was let off the hook. She wanted to let me know that no matter what or who you believe, it is important to understand others only then will they make an effort to understand you.

Diary: Sad, so sad. It is sad that such scum thrive on the earth, in which the Lord provides us. It is sickening to know that those who protest against the Lord are in the presence of his House. This village has already bore too much filth. I cannot stand to know that this once pristine and divine place holds many sinners in which they call it their home. I shall let them know that it is my home, and in my home scum are cast down to the very fathoms into the earth waiting at the gates of hell. We have been idle for too long, and I grieve to say that heresy grows from idleness. Brothers and sisters we must unite and be holy in our cause. Our ultimate goal is to please him, the Lord. It would be more than a pleasure for him than to rid the filth from his presence. Exile was these sinners only chance for mercy, and now this village holds no more. For mercy is not tolerated any longer, it is only for the weak.

What about the Dream? (EQ)

The life of a puritan, as seen through their literature, is judged in the name of God. Of course every event is due to God's will. The views of a puritan woman and a man are very contrasting in the community. Anne Bradstreet usually conveys a soft-toned message, in which God always saves her from the material world so she may be guaranteed her spot in heaven. While Jonathan Edwards, is very dark and furious in his purpose to expose that every man crumbles to his feet without God's aid and that we are all assured to be sent to hell, unless life is just in God's eyes. Such an angry tone from Edwards creates hostility in the community where society itself crumbles. The Salem Witch Trials are a good example of the puritan community collapsing. It was either accuse or be accused in those times of heresy. The Puritan's were too caught up in their goals and started purging other puritans not the unholy. The Puritan dream can be described as finding one's way to God's Kingdom; however, according to Edwards and other puritan authors only so many can be accepted to heaven that the journey towards it becomes a fight for survival.

Slave Narrative

Equiano, Olaudah. "Account of the Middle Passage"
02 April 2008. < http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~dee/Equiano.html >


Reflection: Equiano's vivid imagery of his torment and confinement appeals to the physical human sense as well as the emotional sense. Before his captivity in the filthy pilgrim ships that transported his able body to be sold as a working automaton, Equiano's life was based upon hunting and supporting his village. However, his peaceful routines were ruined by the self-righteous white man who sought drag him and fellow villagers out of their beds and forced them to serve white men simply because they wished others to do their dirty work. After their captivity, black men, women, and children were shoved into the decks of ships and rotted for some month's time until the arrived at the island of Barbados. Not only are they captured but beaten into submission as a reminder that they are on the bottom of the food chain, while the white men rule over them as if they were God. Throughout his narrative, Equiano questions the interaction between slaves and masters. For example, young black girls are sexually abused and it is ok for a white man to treat minorities in such a way. Yet if a black man commits some action or is even accused, death knocks at his doorstep. Equiano is questioning whether or not the blacks like him are even recognized as humans. He is disgusted at how the white man journeys the world not to understand, learn, or negotiate with other peoples, but instead destroys and enslaves all for their selfish humanly desires. He is disgusted at the how the white man feels superior to all and defines "civilized" only to their culture.


Diary: These people indeed posses some fascinating items. I'm starting a diary today because my master's spouse is teaching me reading and writing. I guess she wants me to learn since master takes a long leave of absence. I'm not sure about him, but his spouse is very nice. I guess I'll start by telling my story. I used to live in a huge forest where the people here call "Africa". But one time, I guess the people here started taking me, my family, and the rest of our people onto these huge things called ships. Father told me, that the men used spells and magic to make the ships float and move on the water. We stayed in the dark for a long time on these ships and most of the time we just sat next to other people. Then they led us out and started separating us. I cried and cried for my mother, but no one would answer me. I was scared and felt alone even when I was with other kids like me. They put us on stands and that's when people here just started taking us into their huts. That's how I got here, but my master left his hut as soon as he brought me in. I couldn’t understand anything these people said until his spouse started teaching me their language. One day I asked, "Misses Pettigrew, when can I see my mother and father again?" she then looked up at me and said, "I don't think you can" she told me. I asked her another question, "Why not? What can I do to see them again?" she then told me "All you can do is looked toward God, only God can help you now".

What about the Dream? (EQ)

Although they lived a happy and well-suited life, the African natives were soon captured by the white man and sold as property. So now, all they want is freedom. Eventually a man named Olaudah Equiano soon achieved his freedom and wrote a narrative based on his captivity and harsh times as a slave. So now he has his freedom, what possibly more could he want? Even though Equiano is free, he does not enjoy the full rights of a white man. To be understood and treated as a human is just as important as his freedom. In the 1800's a man by the name John Brown sought to banish slavery from the earth since he believed it to be pure evil. He was loser in life, but fought many battles against those who favored slavery and was eventually executed for it. His violent actions were to be called the meteor of the Civil War. Due to slavery, America's government divided with hostility and bitterness toward the differing opinions. Over 620,000 American lives would be the cost to end such a feud.

A Revolution: Patrick Henry

Henry, Patrick. "Give me Liberty, or give me death"
09 April 2008. < http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html >


Reflection: In his famous "Give me Liberty, or Give me death" speech, Patrick Henry utilizes the three methods of persuasion, which are ethos, logos, and pathos in order to convince colonial America to stand up and fight against Great Britain's tyrannical rule. Henry makes well use of God in the three methods since almost everyone was a Christian considering the church ran most of the city affairs. Ethos means ethical appeal. Henry believes that it is ethical to go to war; however, such brutality war holds can not ethical, so what is his purpose? First of all, Henry says, "I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past" before the outbreak of war America was taxed by Britain constantly and had no voice of opinion. So all the people could do was stick their heads in the ground and hope for a reform, but that never happened. It was ethically wrong and unjust for Britain to have a rule over the colonies when they promised the American people their freedom. It was also unjust for people to convince themselves of such false hope, for Britain wouldn't change. Also, Henry makes note that God sees the injustice in this and commands that we must take back what is ours. Cowering away from the situation would bring dishonor to the colonies, yourself, and more importantly God. Henry makes his logical appeal by reminding them the economic crisis Britain has brought upon the colonies. How could a man make a living if all mighty Britain taxed him for every breath? Logically it was right to declare war to achieve true freedom and independence from Britain just as the pilgrims sought to in 1620. Finally Henry appeals emotionally to the public. Like the ethos, Henry uses God once again as a method for persuasion. Since colonial America didn't have much of an army, navy, or any allies how would they defeat Britain? However, it was not to worry since God would take care of plight of the situation and punish Britain's wickedness for lying to the colonies. What better way to stir the spirits of the population than to appeal to their religious beliefs? Allusion is also a key method in his speech of eloquently portraying America's strangled position. For example, "it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?" therefore the siren is one his symbols in which it represent false hope. Just like the soothing song of the siren, it is comforting to feel safe and believe everything will untwine in our favor. Yet this was not the case, as time went on Great Britain was able to seize America piece by piece likewise any action would not be passed without the approval of Britain. It was easy to be told what to do instead of standing up and fighting for what they wanted.


What about the Dream? (EQ)

Through their inspiring words, Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine successfully appealed to the colonial peoples to gain independence from Britain's tyrannical rule. Although colonial American had formed an army, their numbers would never match against the British's mighty masses of soldiers. So just how did they hope to win? For one thing, they did have the morale to fight, but their lack of proper training and arms still cut their chances of victory. Not only did America have a small army, but many loyalists to Britain. These loyalists were a hated group and a prime target for the government. If caught during the war, they would more than likely be executed or shot on the spot for treachery. With 30% of the population consisting of loyalists, the colonial government was caught up in war that had to be fought internally and externally. It was hard to safeguard the idea that there was a chance for us to win this war especially since the army itself was not in tip top shape. Without Paine and Henry's voice, it would be hard to imagine if the war could have been won.

