Yesterday we discussed many ways that American literature was developing during the mid 1800s and was influencing American culture and beliefs. Discuss a book written in the last 10 years that you feel has impacted American society and culture and compare that to some of the literature we have discussed in class. Which was more significant? How does the impact of your book compare to a Walden, Leaves of Grass, or Uncle Tom's Cabin? Feel free to elaborate on any of these subjects and comment on others' ideas.
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We have been talking recently about the consolidation of American industry, workers' "rights", and the level of government involvement in business. In doing so, we have addressed the inevitable example of the conflict between business owners and laborers, the Homestead Strike.
To refresh your memory, Andrew Carnegie acquires a new steel mill in Homestead, PA. The original owners permitted their workers to unionize (perhaps why it was not successful enough to prevent a Carnegie buyout, but that is merely speculation). Carnegie, however, would not tolerate a union. He, along with his partner Frick, send workers home until they agree to be non-union and accept a lesser wage. Carnegie then brings in some "scabs" to work in his mill at the new wage and Frick hires the Pinkerton Security Company to protect the workers. This eventually winds up being a short, yet deadly war between business owners/managers (here, Carnegie and Frick) and laborers. The question, however, remains; Who was in the right? Bonus to any student that posts a response by Wednesday at 3:00 P.M. We have discussed a lot about the issue of immigration at the turn of the century, and compared it to the growing immigration question of today.
Here is what I'd like you to do: 1. Write a reaction to one of the politicians' reactions from the turn of the century. 2. Address the issues of immigration and how it relates to tax evasion, competition for labor and citizenship in modern day America. 3. Comment on one other student's response directly (something other than just "Yeah, Jimmy, I agree!") Have responses posted by Monday, February 7. As we've discussed in class, during the antebellum period, many romantic writers, reformists and abolitionists began to comment on American society, its problems, and how they should be improved. The question I pose to you is, what books out there are commenting on American society today? Research one (or if you've read it, even better!) and tell us about it by adding a comment here. One example, whether you agree with it or not, would have to be Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. It has certainly affected the discussion on the environment and how it relates to American industry and pollution.
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