America is comprised of a unique culture hinged on the diversity of its citizens. The identity of its people is complex, their character embodied by the work of many great writers and artists including J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur’s Letters from an American Farmer: “Letter III: What is an American?”. In his letter, Crevecoeur outlines several characteristics of the “new American,” including their willingness to work, progressive attitudes, and diverse yet unified culture. These same ideals can be traced to other American artists and writers in both early and modern America, such as Charles Willson Peale’s painting, The Artist in His Museum, and President Barack Obama’s “First Inaugural Address”. Peale and President Obama’s articulations
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He describes the Americans he encounters as being “animated with the spirit of industry which is unfetter and unrestrained, because each person works for himself” (Crevecoeur 442). He elucidates his claim by providing several examples of the industriousness of the people, such as their “decent houses, good roads…and bridges where an hundred years ago all was wild, woody, and uncultivated” (Crevecoeur 442). His illustrations indicate that Americans possess a certain zeal concerning their occupations and duties; they have immigrated to this new country to create a respectable, humble life with the many opportunities available to them. To further his argument, Crevecoeur remarks on the speed and effectiveness with which Americans work, stating that “There never was a people…who with so ungrateful a soil have done more in so short a time” (443). This compliment suggests that Americans are diligent, patient workers who will make the most from what they have, whether that is creating a civilization among threatening Native American tribes or cultivating crops in poor soil. Later in his letter, Crevecoeur offers a more intimate observation of the American work ethic. He describes a young Scottish emigrant named Andrew who worked for Crevecoeur and his wife; a man who “was so docile, so willing, and …show more content…
In his letter, Crevecoeur defines this “promiscuous breed” of people now called Americans as “a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes,” objectively highlighting the many nationalities from which Americans are descended (443). He further elucidates his claim by stating that this race of people are either European or of European descent, “hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country” (Crevecoeur 444). It is evident through Crevecoeur’s descriptions that Americans are distinct from any other culture in their ancestry. However, Americans are also diverse in the impact they have on society, as illustrated by Crevecoeur’s claim that in America “individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world” (444). Through his observations, Crevecoeur depicts the American as a unique individual, whose interests differ according to their ancestry and social position. Yet he is sure to include that despite their differences, Americans have the ability to exist peaceably together under a government “derived from the original genius and strong desire of the people…which links [them] all” (Crevecoeur 443). This unique government is what allows
He describes the Americans he encounters as being “animated with the spirit of industry which is unfetter and unrestrained, because each person works for himself” (Crevecoeur 442). He elucidates his claim by providing several examples of the industriousness of the people, such as their “decent houses, good roads…and bridges where an hundred years ago all was wild, woody, and uncultivated” (Crevecoeur 442). His illustrations indicate that Americans possess a certain zeal concerning their occupations and duties; they have immigrated to this new country to create a respectable, humble life with the many opportunities available to them. To further his argument, Crevecoeur remarks on the speed and effectiveness with which Americans work, stating that “There never was a people…who with so ungrateful a soil have done more in so short a time” (443). This compliment suggests that Americans are diligent, patient workers who will make the most from what they have, whether that is creating a civilization among threatening Native American tribes or cultivating crops in poor soil. Later in his letter, Crevecoeur offers a more intimate observation of the American work ethic. He describes a young Scottish emigrant named Andrew who worked for Crevecoeur and his wife; a man who “was so docile, so willing, and …show more content…
In his letter, Crevecoeur defines this “promiscuous breed” of people now called Americans as “a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes,” objectively highlighting the many nationalities from which Americans are descended (443). He further elucidates his claim by stating that this race of people are either European or of European descent, “hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country” (Crevecoeur 444). It is evident through Crevecoeur’s descriptions that Americans are distinct from any other culture in their ancestry. However, Americans are also diverse in the impact they have on society, as illustrated by Crevecoeur’s claim that in America “individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world” (444). Through his observations, Crevecoeur depicts the American as a unique individual, whose interests differ according to their ancestry and social position. Yet he is sure to include that despite their differences, Americans have the ability to exist peaceably together under a government “derived from the original genius and strong desire of the people…which links [them] all” (Crevecoeur 443). This unique government is what allows