A Revolution: Thomas Paine

Paine, Thomas. "The Crisis No.1"
09 April 2008. <http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf>

Reflection: Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" was a piece of propaganda in order to raise the morale of the army. Like Patrick Henry, Paine uses the three methods of persuasion as well. Emotionally, Paine speaks that they can only defeat Britain if they are truly strong in their cause. Even though the Americans don't have the numbers or weapons to stand up to the British, faith is a key part to success. He refers to Joan of Arc as such an example, "the whole English army, after ravaging the kingdom of France, was driven back like men petrified with fear; and this brave exploit was performed by a few broken forces collected and headed by a woman, Joan of Arc". Logically, the American's had to fight the British because they were being taxed to the very bone. Britain was basically robbing them and the colonists couldn't do anything diplomatically about it. They must fight back in order to gain their freedom of independence. Since the war had already begun, there was no choice but to fight. Although it seemed as if the colonial rebels couldn't match the British, it would be ethically wrong to back down. Cowardice was unacceptable it would betray the country, and every reason why the pilgrims came down here to make an independent lifestyle would have been in vain. There were two options, fight against Britain with great fury and faith or flee from the battlefield and die with only shame on one's side.


Diary: Now is the time, the time to fight, the time to show that Britain is no longer our ruler. Our fathers came to this place, in order to base a foundation for a new life .A new life free from such persecution under a self-righteous monarch. It would be then, where the people could judge people, and the majority would rule. Britain has lied to us, betrayed us, and now seeks to destroy us. We must stop such tyranny so we may preserve our free opinions. If we ever want to be free now is the time to stand up and rebel against the empire. However, with the loyalists tainting our foundation and everything we stand for. We must root them out of our beloved America. Only then can we stand united in our cause. Difference in a time of crisis creates a greater struggle for ourselves that is why we must rid these Tories from our towns no matter how loved or trusted, for they have lost our trust and are only dead weight to this land. We can only bring dishonor to ourselves by not repelling such a threat.

Interviews

Interview 1: Stacy Amezcua

Q What is the American Dream to you?
A The American dream is the possibility of living my life on my own terms. I feel appreciation for my country that I can choose what I want to be I can choose my priorities and I have the best possibility being in this country of making those choices a reality. I feel it's more important now than ever to impress upon my children their god given rights of individual choice and then not allowing our government to impede that process. I whole heartedly believe in the power of the people. It is the people of this country that have made it great. The individual's dream, individual's hardship, and the individual's triumph that have made this country great in every circumstance.
Q Do you think that the American Dream is misunderstood as get rich quick? If yes, why do you think that people favor money over their own values?
A Absolutely! Unfortunately with the advent of TV the marketing agenda has proliferated throughout our country like cancer; telling people what is they most desire. My great grandparents came to this country from Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and England with religious ideals and desire to belong something larger than themselves. They ended up owning much of southern Utah and my great grandfather, while the first in his family to speak English, and became a huge banker and eventually governor of Utah. While this monetary success is what many people think the American dream is. To my family it was living their lives with purpose and being apart of something larger than themselves.
Q How have you live your American Dream?
A While I haven't yet fulfilled or sought my personal potential I feel very fortunate that I have been able to spend the time and energy and have the economic ability to give my children the start they need to find their own answers. Again I cannot stress how grateful I am that we live in a country where I'm able to provide food, clothing, shelter, and hope for my children.
Q How have you taught your children the value of the American Dream?
A It's imperative through my actions which my children have always been privy to, that they understand their inherent rights as human beings. I truly believe that all beings are created equally and those born into privilege have responsibility. Although I have embarrassed my children many times they have witnessed first hand asserting my expectations as an individual for respect from government leaders, doctors, business leaders, school officials, etc. I absolutely expect for my children that they exercise their rights as Americans to assert their individual influence over their own individual destiny.

