...August 25, 2013 Mr. Meeks American Literature What is an American? When immigrants come to America, it is for certain reasons that their newly found land is now their home. Many immigrants choose America as their destination because of their overcrowded cities, in search of religion, a chance to manage their own land to have a better lifestyle, and to have a chance to make a better living. Also, to have less government interference and a greater voice of government are all reasons to get the attention of immigrants to travel to America. An essay well written by the author by the name of Michael-Guillaume Jean de Crevecoeur, was a French immigrant who sought on the ideas on what is an American. He arrived in New York in 1759 spending ten years as a surveyor and a trader. In 1782, he publishes a collection of twelve essays called Letters of an American Farmer under the name of J. Hector St. John, before he published What is an American? These immigrants at the time were looking for a new place to settle to have an equal opportunity for land and freedom, but the meaning of a true American is the question on everyone’s minds. Me belief on what is an American is the current or natural born citizen living in America that can be a part of a culture, and live life to the fullest. Americans can be natural born citizens, and/or immigrants that come from all over the world. America was a prime destination for immigrants due to the fact that you had freedom, and opportunity...
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...Leonid Fridman, in his essay, “America Needs Its Nerds,” asserts his disgusted feelings towards the incorrect behavior to Americas intellectually curious “nerds” ( Fridman 3). Fridman’s purpose is to inform americans that we should value “nerds and geeks” (Fridman 29), instead of “athletes [being ] idolized” (Fridman 18). He adopts a disgusted and exaggerated tone in order to persuade Americans to change their ways, and shit their values before America falls apart, and for geeks and nerds to accept and stop being ashamed of themselves. Fridman begins his essay by validating the definition of the word “geek” (Fridman 4) from Websters New World Dictionary, and repeating the word throughout his essay. The dictionary defines greek as a “street performer who shocks the public by biting off heads of live chickens” (Fridman 6-7). Not only does Fridman define geek, but he also compares the definition to the way this term is used to call “intellectually curious and academically serious” (Fridman 4-5) Americans. “Nerds” (Fridman 29) and “anti-intellectualism” (Fridman 12) are other repetitive terms throughout Fridman’s essay that are used to establish his point, making his purpose broad. By repeatedly using the derogatory terms in a bitter tone, allows us to see to who he is speaking to, and how his point is emphasized that nerds need to stop being ashamed of themselves. In addition, Fridman ends his argument by placing it into the readers hand asking a rhetorical question towards...
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...Conquistadors. This expansion continued over the next 4 centuries, seeing the Spanish Empire expand over most of Central and South America. The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire and the Incas spanned over decades and was not a peaceful conquest without bloodshed. The Conquista unleashed violence, death and destruction on a scale unknown until then. Charny acknowledged that it was possible for genocide to occur during the process of colonisation, as seen in the colonising of North America and similarly in Australia. This essay will discuss the various elements of genocide as defined by the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, as well as other sources. Through this discussion, the essay will relate it to circumstances and events related to the Spanish Conquest of Latin America, discussing the possibility of a connection between the conquest and genocide. There are a number of elements that must be satisfied in order to find a case for genocide. When defining an act of genocide, the UN definition is the internationally recognised and the framework by which this essay will follow when referring to an act of genocide. As found in the UN definition of genocide; the act committed must have the intent to destroy the target, in whole or in part, a national, ethical, racial or religious group. Break down the elements of the definition and the following must be satisfied to define an act as genocide; intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethical, racial...
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...Common Good” (Kunstler 521). Kunstler published his book, Home from Nowhere: Remaking Our Everyday World for the Twenty- first Century, in 1996. His claim is that communities of America have become very “dismal” because they are no longer functioning properly as the connective tissue (521). He believes that “when you degrade the public realm, you will automatically degrade the quality of your civic life” (523). In his essay, Kunstler also provides a second part of his two- part definition of the public realm: “the public realm is the physical manifestation of the common good” to show the necessary relationship between the surroundings and the behavior of society (521, 523). In an attempt to explain these definitions of the public realm in Kunstler’s essay, this essay will examine the relationship between “chronological connectivity,” the “common good” and “citizenship” to show the deterioration of “civic life” because “consumers” are not playing their roles as responsible “citizens” and no longer care for their communities (523, 524). The link between "connective tissue" and "chronological connectivity" are meant to support the idea that our lives were affected by others decision, and we will affect our own futures. the futures that we create will affect the future for generations to come. Kunstler's essay takes place in Saratoga Springs, New York from about 1911 to the 1990's, at and around, the Grand Union Hotel (524). This hotel was once the largest hotel which allowed people...
