In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century the cultural and societal foundations were laid for the newly formed nations of the America. Both José Enrique Rodó and Jose Marti made large contributions to the development of Latin America through their literature. Both sought to improve and encourage the people of The America’s, however it is Jose Marti who truly succeeds in inspiring a national pride in his writing Our America. Jose Marti, a remarkable and revolutionary philosopher of the late nineteenth century, examines the keys to a successful future for Latin America. His focus is centered on Latin America and how the countries can improve themselves. His message is far more moving and positive. I instantly liked Marti because of his …show more content…
In his first paragraph, he states that, “Barricades of ideas are worth more than barricades of stone.” This shows that ideas can be stronger than force. which is why one of his main points is that America must rely on its own culture and ideas, rather than those of other countries. He provides actual evidence as to why the ideas of other nations are inadequate for The America’s. Marti’s quote, “How can the universities produce governors if not a single university in America teaches the rudiments of the art of government, the analysis of element peculiar to the people peoples of America?” is one example of how he supports his argument that only those with a deep understanding of America can properly govern America. Those who are educated in the ways of Europe or the United States cannot comprehend the needs of Latin American countries. Perhaps his greatest strength is that he compels his readers to take pride in their Latin American heritage. At one point in his essay he states, “…for there are no lands in which a man may take greater pride than in our long-suffering American
The nineteenth century introduced several great leaders into this world, many recognized by historians today. These men, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and others, have all been honored and commemorated for their contributions. One such leader, José Martí, continues to remain anonymous outside the Hispanic community, and hidden in the shadows cast by these men. His name does not appear in the history books or on the tongues of many proud Americans, for he was neither a citizen of America nor an American hero.
The push-and-pull factors in Enrique’s yearn for the U.S not only allows him to rediscover himself as an individual in a world of uncertainty, it also eliminates his constant fear of failing as a promising human being; in addition exhibits the undying hope of a desperate man found in hopeful migrants. In Sonia Nazario’s “Enrique’s Journey,” his mother’s trip streamed “emptiness” into the heart of a once comfortable child and left him to “struggle” to hold memories they shared. Enrique’s life after Lourdes’ departure triggered the traumatizing demise of his identity. He threw this broken identity away while facing many obstacles, nevertheless each endea...
Sometimes many similarities can be found between two completely different works of literature. The poem “I am Joaquin'; and the short story “The First Seven Years'; at the same time exhibit both contrasting positions and similar ideals. Even though “I am Joaquin'; is told from Mexican-American perspective while “The First Seven Years'; is told from Jewish-American perspective, similarities are found in both. They tell of the American Dream and of the two mentioned families’ roles and influences as a means of attaining that dream. The roles of the families in these works and each version of the American Dream are based on the same ideals, but involve different methods.
Monroe wrote that Spain and Portugal’s efforts "to improve the condition of the people of [colonized countries in the Americas]” yielded disappointing results, and suggests that the United States was better positioned to take on the role of colonial overseer given the nation’s unique geographical, social, and political connection to the Americas. Monroe justified this right to benevolent imperialism largely around the idea that America’s government, “has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, [which has produced] unexampled felicity [throughout America].” Yet contained within this utopian treatment of the American political system is the inherent suggestion that the American definition of “unexampled felicity” was universally applicable throughout the Americas. Here, the issue of textuality is raised; while politically, the protection of American countries by the United States suggests a benevolent intention, the idea that America had indirect authority over its neighbors indicates an impe...
Many years ago, on May 11, 1895, a poet and revolutionary called José Martí born in Habana Cuba in January 28, 1853, fight for Cuba independence. He showed a talent for writing and revolutionary politics at an early age. Marti spent much of his life time abroad , but in 1895 he return to Cuba to fight for the independence."The ideas of Martí about human relations, whether in the social or the international panorama, are grounded in ethical principles of social and economic justice, of equality and respect for all"
Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing written by; Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle, Eighth Edition, published April, 2007 by Bedford/St. Martin’s, is a textbook about writing and critical thinking. In the first chapter of Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing, “Thinking Critically, Challenging Cultural Myths”, the Authors begin by setting a relatable scene of what it’s like for a college student. How a new found independence can be overwhelming, especially with regards to critical thinking, showing that what we have learned, needs to be re-evaluated and that an open mind in essential. "What Is Critical Thinking" In this section of the chapter the editors explain what it means to be a critical thinker. They explain that critical thinking is not just studying dates and facts, but rather taking those facts and examining them. The editors then proceed by explaining how having an open mind, and taking others' perspectives into account when formulating our own opinions on what the author is trying to say to us is important. A critical thinker takes all aspects into account and reflects on personal experience as well. The editors also point out that different cultural experiences bring different opinions. They suggest that we need to become active learners, continuously questioning the meaning behind everything, testing not only the theories of others but also our own experiences and analyzing the text rather than going for the obvious. They show that thinking outside the box is the epitome of critical thinking. Basically, we need to step outside our comfort zones and what we have always been taught. The editors also suggest that we need to re-evaluate our per...
