Description in More Ways than One: 9/28/10

     While reading John Stilgoe's, Common Landscape of America, 1580 to 1845, I noticed an interesting point Stilgoe made about America.  He says, " Timber remains the favorite building material in the United States not only because it is enduring and inexpensive but because it is easily modified" (344).  After reading this quote, I felt that Stilgoe's assumption not only seemed true about Americans, but that it also described our country as a whole.  America is an enduring country.  Throughout her young history, she has held her ground during many wars and battles.  Like wooden foundations that last many years, America has withstood the test of time.  Although many aspects of America are expensive, traveling throughout Europe and living in foreign countries can cost much more.  Finally, America can transform into almost anything.  At first, America's history was like a rough block of wood with no shape or definition.  However, after achieving success and creating a foundation for her government, America began change.  Throughout time, her hard, square edges soon became smooth.  Now, we live in a country that offers limitless opportunities, and where we partake in many freedoms.  Who knows what our great country will be like in the many years to come.
  

Views of Anne Hutchinson : 9/27/10

     After reading various materials about Anne Hutchinson and the Puritans, I noticed one very interesting point: articles that mention Hutchinson are either positive or negative.  For instance, when reading Anne Marbury Hutchinson Against the Massachusetts Bay Colony, by Davida Crabtree, her article states: "Contrary to the understanding provided by most male historians, we assert that Mrs. Hutchinson was no more than a fanatic than anyone else living in seventeenth century Massachusetts" (27)  Obviously, Crabtree is pro-Hutchinson.  Therefore, her article's perspective focuses on Hutchinson in a positive way.  However, in Jim Cullen's, The American Dream, the text reads, "The most vocal proponent was . . . Anne Hutchinson . . . whose controversial views on the subject [antinomianism] led to her trial . . ." (27).  While Cullen's view doesn't necessarily give of a negative air, his brief statement gives Hutchinson's argument no justice.  His lack of information causes the reader to guess whether Hutchinson was right or wrong for beginning her movement.  In either case, Anne Hutchinson has been and will continue to be viewed upon in various ways.

Our Freedoms in Perspective : 9/27/10

     During this past week, I have reflected on our ideas of freedom.  We are lucky to be here, and to have this college experience.  An idea dawned on me during one of the concerts I attended this past week.  I asked myself two questions.  First, how many people can attend free music concerts in their spare time?  And, how many people have the option of doing so.

     Many people don't have the means or time to attend functions such as concerts.  Plus, many don't have the opportunity to do so. I consider having the time and option to attend any such function--like concerts, football games, or extracurricular activities--as an overlooked freedom.  I think we often forget that we have so many great opportunities given to us.  I count myself lucky to be in a place that gives me both the freedom to participate and the freedom of option.  

Similarities in Contrasting Worlds : 9/23/10

     Not many similar ideas come to mind when comparing our present-day society with that of the Puritans.  In fact, a stigma seems constantly attached to any mention of the world "puritan."  To most, it seems that the Puritan's actions and lifestyle are almost polar opposites of the lifestyle most Americans live today.  However, after reading William Bradford's, Of Plymouth Plantation: 1620-1647, I have observed two apparent similarities between the Puritan's and our present-day society.  To start, while the Puritans are lost in the wilderness, Bradford's book states, "But at length they found water and refreshed themselves, being the first New England water they drunk of, and was now in great thirst as pleasant unto them as wine or beer had been in foretimes" (73).  Whether Puritans in the 1600's or Americans in the 2000's, we all need the same elements to survive.  The Puritan's needs still match our own as a society today.  The recognition of this fact is powerful and reminds me that we, as humans, are all the same.  Also, Bradford's text mentions God numerous times.  For example, the book reads, "What could now sustain them but the Sprit of God and His grace" (71).  The Puritan society obviously placed God at its center.  He was their most important focus, and he sustained their needs.  Today, many Americans put their trust in God.  While they may not be as focused as the Puritans, God has truly impacted the lives of many people today.  Whoever or whatever it be, spirituality is still a very important aspect of American culture today, just as it was in the Puritan's society many years ago.

