The New Colossus And Unguarded Gates

There are various definitions of what it means to be a true American, because the citizens of this country are so diverse. Also, those definitions may bring negative connotations to what it means to be American. Such as, lazy, obnoxious, and self-centered; ignorant, and bullies. Although these definitions may not apply to every American, there's really no definition because we're so diverse. That’s the cool thing about Americans; there is no deciding factor that unifies us. For example, majority of Americans migrated from England in seek for a better future for them and their future generation. “Work cited.” I think being American is believing the idea that we were all equal and that our skin pigment should not make us superior to another …show more content…
In “The New Colossus”, the author mythologizes the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of the United States as land of promise for refugees from other nations (Schultz). In the quote “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch” (Lazarus ). Coincedently, Lazarus contrasts one of the ancient statue to the Statue of Liberty. The Colossus of Rhodes was a greek statue that was built in the roman era to commemorate… In contrast, the Statue of Liberty was intended to be a path of enlightenment for the countries of Europe still battling tyranny and oppression. In the quote “From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome” (6-7 ); the Statue of Liberty will forever be considered a beacon of hope and welcome for leaving their mother …show more content…
Aldrich expresses his xenophobia towards the immigrants that are coming in to infest America with their “strange tongues” (28), “unknown gods and rites” (26), and “Accents of menace alien to our air” (29). This poem shows that natural born Americans feared the coming of immigrants, because they thought that they were going to ruin the “enchanted land Of cities, forests, fields of living gold” (3). Unlike Lazarus who expresses welcome and hope to the immigrants. In the story “Up From Slavery”, author Booker T. Washington writes an autobiography about his life as a slave in America. The life of a slave was oppresing and just plain immoral in the way they were treated; slavery is not being a true American. Booker T. writes how he struggled to fit in with the white American society after slavery was abolished. The relationship of races radiates throughout the story, Booker tried to influence both races as an educator. This story portrays the true definition of being American, because Booker attempts to influence both races to come together in