Journal 2: Cave Paintings to Nooks

It is amazing to me how far the written word has come. From primitive symbols to dictionaries full of descriptions of words, our print culture has evolved and developed so much. But in this time of technological advances it is hard to remember that back then very few things were published into physical manuscripts and books. It was a treasured item of a household where now people buy and own Nooks, Kindles, ect. I myself own and love my Nook dearly, but before owning it I used to read novel after novel and as I read this introduction it saddens me a little. Our society is becoming lost to the feel of a novel in their hands, the physical written word that they can hold. When the 13 colonies were established people gathered from MILES around to just hear the Declaration of Independence read, whereas now just go to Google and it’ll pop up in your search engine in a matter of seconds. As a future teacher I worry that the next generations will only see two versions of the written word: children’s books and textbooks… and even that is changing now. I believe books have powers of their own, this is evident hundreds of years ago, and stands true even today. 

"Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book."
                                           - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Journal 1: American Identity

Adlai Stevenson, American Vice President and Congressman, once stated that “America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact- the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality.” In my opinion, this is true. America is more than just a place but it must have people, firm believing American’s to stand beside their country and their peers to keep this dream alive and protected. In class we were asked to name words that described what it meant to be American and there were many different words thrown out: hope, freedom, diversity, equality, ect. To each individual person being “American” meant something completely different depending on their background. Sometimes a person can feel intimidated by a peer if they have a politically different view of what you believe is considered American. Although I heard other people’s definition of their American Identity, my own idea stood steadfast. I believe an American is one who has passion, determination, and courage to stand beside their beliefs even though confronted by an opposing force. An American should be accepting of other races but stay true to who they are and what they believe in. When I think of what a true American looks like, I always think of the military. Men and women who give their lives every day for people thousands of miles away, some people even who don’t ever take the time to say thank you. An American is one who is grateful for what they have, and give service to those in need. My American Identity definition and idea is my own, and although it may differ from another’s that shouldn’t matter, because this is what America is to me.