Synopsis: Stacy Amezcua always wanted to live her life as she saw fit. Yet she is not successful in establishing her own needs, and she strives though she gets frustrated when certain institutions dictate what she should feel and control. She either hat to compromise or assert herself as a consumer and rights as a person. And sometimes she has to pick her battles and move on or else her time and energy would be wasted. That is why she hates politicians who try to rule the citizens' lives and is happy to speak out because she can. "It is our country and not the opportunists who administrate it…Even though there are many liars, enough people believe in the basic human freedoms that it why evil will not win". Being aware of reality is important especially now, she says. It is important for people to open their eyes and see what's going on around them.

Interview 2: Oscar Amezcua

Q What is the American Dream to you?
A It's the pursuit of your personal happiness. Being able the things you want to do in peace and freedom. There are still a lot of countries that don't give you the opportunity to choose your own career.
Q Do you think that the American Dream is misunderstood as get rich quick? If yes, why do you think that people favor money over their own values?
A Yes, because people have been trained to consume instead of looking for ways to fulfill them. Entertainment has taken the place of education. People rather are entertained instead of learning what is in the world. Too many of us have become lazy.
Q How have you live your American Dream?
A I'm still working on it. I try to live each day the best I can, try to do my job the best way, try to help people: get out of debt, best loan, and best way to help them save money. I'm trying to give my contribution.
Q How have you taught your children the value of the American Dream
A By advising them to be aware of everything around them. Trying to make sure they understand the value of their own opinion by learning. Learn to be a person who is able to assert an opinion and able to find your own information and not letting the media wash their brains. It takes work to live in this world, and people don't take that serious enough because they liked to be entertained.

Synopsis: Oscar Amezcua, originally from Mexico City, pursued to live the American dream to escape the pessimism of his culture. His first obstacle was getting to the US. Mexico's education and rate was low at the time and he wanted to come to the US for opportunity in schooling. However, he faced prejudice since plenty of people in the US didn't like him for his thick accent and Mexican heritage. Of course he could only stay in the US if he had a student Visa and even this took a long time to get, 8 months. After the exorbitant amount of paperwork and time he finally arrived in California where some of his relatives lived. Unfortunately some of his relatives weren't going to give him a warm welcome. It was hard for him to find a place to stay. Even with all the negative events happening around Oscar still had a positive attitude. He says that, "Every time life presents itself with a challenge you have to look at the opportunities you and not wait for what happens, every nook and cranny must be searched to find an answer". Eventually his cousin Arturo was more than glad to be room mates with him.

Interview 3: Shannon Mathis

Shannon Mathis has worked at least 50 years of her life and started at the early age of 10. In these young ages she worked at neighborhood yards and malt shops while she was going to high school. Working summer jobs would help pay for her college since her family couldn't afford tuition. It was assumed in her generation that the government and Social Security would take care of her retirement. However, she found out her spending and spending on her young daughters would have to stop since she needed to start saving for her own retirement. Fortunately she took matters in her own hands and made wise decisions to invest. Although it was hard to part from her usual spending, it made up for it in the future. She learned it takes patience and knowledge to succeed in the financial world.

Reflection: Although it seems as though the American dream is based on status and keeping up with pop culture, to some people the Dream invests in the individual. When the pilgrim's first arrived in the New World, there was no money, entertainment, and specific norm. It was about setting up life again. Their sole intent purpose was to escape Britain, the norm, to set up their own separate life style. Eventually war broke out questioning the true independence of these colonists. And even if it seemed impossible, these colonists won and embraced their freedom they earned through their blood, sweat, and tears. Before then it was just a dream, the dream to believe that one could escape the tyranny of others. Now, our opportunities have increased; however, we are blinded by the media telling us what hip, cool is, or in. It is then the opportunities to educate ourselves are viewed upon as geeky and for smart people. The initiative to work hard is questioned. People now want to become singers, athletes, or actors. Those who don't want to work look at fall back on their false hopes to safeguard their laziness. The American dream is then a get rich quick process. Fortunately there are enough people to believe in themselves and their own strength to break away from the cycle. There is enough faith in the individual to lure people away from the media's sweet song. That is the very value America was built upon.