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...Tani’qua Jones Dr. Boyd American Lit. After reading and analyzing de Crevecoeur’s essay, “What is an American,” one could argue that the entire purpose of the essay was to describe an egalitarianism society, a society which has never existed in his eyes. De Crevecoeur was raised in a family of Counts and Countesses, experiencing the fortune of being born into a wealthy and prosperous family, while witnesses the misfortune of those who weren’t. Through the details and images described, from his experiences, in Letters of an American Farmer we obtain the true sense of being English or French; something de Crevecoeur wasn’t all too proud to be called. John de Crevecoeur was more honored to be called an American, working as a farmer, a life vastly different from the comfort and riches of being a Count. In “What is an American,” De Crevecoeur compares Europe and America to define the nature of being an American. And he illustrates throughout the essay, why the great American frontier is preferred by the vast majority. Although de Crevecoeur was born in France, he sees himself as an Englishman who has come to settle in America. Through his eyes we explore the differences he encounters in America that he would never discover in England. Most of these changes are based on his experience of being an American farmer, working on the beautiful open frontier. Here de Crevecoeur sees the industry of his native country displayed in a new manner, “there are no great manufacturers employing...
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...State your thesis or hypothesis completely. Outline your thesis in Toulmin terms: Despite the negative definition, hacking can be considered both unethical and ethical. -- Claim: Hacking can be ethical. -- Reason(s): There are white-hat hackers who contributed so much to our society. -- Warrant(s): Hacking can be a good thing since there are white-hat hackers. Explain why this argument of definition deserves attention. What is at stake? Why is it important for your readers to consider? When seeing the word “hacker”, the audience automatically picks up the negative vibe. Truth is, not all hackers are bad. The common definition of is that this bad “hacker” gets unauthorized access to someone else’s device. It is this definition that risk ruining...
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...birthright citizenship is a terrible idea.” Most conservatives wish to dismiss birthright citizenship, but in this passage she explains the significance of it, and what it would do to the future of the nation. 4. One example is when she explains the origins of birthright citizenship dating back to 1898 with the Chinese. She also states the first immigration restrictions on the Chinese due to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Another example of Chavez that states upon American History is the Supreme Court Case U.S v. Wong Kim Ark. These statements support her argument by giving actual representation within early American History of a case/example involving birthright citizenship. Through her appeal to logos with these statements of American History it makes the audience evoke a much rational, cognitive response. Therefore her statements made in the story are very convincing due to a real reference from history. Style and Structure 2. I believe that the logical fallacy Chavez claims that her opponents commit is the belief that the Fourteenth Amendment was passed for the citizenship to the freed slaves, and not for the children of illegal aliens. I do not agree with Chavez that her opponents had committed a logical fallacy. At the time of the emancipation of slaves, the now freed slaves needed to somehow be citizens of America, because...
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...------------------------------------------------- IS Obesity really an epidemic in America? Introduction; What is obesity? Obesity or being overweight is basically having to much body fat compared to muscle. It is unhealthy to carry extra body fat and therefore it is considered a major health risk, due to the health issues is can cause to individuals including children. Obesity has been on the rise in the past 20 years as lifestyles and eating habits have changed in the average American home. (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/) It is measured by medical professionals by using the ratio of weight to height. This is called the BMI or body mass index. Thesis Statement Obesity has been considered by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to have risen drastically in the past 20 years. People are eating less healthy foods in todays society, are living a fast paced lifestyle that gives little time for thought and effort towards healthy eating, and little time for excerssise. The modern American has tons of technology at the touch of finger that causes us to do less physical things. According to Havard Medical and the CDC obesity has been on the rise for many reasons over the past 20 years. The causes of obesity are different for different people according to age, race, sex, and genetics. But the most common reason is overeating. The body cannot take in more calories than it can burn, or it will be stored as fat the excess fat is what causes an individual to be overweight...
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...The culture is very important point to identify a country or a society because it explains people’s behaviour, education, language, food and music. Culture has a lot of definitions but everyone can make their own definition because is easy to know explain and to understand. The two different countries that this essay will illustrate are Mexico and Colombia, both had been found in Latin America, they also speak the same language. Even though Mexico is in North America and Colombia in South America, it is clear that they have as much similarities as differences. Although these two countries speak the same language, the accent of some words, music and food are totally different. First of all, the language is very important because it identifies...
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...my writing skills and get some experience about writing. In my opinion, the most important thing in writing is thinking. I am sure that a good idea is more important than good writing skills. Now, when I write essay, I would not write immediately. But I will research the background and collect many information about the essay. Then, I will think and reclaim all information so that I can have my own ideas. For this three essays, was my favourite,because I spend a lot's of time on it. This was my first time to read such long article in my life. I need to pay attention to understand the writer's idea and try my best to find the main idea, main sentence and supporting sentence. Obviously, there are many misunderstand words, but I learned to catch the information what I understand and guess the main idea. So that this essay influence me to learn new writing skills. For my prompt, I was happy to my instructor to give us a chance to visit historical place. I went to Massachusetts State House in weekend, I learn that if you want to write a good essay, you should open your eyes. That's can help you to accept new ideas and easy to absorb different opinions. At last, the Beauty essay make me learn that everything has different side based on different angles and values. In this essay, I tried to describe my opinion which is the beauty is not mean beautiful. The beauty is produced by cultures, value standards and customs. I am happy to take this course in my second semester, I believed I have...
