Identity In American Culture
John Adams once said that, "facts are stubborn things." The same can be said for the idea of identity. According to Dictionary.com, identity is defined as "the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality." The idea of identity is present in works of literature such as, John Adams, Catcher in the Rye, and "Looking for Work." In American culture, people define their identity by whom they do and do not get along with, and who accepts them. Acceptance by a group is an important component of identity in American culture. In Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist and narrator, Holden Caulfield is telling us a story of a two-day period during last December. Throughout the novel Holden is struggling with the idea of acceptance. Holden wishes to gain acceptance from those who represent innocence, and a childhood friend, Jane Gallagher happens to be one of those people. In the beginning of the novel, Holden tells us the story of Jane Gallagher and how they use to play checkers. Jane lived next door to him all summer long in Maine. Holden really adores Jane because he is able to comfortably talk with and is able to confide in her. Also, she is the only non-family member he has shown
Holden sees much of life as a conflict between the artificial and authentic. He wants acceptance from the white people because he does not like being an outcast. Their friendship soon became sour, and Jefferson turns on Adams. A feud soon begins between Jefferson (who disliked the British) and Hamilton (who disliked the French). do you think we could get dressed up for dinner one of these days?' 'Ay, Dios,' my mother laughed" (Soto 44). Jefferson, among others, often compared Adams to the great orators of ancient Greece by saying that, "he moved his hearers from their seats" (McCullough 650). The picture Soto receives from shows like Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best, is a happy, quiet, middle class family that always dresses and acts appropriately during dinner. John Adams defines his American identity according to the people whom he did and did not get along with. In the beginning, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are great friends. Soto's family is Mexican who want to remain Mexican. Oh, my dear girl, I thank heaven that another fortnight will restore you to me-after so long a separation. you who have always softened and warmed my heart, shall restore my benevolences as well as my health and tranquility of mind (McCullough 57). He really thinks that Ernest is, "doubtless the biggest bastard that ever went to Pency.
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Acceptance Essays
