Order custom papers, masters thesis and dissertation in 3 guided steps; human written!
Posted:
In 1780, the notion of being American meant different things depending on one’s identity. To Thomas Jefferson, among the architects of the new nation, it meant deserving one’s liberty, and he believed that certain people were ill-suited for what he considered the demands of an enlightened society.
In particular, he believed blacks and whites could never coexist because of slavery’s legacy, citing: “Deep-rooted prejudices entertained by whites [and] ten thousand recollections, by the blacks, of the injuries they have sustained” (Binder, 1968, p. 55-56). In addition, he considered them intellectually inferior.
He considered America an improvement over other nations, and while he felt ambivalent about slavery and sympathetic toward blacks, he did not envision a multiracial America. For poet Phyllis Wheatley, an African-American who spent years in slavery and lived in poverty, being an American meant barriers and contradictions based on race. Wheatley, whose poetry Jefferson thought “below the dignity of criticism” (Robinson, 1982, pp.
42-43), was well aware of America’s racial contradictions (a nominally free nation which still embraced slavery) but nonetheless asked white America for tolerance and acceptance. In “On being Brought from Africa to America,” the narrator is optimistic about America and grateful for being part if it – “’Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land” – but also admits, “Some view our sable race with scornful eye, /’There colour is a diabolic die’” (Robinson, 1975, p. 60). However, her closing appeal is not for liberty and full equality, but simply a reminder that blacks can at least be equal as Christians, in God’s eyes.
To Jefferson, part of America’s elite, being American meant freedom for those who met his standards, while Wheatley, aware of America’s racial situation, makes an appeal for at least spiritual equality. Being American meant being free – though race was used as a means of denying freedom to all.
REFERENCES
Looking for reliable dissertation help or thesis writing? Our expert team of MPhil and PhD-qualified professionals provides top-notch online assistance for dissertations, research papers, and essays—free from errors, plagiarism, and hidden fees. We select each specialist based on their academic expertise, ensuring high-quality thesis writing and research paper support. Beyond writing, we offer personalized guidance, one-on-one doubt-clearing sessions, and free study resources. Whether you need instant dissertation help or long-term research paper support, our experts are ready to help you succeed.
Binder, F. M. (1968). The Color Problem in Early National America. Paris: Mouton. Robinson, W. H. (1975).
Phyllis Wheatley in the Black American Beginnings. Detroit: Broadside Press. Robinson, W. H. (1982). Critical Essays of Phyllis Wheatley. Boston: G. K. Hall and Company
You Want Quality and That’s What We Deliver
We’ve put together our writing team with care, choosing talented writers who shine in their fields. Each one goes through a tough selection process, where we look for folks with deep expertise in specific subjects and a solid history of academic writing. They bring their own mix of know-how and flair to the table, making sure our content hits the mark—packed with info, easy to read, and perfect for college students like you.
We don’t do AI-written essays or copycat work—everything’s original. Competitive pricing is a big deal for us; we keep costs fair while delivering top-notch quality. Our writers are some of the best out there, and we charge rates that stack up well against other services. This means you get stellar content without draining your wallet. Our pricing is straightforward and honest, built to give you real value for your money. That’s why students turn to us for high-quality writing services that won’t break the bank.
Academic integrity is at the heart of what we do. Every paper starts from scratch, with original research and writing tailored just for you. We write 100% authentic—no plagiarism research essays. Our strict quality control process includes scanning every draft with top tools like SafeAssign and Turnitin, so you get a similarity score and proof of originality. We’re obsessive about proper citation and referencing too, crediting every source to keep things legit. It’s all about giving you peace of mind with content that meets the highest standards.
When you decide to place an order with Dissertation Writer, here is what happens: