The Meaning of America and It's History

Grossberg's "Youth and American Identity", and Gordon's "More than Just a Shrine" stresses how America has turned into a universal "melting pot" made up of diverse people and unique cultures . Since post-World War II, Grossberg describes how today's youth generation is a "problematic solution to America's search for identity." In simpler terms, Grossberg believes that a great deal of the world is trying to mold our younger generation to be the next leaders, role-models, and products of the American dream. The question is "How can we be sure this generation will fullfill the American dream?" I'm not sure that Americans know exactly what the American dream really is, but they surely have ideas drawn from history. History class taught me that the American dream is part of achieving manifest destiny. However, in Gordon's piece, certain people such as immigrants did not come from a country where they were able to achieve superiority among other nations, such as the immigrants of Ellis Island. In Gordon's essay, she pays homage to the immigrants of Ellis Island and gives a detailed account of what it was like for them to come to a new place and not seek freedom nor other essential aspects of an "American Dream." Overall, one line from Gordon's work struck me, "And to tell the ghosts what I have always thought: that American history was a very classy party that was not much fun until they arrived, brought the good food, turned up the music, and taught everyone to dance." For me, this statement is true, being raised Italian and growing up in an Itatlian family, with great food, a fun-loving family, and amazing traditions, just as those who are Irish, or German, or any other culture in the world. Were all different and we all bring something new to the world.