America Identity, Essay Example

Both of these pieces of literature reveal that achievement of the American dream is challenging and that people must make sacrificed in order to ensure that it is met. In many instances, people give up much to live in this country because they believe that they will benefit from being citizens. However, some of these individuals learn that doing so is not a worthwhile sacrifice. In “The Problem of Old Harjo”, Harjo must give up one of his wives to join the church. However, he is not ready to remove himself from this cultural tradition, so he is not ready to accept the other benefits of living in the country. In addition, in “America”, the author describes, “America I’ve given you all and now I’m nothing”. He points out that there are many things wrong with the country, despite the high expectations that many people have about it. Despite these similarities, it is apparent that Harjo wants to try to be a part of American culture, while the narrator of “America” doesn’t care to be included.

Harjo is experiencing difficulties because he wants to adapt a new culture but has trouble abandoning his own. Within the context of this issue, it is extremely challenging to resolve this problem. He does not want to give up his own traditions, but he enjoys the teachings of the church and wants to be a part of the mission of God. Harjo can resolve this problem by incorporating these religious values in his own life outside the context of the missionaries. He needs to determine a healthy balance between his own culture and the new one he has learned in order to make himself happy. The ability to accomplish this is an asset and would show that he is strong.

Works Cited

Ginsberg A. America. N.D. Web. 7 July 2015.

Oskison JM. The Problem of Old Harjo. Web. 7 July 2015.