America

The Concept of America, or to be Politically Correct "The United States of America", brings a sense of pride, and gratitude. Not only do we have the opportunity to achieve our dreams, but we are encourged to by our goverment, teachers, family and friends. We also have many other freedoms and rights such as: Freedom of religion, right to bear arms, and the right to vote. I do enjoy these rights and freedoms and 'am grateful and proud to be an American. I know that America is not perfect and many people use their rights and freedoms in a negative way, I am just glade I have the right to do somehthing about it.

In the introduction to Rereading America it talks a lot about critical thinking, and myths of America. I think that critical thinking is great, it has helped us step out of the box, and come up with new technology, new ideas for how life should be and so on, but the books seems to put a negative image on the American myths. It's like they are trying to say " how can you prove this myth wrong, or what is wrong with?" We must also ask ourselves why are these myths around. Why the ideal family, as the book states, is a husband, wife, two kids, and a dog, or why our country was founded upon the belief of God? If we only see what is wrong with every myth or standard there is, then we have nothing to anchor ourselves to because we dont stand for or believe in anything.

I look forward to the next semester because we will be able to discuss, debate, and indulge into America and its myths. We are encouraged to step back and ask ourselves why this or why that, to actually question what is being taught instead of just seat there and accept it as a whole truth. We are able to do this because of the rights and freedoms we as citizens of the United States of America. This class is one more reason why I am grateful and proud to be an American.