Definition of the American Dream

You learned the definition of the American Dream in Week 1, and you also learned about the American identity. Traits often associated with the American identity include boldness, confidence, perseverance, and integrity. These traits are often demonstrated through a character’s words or actions. This week, we’ll focus on perseverance and how it is reflected in two of the readings. Choose one character from a work of fiction (“The Soft-Hearted Sioux,” “Pawn Shop,” or The Invisible Man) and one person from a work of non-fiction (“Speech to the Osages,” Incidents in the Live of a Slave Girl, or “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”). Describe how perseverance is reflected in each. 300-500 words, citation format is APA, include references

Sample Solution

The definition of the American Dream is to have the freedom and opportunity to pursue success through hard work, perseverance, and determination. This week we will focus on two examples that highlight perseverance: The Soft-Hearted Sioux by Zitkala-Sa and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speech to the Osages.

In The Soft Headed Sioux, a young Native American woman named Wakaya struggles with her identity. Despite facing many obstacles in her life such as poverty and racism she perseveres in pursuit of her dreams. After completing school she decides to go against the values of her tribe and become an opera singer. She uses her courage, ambition, and unwavering commitment to overcome social pressures from both white people who don’t understand or accept Native Americans as well as members of her own tribe who do not condone outside influences on their traditional beliefs. Her story embodies efficiency — no matter how difficult or dangerous something may be — if it can be achieved with passion then it is worth striving for even in the face of adversity.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speech to the Osages also portrays perseverance in its purest form by advocating for civil rights without wavering despite all odds against him at that time period in history when African Americans were oppressed under Jim Crow laws throughout much of America’s Southern states. In his speech he urges his audience “to keep alive our faith in final victory” because he believes justice will prevail one day – but only if everyone works together towards this common goal regardless of the price they must pay or sacrifices they make along the way . His words inspire hope among those suffering from discrimination during this time period by instilling within them a sense of resilience capable of pushing beyond any barriers standing between them and true equality under law .

The stories told by these two characters represent different aspects of perseverance but share a common theme — never give up despite what lies ahead . Through Wakaya’s journey we learn how ambition can motivate us while Dr King’s impassioned plea reminds us that collective action is sometimes more powerful than individual effort alone; thus , demonstrating how both individuals can contribute towards achieving their goals using different methods yet still remain steadfast even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges . These are just some examples illustrating why perseverance has been so important throughout history ; as evidenced by these two tales , it truly is an essential part fo forming one’s American identity today .

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