American Identity

Brandon Poche

Professor Harper

English 1A

22 September 2014

Moser and Watters: Creating America

In Creating America, Joyce Moser and Ann Watters suggest that, “In understanding American identities, we need to come to terms with unity and division, with separateness and common ground.” This can be interpreted as, every man is born equally implemented from the Declaration of Independence. Watters and Moser believed that no matter what race, class, or gender, America should always accept you for who you are. This is the country of opportunity with no discrimination. They were trying to emphasize the fact that blacks can co-exist with whites, or Muslims and Christians can have lunch today; Unlike other countries where there are civil wars going on bases solely on religion. This brings us to one question, what does it mean to be American? This question can be answered in three different ideas, gender, class, and ethnicity. The ability to look past those things makes America the unique country it is.

Gender has had a huge part in making the history of America. Women were not even able to vote until the passing of the 19th amendment which stated “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged of the United States or by any State on account of sex.” This showed the world that America really is the land of opportunity, females with dreams of becoming president or simply voting started moving to America. This was a welcoming stage to women inside politics, a stage that many countries still haven’t gone through. The fact that America is accepting of women inside politics today makes the country different. It shows that the people there don’t see one as a male or female, but look at intellect and intelligence as the main factor. Not only can women vote in America, but they can be just as successful as men. That is what makes America the unique land of opportunity it is, men and women stand on common ground and are equal in every way....