The United States Of America - 2072 Words

The United States of America has been celebrated as the great â€Å"Melting Pot† among the nations, and rightfully so. The influx of immigrants from multiple countries, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds have furthered diversified the beliefs, traditions, and expectations represented within our country. The influence that this diversity had upon our nation has shaped our country’s ideals and behaviors, which are still present today. The original intention behind the founding of our nation was to provide a way in which all people could be free to pursue their individual religious beliefs and way of living without having to fear persecution and discrimination, yet still be unified with their fellow countrymen. After all, we are the United†¦show more content†¦The mentality of our culture has certainly improved and people have become more aware of the unjust oppression that was present, due largely to writers who shared their experiences such as Maya Angelou and Sherman Alexie. Writers such as Angelou and Alexie aim to share their stories for two reason: so that we might not forget the bondage that many people had once been subject to, and so we become aware and do not overlook the injustices and acts of discrimination still being committed today. Although our nation has made many great leaps and bounds in fighting against discrimination, and such oppressive treatment should be all but extinct by now, discriminatory practices are still present today. Both Angelou and Sherman share the same objective: To relate their experiences in such a manner that will be used to inspire, and to open the eyes of our culture to segregation and discrimination currently invading our society. Angelou shares her narrative â€Å"Champion of the World,† which is excerpted from her book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and relays her experiences of discrimination. She illustrates the way in which her fellow African Americans were able to come together and rally around Joe Louis, who was a boxer and one of their only means to prove to the world