Exceptionalism In America

The term “American” is often associated with things such as independence day, baseball, hotdogs, bald eagles, Uncle Sam, big cities, etc. Found in the New World are liberty, opportunity, equality, and freedom in abundance. All of these things scream Americana. This is our culture; it makes this country what it is. However, “American” has become less of an adjective used to describe a citizen of the US and more of a word synonymous with white. When describing others, white Americans rarely align themselves with those who are citizens of the US, yet have a different skin tone. In example, black people are often referred to as “African American,” Spanish speaking Americans as “Mexican” or “immigrant,” and indigenous people as “Indian.” (Whether …show more content…
They lacked the eurocentric features and patriotism that is so frequently associated with the word “American.” The contrast between the more common connotation of what makes an American is stark compared to the reality behind the title; instead of accepting these differences and living up to the melting pot’s namesake, European immigrants stripped native peoples of their rights, land, and heritage. Those who established this country found these differences intimidating, so they responded by killing, reforming, and repressing. Left in the wake of this destruction are stereotypes and racism that, to this day, plague our country. The struggles of Native Americans are often left out in discussions of social justice matters, so it is frequently left up to them to call attention to such issues. Zitkala-Ša was a Native American author who did just that. She helped shape the standards for american literature and how we view America’s indigenous …show more content…
Having chosen to attend a school established by white people, she was taught out of her Native American ways of living and behaving. The obvious differences between she and her classmates was enough to make her feel as if she didn't belong, and this feeling of otherness continued after she returned west to her mother's home. Spending so much time around the “palefaces” shaped the way she thought, spoke, and acted. Constantly caught in between two very different worlds and fitting in nowhere is what Zitkala-Ša was left with. Despite having turned this into something positive, others like her aren't so lucky. Native Americans have, since Europe began colonizing the “New World,” been killed, raped, and had their homes destroyed. In addition being tormented in these ways, they were pushed farther and farther west. Even after this, the natives were often recruited, in a way, for schooling. Being sent to boarding schools where they were taught english and discipline is how many American Indian children spent their younger years. Separated from their families and their culture, they often began to lose those connections, as illustrated in Impressions of an Indian Childhood. However, despite this reformation, natives never felt at home among the “palefaces”