His Initial involvement with the Nuyorican Movement, his dedication to the Puerto Rican community and helping form, retain and adding to the Latino literary canon make Jesus “Papoleto” Melendez a more
Poems are forms of communication that give an applicable view of the past, present and future events. Reading the poem titled “America”, written by Richard Blanco brought me memories from my childhood in my parent’s house and also what is happening now in my house as a parent. The poem explains how one person doesn’t have all the knowledge about something. It also, describes the daily life struggles I experienced during my childhood, when my parent 's and I moved from our hometown to live in another town becuase of their work and it brings to light the conflict of cultures I and my children are going through since we moved to United State of America .
In the book, Mexico Barbaros, written by John Turner, the author gathered graphic stories and details about Mexico’s government, cruel politics, and history through his journeys from Mexico Viejo and from civilian’s experiences. He mentions the social injustice that took place during and after the Spanish conquest with an emphasis on how slavery was and still remains a powerful tool today.
His effective descriptions of his struggles in life contribute to the emotional tone of compassion, “I grew up here. This is my home. Yet even though I think of myself as an American and consider America my country, my country doesn’t think of me as one of its own” (Vargas) and excite in the reader his kind nature and convince the reader to accept and understand him well, as he says, “I convinced myself that if I worked enough, if I achieved enough, I would be rewarded with citizenship. I felt I could earn it” (Vargas). All of his words are very strong that can win the reader’s,
In chapter one of the book, America Ways, Gary Althen (2011) enlighten people about the concepts of value and assumption in U.S. American culture. the author's clarification of values and assumptions is related to cover a certain criteria customarily to U.S. American culture. However, the author admitted that every culture has a different view in categorizing values and assumption.
Scholars have debated not only the nature of Iberian colonialism, but also the impact that independence had on the people of Latin America. Historian Jaime E. Rodriguez said that, “The emancipation of [Latin America] did not merely consist of separation from the mother country, as in the case of the United States. It also destroyed a vast and responsive social, political, and economic system that functioned well despite many imperfections.” I believe that when independence emerged in Latin America, it was a positive force. However, as time progressed, it indeed does cause conflict.
The journey to the United States signifies dreams, hopes and opportunities for many Centro Americans. This harsh journey is portrayed through many stories, films and books. Books such as One Day of Life by Manilo Arguera and Odyssey to the North by Mario Bencastro shine the light on the struggles that Centro Americans face on a daily basis. In this essay, I will demonstrate that both have similar/recurring themes of overcoming the odds and war. Nevertheless, they are quite different because Odyssey to the North focuses on the struggles that a man who exiles to United States faces while One Day of Life centralizes on issues surrounding the daily life. In other words, both capture the different perspectives of Central American life.
Marti did not want Cuba to annex itself to the U.S. He did not want Cuba to be under the U.S. hold and even though the middle class Cubans supported this proposal. Many of the Cuban rallied around Marti because he understood how the people felt and he fought to help bring about change for them. He felt that the way the middle class Cubans treated the mulattoes and black Cubans was unjust. The black working class Cubans was treated unfairly. He wanted to build a government around the culture and needs of the people. Marti developed a body of thought centering on liberalism, republicanism, and a resistance to the rising U.S. power. While living in the United States he saw how they treated their southern neighbors and felt that they were pretty arrogant to be interfering in the affairs of the world while at home they (the U.S.) had their own pressing issues to deal
Latin America represents approximately 9 % percent of the world’s total population, giving home to over 600 million people. From a demographical perspective, it includes countries which the language of Spanish, Portuguese and French predominantly prevail. Throughout history, Latin America has birth and gave rise to some of the most influential and controversial people of our time. With its richness in diversity and values, it upholds a high culture of music, dance, food, literature and much more. It has brought forth many talented individuals, from exuberant poets, artists, musicians to strong affluential political leaders. Latin America has given us many gifts and knowledge that we see all around us in the media and now incorporate in our lives. A substantial person that Latin America gave birth to that has been brought to my attention is the famous Chilean poet, Diplomat and Nobel Prize winner, Pablo Neruda.