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American Identity In Jamaica Kincaid's Essay 'The Ugly Tourist'

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Throughout the years America has undergone numerous changes that have impacted individuals of all ethnicities and orientations. American identity is constantly changing for people and communities. Such changes occur throughout America as individuals and groups morph and change in an attempt to fit the American norms, yet still find themselves struggling to fit in. American identity is what it means to be an American, some people prosper in America while others struggle to fit in with those around them. In Jamaica Kincaid’s essay, “The Ugly Tourist” the concept of fitting in is displayed as nearly impossible within America’s ever changing society. Depending on the community you are in, Jamaica expresses the idea of feeling out of place based …show more content…

People that had previously been denied the rights other Americans enjoyed, began advocating for their own liberty. The government has given more rights to those previously oppressed, and has adopted more open minded views, however, this wasn't always the case, and still isn't for many. David Sedaris’s Essay “I Like Guys” demonstrates the close mindedness of many Americans in the past towards lesbian couples, and demonstrates a clear change in the education system now, creating a more open minded norm pushing back for the rights of gay couples. Teachers in the past encouraged students to hide this identity from others and even degraded those who identified as gay, Sedrais recalls, “As entertainers, these teachers were nothing, zero. They could barely impersonate themselves. ‘Look at you!’ my second-period gym teacher would shout… ‘Youre a group of ladies, a pack of tap-dancing queers” (Sedaris). When teachers and adults throughout America degraded those in the LGBTQ community, they sent a message to their children and those around them that this was not what represented America. These were people who were to be looked down upon because it wasnt what a good American should be. Now laws have been passed to protect and support those in the LGBTQ community and there has been a dramatic change in the heart of the school systems. Many schools now celebrate pride week, standing with those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer and all other orientations. This is a dramatic change compared to the past, and while there are still many that don't support these groups, the newfound support for these people is proof that the American Identity is continuously

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