The American Dream--Puritan Style : 9/21/2010

     After reading chapter one of Jim Cullens The American Dream, I drew two conclusions concerning the Puritan's views on the American Dream.  To begin, I realized that the dream is never perceived exactly the same way.  For instance, Cullen's book states, "The problem with pursuing dreams, even shared ones, is that not everyone sees them in quite the same ways" (25).  Because no two people have the exact same mindset, attaining the goal [American Dream] can be a difficult task, which can create more discord rather than good.  Additionally, while an initial dream may be in mind, other dreams can easily shadow, if not erase, the original.  Cullen states, "Not only must they [dreams] compete with other dreams, but they are mortal, whether realized or not" (33).  In the Puritan's case, their ideal goal was to create a society where the worship of God--through personal suffering--gained them acceptance into Heaven.  However, their obsession with this acceptance led them to actions of destruction and murder.  After discovering the error of their ways, the Puritan's initial dream was lost.

America in Poetry: 9/19/2010

     After reading many poems, most having America as their main focus, I have drawn two important conclusions as a whole.  First, American is always changing.  For example, in Ostriker's "The History of America," the poem reads quickly.  The imagery of the poem reminds me of a train running through America in her earlier stages as a country.  Phrases like "Keeps moving" and "Expanding and contracting" are used throughout the poem as well.  Second, there are many different view points of America.  To illustrate, in Haugen's poem, "Home from America," the speaker in the poem has a negative perspective of America and states:
                                                                       it was an awful thought:
                                                                       if you went to America
                                                                       you became
                                                                       a different person
However, the Djanikian poem's speaker has very different outlook concerning America and states: "The air was colder than we ever felt, / and already these were wonders to us."  America is a fascinating country.  Whether it evokes a sense of wonder, or casts a negative shadow, America is always changing, and is always in motion.  

The Great Shift : 9/19/2010

     Preparation for college is an exciting adventure.  After receiving the long awaited acceptance letter, it's hard to think of anything else.  The summer between graduation and college seems to last forever.  "I can't wait to get out of here" became my favorite phrase during the months of June, July, and August.  The freedoms associated with college life seem great--no parents, no chores, not another boring weekend.  With all this in mind, I couldn't wait to pack up and hit the road.  My departure day finally came!  I remember pulling out of my driveway and saying goodbye to my house--after all, it would be quite a while before I'd be back on Nebraskan soil.  After arriving on campus, and unpacking all my things, I remember feeling a "tinge" sadness to think that my family would be leaving me in a few days.  The morning they left was tough--it is for any new student.  The freedom I previously counted as blessing, seemed like a curse.  No one to help me with laundry, no familiar face greeting me in the morning, and no one to whisper "I love you," right before bed at night.  As they drove off, I remember thinking, "It's all up to me now."

      While I gained new independence, I lost a certain connection with my family.  Although the adjustment didn't seem like such a big deal in the beginning, I truly realize the impact of family and friendship.  You definitely don't know what you've got until it's gone.

___________________________________________________________

     I am now going on my third week of college.  Between the classes, activities, and friendships I have made, I know I can get through.  This new shift--college--isn't so bad after all.  My future here looks bright.

Ideas on Freedom: 9/17/2010

     I recently read the introduction of Eric Foner's The Story of America Freedom.  Although many of Foner's views are powerful and compelling,  I especially enjoyed this idea.

"The meaning of freedom has been constructed not only in congressional

debates and political treatises but on plantations and picket lines,

in parlors and bedrooms." (Introduction XV)

     I frequently take my present-day freedom for granted.  I am lucky to have the liberties I exercise.  However, I attribute these freedoms to our nation's ancestors.  These individuals were not only politicians or famous leaders in history, but common people who believed in freedom and justice for all.  The battle for freedom was not won easily, and we continue to pay a steep price for this luxury.  Thank you to everyone who has and is currently fighting for freedom--I am truly grateful.