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...asked will have a favorable response till you reach the point where you talk about gay marriages. That is the instance where they stop to think, where they have opinions, where equality dies and rights is just another term. This gives rise to the question of why do people who passionately support gay rights take a u-turn, and oppose gay marriages with the same passion. The purpose of this essay is to understand why same sex marriages are opposed and to debate whether marriage between homosexuals should be legalized. Before going any further, it is important to define gay marriage. In simple words, gay marriage is between two people of the same sex. It has been given legal status in different parts of the world such as Denmark, Spain, Canada, Norway, Sweden and South Africa. However, one of the greatest advocates of human rights, the United States of America at large does not accept same sex marriage legally. A few states such as New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and Washington, D.C of the United States of America have legalized homosexual marriages. Homosexuals in the United States had been trying to get marriage rights since 1970 when the movement first started. Till date, they are recognized for other rights except the right to marriage. The reason it has not been accepted worldwide is probably because people have not been able...
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...1020 Assignment 2 Introduction Mass communication is the variety of all the media mediums together, and is aimed at a large audience. A ritual view is directed not towards the addition of messages in space but the maintenance of society in time, not the act of imparting information or influence but the creation, representation, and celebration of shared even if illusory beliefs, James,(1988: 43). This essay will discuss how mass communications has transformed the temporal and spatial foundations of the social-sphere. This essay will start by defining the key terms which are communication, mass communication, and the para-social. The separation of social space from the physical place by mass communications, time and space and mass communications will also be discussed in the essay. The para-social interactions, how mass communications transformed the temporal and spatial foundations of the social sphere will then follow. The ritual dimensions of communication will also be discussed, the essay will then sum up the essay and give the researcher’s opinion. Definition of key terms Communication refers to the transmission of meaningful messages; these messages are conveyed in images, language, gestures, or other symbols. Thompson. (1997:30) Anthony R, (2004), defines mass communication as the process in which professional communicators design and use media to disseminate messages widely, rapidly, and continuously in order to arouse intended meanings in large, diverse...
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...accurate. In this essay I would like to talk about some different definitions of terrorism. And also give some examples of terrorism. Terrorism is an act performed with the intension of creating fear or sorrow. Terrorism is mostly intercontinental. Terrorism is mostly described as “Tactic and strategy” By the land it happened to or “A crime and a holy duty” By the terrorists themselves. Obviously it depends on who is looking at it, the terrorists themselves probably think of it as a holy act and most of them believe they will go to heaven and get 72 virgins. From the perspective of the terrorized country, however their thoughts will obviously be different. There is really no way to prepare for a terrorist attack, because it can happen at all times. Just like the attack on WTC on 11/09/2001. I do not think anyone was prepared for that. Most terrorist organizations are small, and they are most likely to just do the terror and never warn the victims. The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, ideological .” Within this definition of terrorism are three key elements, Violence, fear and intimidation. Through the years USA and other countries made many speeches about the subject terrorism. In 1992, The United States Of America had a speech about...
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...Definition Essay What do you think American means? Do you think that it’s just a person that lives in America? American isn’t just someone who stands up for the Pledge of Allegiance, an American is someone who does what they are suppose to do for this country. For example, the people in the military. These people are giving up their lives to serve their country, these people are the ones that let you live in America free and out of slavery. The real Americans are the ones out on the battlefield risking their lives and not knowing if they are going to come back to their family, friends, and loved ones. I don’t think that you are an American until you have been out on the battlefield. I think that if you are not going to be out on the battlefield,...
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...Problems of Unemployment * Unemployment is a problematic issue that affects the citizens of America, according to the US Department of Labor; unemployment has risen this year to 7.3 %, which is 0.8 points higher than last year. Economists are very sure that unemployment ratio will never be at 0%, however, there is hope that the rates can become much lower. Americans are laid off their jobs daily, reducing households to single income families are even no income. This long-lasting economic effect has knocked on the door of home and affected my family as well as other hardworking citizens. One writer stated, “Too often unemployment affects not only unemployed individuals but also members of their immediate families.”(Aber, 1997). In this essay I will discuss how unemployment has affected my family, how my family is coping with this issue and what positive movements the economy is working on to recover from this problem. What is your thesis? This is a persuasive essay, so I am expecting a point of view. Merely implying is not clear enough. You must be as clear as possible. In January 2013, my husband was laid off from his job with no warning. His supervisor approached him after his shift and was told him that the company was downsizing and his position was no longer needed. The supervisor gave him his last paycheck, and encouraged him to file for unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits will not...
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