What started it all

Something had to model a change for Contemporary American Literature, however was it the Puritans who inspired it? Could it have been the wickedness of Jonathan Edward's section, or maybe the religious aspect of Bradford's piece that opened new doors for the possibility of new forms of writing?

Jonathan Edwards's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" gave quite a radical perception of how he views religion. Applying words such as "tormented, "damnation", and "everlasting destruction" give it its menacing feel. In that time, Edwards inspired multiple writers to begin this new style of writing. Though, it didn't spark a huge change in that time. Many authors nowadays have adopted his style, yet it still isn't a popular form of writing even in this day. 

In contrast, Bradford illustrates a view of religion in a calm atmosphere. He writes about hope, looking to god for help, and the importance of Jesus. He and his friends were on a small raft when they finally found land. Kissing the sand, Bradford thanks the god of heaven for this grateful moment. Bradford provided American Literature with religious piece which most didn't write about. Again, like Edwards's piece, it didn't give us this incredible new genre that everyone was amazed by.

Authors to this day still write like Edwards and Bradford. They've inspired many but in my opinion, they didn't model any kind of big change.

Stereotypes...

What would the world really be like without any stereotypes? Would we all see each other in the same light? I've come to the conclusion, after a few experiences, that people will find a way to judge you in any type of manner. Though, stereotypes give a leeway into bullying people for who they are.

Being a Muslim in Troy, i've rarely ever had an instance where someone would think of me any differently. However, there was a certain experience that really made me ultimately question what people were actually thinking. I was in the 7th grade sitting in my world history class when we got put into groups. This specific boy, who never hesitated to speak his mind, was seated right beside me. The topic of religion had come into conversation and within seconds he blurts out, "So you're involved in some kind of terrorist attack right?" This aggravated me very much so believe me, I gave him a piece of my mind. The thing that ultimately upset me was thinking what if multiple people thought this... What if he is basically speaking for all the people in this classroom? After coming to terms with the pure fact that this is a part of life, being stereotyped, I thought about how many people get stereotyped everyday.

Stereotyping is an ugly thing that unfortunately most people do, joking or not. They will never realize its effect until they experience it.

Does it define who you are?

Heritage is generally perceived as something a person inherits or acquirers through birth. I, however, regard it's the personal experiences you go through and what you attain from them that establishes who you are as a person.

In Jeanette Walls's The Glass Castle, Jeanette and her siblings are raised by a pair of erratic parents. The father, an intelligent man who's faults lie in a bottle of Whiskey, can never provide enough for his family and the mother, a so-called "self-proclaimed artist", cares very little about her kids. Through the obstacles they overcome in the varies towns they live in and the life lessons they learn through all the confusion and heartache, you take in the characteristics they begin to acquire. Each child has a mind of his/her own, yet it's still very dissimilar to how their parents are. They go on to do immense things for themselves, which their parents could've never done. 

The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain portrays the same idea. Huck Finn is brought up into a southern society that at the time felt they were superior to African Americans. His father, who was barely around, was very much a racist as the majority of the town was. Huck, however, doesn't fall into this stereotype. He helped a runaway slave by the name of Jim escape and became his best friend. At times, Huck feels dishonest about his actions but in the end he comes to term with his decisions.