In the popular film “The Godfather,” from 1942, there is a mortician in the opening scene. He states, “I believe in America.” People have come to have different opinions in regards to this statement. For example, Booker T. Washington, Langston Hughes, and Francis Ford Coppola, would all have different viewpoints in regard to this quote. Overall, through understanding the comment, there becomes an understanding of these men’s beliefs and what obstacles have to be overcome.
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in America, yet became an advocate for African American rights. He experienced a time where America treated African Americans with much disrespect, brutality, and discrimination. However, he uplifted and enlightened African Americans. Therefore, for Washington, “I believe in America,” is a statement …show more content…
He also wrote novels and plays. Much of his writing was a focus on the African American experience, particularly during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes felt that America treated African Americans unfairly. Politically, he leaned toward a communist view because he appreciated its agenda toward racial equality, which America must overcome. Such views became outlined in Hughes work and went against the quote, “I believe in America.” For example, in his poem, “Harlem,” Hughes states, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up - like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore - And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags - like a heavy lead.” Throughout this poem, Hughes portrays that basically the American Dream is a faucet of reality. He provides an understanding that such a dream is painted, yet there are vast problems with the American system. Ultimately such problems will cause much bigger issues for the nation as a whole in the long run. Similar to Hughes, Francis Ford Coppola, had views on the American nation as
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in America, yet became an advocate for African American rights. He experienced a time where America treated African Americans with much disrespect, brutality, and discrimination. However, he uplifted and enlightened African Americans. Therefore, for Washington, “I believe in America,” is a statement …show more content…
He also wrote novels and plays. Much of his writing was a focus on the African American experience, particularly during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes felt that America treated African Americans unfairly. Politically, he leaned toward a communist view because he appreciated its agenda toward racial equality, which America must overcome. Such views became outlined in Hughes work and went against the quote, “I believe in America.” For example, in his poem, “Harlem,” Hughes states, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up - like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore - And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags - like a heavy lead.” Throughout this poem, Hughes portrays that basically the American Dream is a faucet of reality. He provides an understanding that such a dream is painted, yet there are vast problems with the American system. Ultimately such problems will cause much bigger issues for the nation as a whole in the long run. Similar to Hughes, Francis Ford Coppola, had views on the American nation as