Of Plymouth Plantation, And Mother Tongue By Amy Tan

“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources–because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” Lyndon B. Johnson. America is known as the melting pot because people from all around the world with different cultures and traditions come in search of a better life, and better opportunities. The hardships and prosperities of immigration are told in stories like: Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford, Vietnamese Native Thankful for Chance Offered in America by Ronnie Thomas, and Mother Tongue by Amy Tan. Immigration has changed America by mixing and changing cultures and ideas while changing those who emigrate by giving them new opportunities to better their life otherwise unaccessible.
In Of Plymouth …show more content…
Finally reaching America, Vo is overcome with joy in thinking about the new, better life she and her family have the potential to create. Vo recalls, “I cried. We had our freedom” (Thomas 1). After all of the hardships Vo and her family had to endure, finally reaching America was like icing on the cake. Living oppressive socialist republic lives, full of forced labor and limited education achieving the dream of coming to America was enough to evoke tears of joy. After coming to America Vo had one goal in mind: to better support her family both economically and educationally. “They were looking for a better way of life for their children" (Thomas 1). Vo and her husband knew that coming to the states would bring a better life for all of their family. Not only would her children have better schooling opportunities but her and her husband would have the freedom to work for whoever and whatever they chose; a luxury they didn’t have in their hometown. By having these economic opportunities they would be able to better provide for their children. All of the hard work and tireless nights were worth it when Vo was able to go to bed at night knowing that her children were safe and in an environment where they can accel and reach their full potential. "We celebrate our independence, our freedom. In America, you can do whatever you want and say whatever you want, and you can make your dreams come true if you just work hard." Vo explains (Thomas 1). Vo was able to create a better future for her family, and future generations because she had persevered on. She understands firsthand how it feels to be stripped of rights, where in America she is able to live freely. Vo celebrates her freedom because it is something to celebrate. Freedom is a privilege that should not be taken for granted. By