Lessons Of Life

A detailed Summary of Lessons Of Life

Does the American Dream belong to every one or does it exclude some individuals? The American Dream is a very powerful force that molds America. It has existed for many generations but has it changed over time? The foundation of the Dream tends to stay the same that is the pursuit of happiness, hope, freedom, justice and equality. The concepts within the American Dream should alter to fit the changes of society. The breakthroughs and obstacles that America overcomes should shift the American Dream. Society may see the American Dream as a dangerous power causing them to be scared to challenge the concepts of the traditional American Dream. Will society become dysfunctional if someone challenges the American Dream or will it make our country stronger and more diverse?

According to James Baldwin's "My Dungeon Shook: A Letter to My Nephew" African Americans can not obtain their piece of the American Dream. Baldwin wrote a letter to his nephew in hope of guiding him through life. Baldwin had many words of wisdom to share, mostly words provoked by pain and anger. Baldwin wanted to teach his nephew about the cruelty of society. His main point was to teach his nephew not to believe the white man and his words.

On the other hand Baldwin wanted to remind society about our creators teachings and support his lesson to his nephew. "You must accept them and accept them with love" (Baldwin 245). This statement was an example in which Baldwin wants to impress upon society. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Jesus told God to forgive those who intended to kill him as he was hanging on the cross in pain and misery. Jesus believed that people who did not know why they sinned deserved to live eternal life. Jesus set an example for mankind to follow by forgiving the people who hurt him and Baldwin is trying to redeem Jesus' example by forgiving the people who hurt him. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the chains that embodies mankind. Forgiveness could be thought of as the potion that unites America and brings equality to the redeemed world.

Although Baldwin's letter was addressed to his nephew, he intended for society as a whole to be affected by it. "This innocent country set you down in a getto in which, in fact, it intended that you should parish"(Baldwin 244). This is an innocent country, innocent only because they know not what they do. They discriminate the African American by expecting them to be worthless, by not giving them a chance to prove their credibility. Today African Americans are considered to be disesteemed in society. They are placed in this class before they are even born just like Royalty obtains their class before they are even conceived. We may think that this is a paradox but when deeply thinking about African Americans and their treatment we know it is much different than that of white Americans. African Americans have to strive extremely hard to be

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Approximate Word count = 1156
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History