What is America to you?

I read three short poems: “Let America Be America Again” by, Langston Hughes, “Postcards to Columbus” by, Sherman Alexie and “Family Ties” by, Jimmy Santiago Baca. I came across a common theme in all three poems, where America was not the same as everyone’s history books claim. This brings me back to the connection of the TED talk about the dangers of a single story because these famous poets have a different perspective of America. What is funny to me, is that I feel as though I learned more about history now, that I am older, than I did through my K-12 education career. We all know the saying, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” and yet I learned that he did not discover America. The Native Americans were the original landowners in a way and it is interesting to me that I get the idea that in “Postcards to Columbus,” Native Americans were describing their experiences in America and the original discoverer was no where to be found, and if the history textbooks just told the truth about Columbus, there would be no single story about him. I also connected with Langston Hughes because he describes that America is suppose to be the land of the free and home of the brave and not everyone is or feels that way. Even in “Family Ties,” a family was surrounded by their family members, amazing food and a great home; but, in the back of their head, they knew they couldn’t afford a place like that. How is anyone suppose to strive for what they want in life if they are always being kicked to the curb, shamed on, and not listened to? That is why there is always dangers in a single story. Hughes was never treated like he had the freedom to live his life, the Native Americans were perceived as the enemy and a poor family might just need to be finally heard. I agree that America is beautiful because of all the different people that live here and everyone may have the same opportunities and choices to make for their life; however, it is never that easy. People come here because when they hear the word “America,” they hear freedom, courage and bravery and yet, there is so much more that goes into it than just that and again, people shouldn’t just listen to a single story. Life in America is filled with many choices; but, nothing is ever handed to anyone, of any color, and it is ashamed that back then it wasn’t like this. However, it should open up people’s eyes that they should be grateful for living in times of today and not in the thirties.