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The shift to the suburbs instigated a migration of key spots of consumerism. Shopping center developers recognized the ability to “reinvent community life” by establishing suburban retail areas in a close proximity to the growing masses of homes (477). These new shopping areas in the suburbs helped boost consumerism because families were not forced to drive into the city to purchase commodities. Instead, the short drive to regional shopping centers was easy and embraced by the millions of families in suburbia.  Developers also saw the importance of linking together civic and commercial activities. Creating an “old-style community with new-style unity and efficiency” attracted people because of the reminiscent yet vibrant feel to the shopping centers (478). Therefore, these centers would appeal to customers of all ages.

The segregation that existed in these market areas pointed to a broken system that sought to exclude minorities by using whatever means necessary. For example, Cohen points out how “bus routes were carefully planned to serve non-driving customers, particularly women, from neighboring suburbs, not low-income consumers” (479). Investors and developers of these shopping centers hesitated to encourage integration and equalization in their sphere.

Cohen discusses the privatization of public space and the controversy this issue has caused. The courts have studied the role of free speech and private property concerning the shopping centers. Cohen uses examples of court cases heard in New Jersey regarding this topic. Shopping centers have purposely created a distinct public feel to them; therefore, the free speech of citizens should be protected.

Discussion Question: Do you think shopping centers are exclusively private property and therefore demonstrations, strikes, and other expressions of free speech should not be tolerated?

The field of American Studies strives to illuminate the history of the United States through a variety of means. “Events, institutions, organizations, and even objects themselves such as books films, paintings, and different technological forms” all contribute to gaining a better understanding of the culture and state of our country today (5). Because American Studies draws on a breadth of disciplines and sources, it will continually be evolving. It is viewed as a “contested and ever-changing present, and an as yet unsecured future” (2). This academic field will continue to seek to answer fundamental questions about our country’s history and its effect on our present national identity.

Singh, Kaplan, and Saldivar each focus on different aspects concerning America’s role as an empire. Singh explores the role of race in America. Kaplan takes a close look at the interdependence of the homefront and the empire, specifically the concept of gender and its influence (8). Finally, Saldivar (who has an interesting backstory that helps him to bring a different perspective to the table) specifically spends time looking at the U.S./Mexico borderlands to shed light on the tendencies of American imperialism.

In her discourse, Kaplan seeks to expose the cultural significance behind the cult of domesticity that dominated the American sphere of life for so long. I found Kaplan’s argument concerning the expansion of the female influence at home and its direct parallel to the overseas expansion particularly intriguing. As an important female editor of that time commented: “Hers is the empire of the affections” (17). This struck me because of the desire that is so apparent to link the home and the empire—ultimately, the male and the female. The ability for the field of American Studies to delve into the variety of disciplines creates a comprehensive view of our country.

Discussion Question: Discuss the evidence that our culture does/does not encourage domesticity today and how these cultural pressures have shifted over time.

Michael Harvey weaves together a collection of writing fundamentals to form a helpful book: The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing.  Eight chapters cover the essentials of the writing process and are written in a captivating and fresh tone that make the book an easy yet informative read. The author successfully makes the book accessible to college students by referencing the environment in which they learn. Each chapter discusses important ideas; however, the emphasis Harvey places on concision, punctuation, and gracefulness emerge as the most important ideas concerning writing.

Concision is a lost art. Too often, students find it easier to fluff up their writing with a great deal of passive voice, big words, and prepositional phrases (1). Students feel the pressure to appear intelligent in their writing; yet, they oftentimes come across pretentious and are blatantly trying too hard. Harvey uses examples to show his readers that concise writing is compelling and direct.

When I began the chapter entitled “Punctuation,” I confess I rolled my eyes. Years of comma lessons in elementary and high school have left a bad taste in my mouth. However, I saw with new eyes the significance of punctuation. College students may overlook these mundane concepts; however, grammar forms the foundation of good writing. Harvey presents a lesson of punctuation in a fresh way. He notes that a lack of attention to punctuation “is perceived by readers as a sign of ignorance or carelessness, two cardinal sins in the academic world” (34). The drive to succeed in the academic world is too great for one to overlook punctuation as arbitrary.

Finally, Harvey’s chapter on gracefulness ties together the content with the style. How you say something can be just as important as what you are saying. He addresses the confusing question of tenses (“What tense do I use in papers?”) and uses many examples to teach the power each word can contain.

Concision, punctuation, and gracefulness are all important concepts to keep in mind when writing. Harvey’s book is a must-read for any college student who wants to succeed at writing at the college level.
Discussion Question: Discuss why pompous writing is so rampant in academic circles.

            The legacy of the sixties spans over numerous facets of our society. From the politics, to the increased use of substances, to the range of music, and many more, the 1960s stand the test of time and continue to garner historical attention. The influence of the New Left is definitely seen today. The David Brooks’ article we read for today revealed the similarities to “Tea Parties” today and the New Left movement of fifty years ago. Douglas’ observations on the path of feminism and how it was influenced by the mass media is intriguing. She acknowledges that the media is “still our worst enemy and our best ally in our ongoing struggle for equality, respect, power, and love” (294). The women’s movement of the sixties certainly left its mark and still helps women draw inspiration from it.

Discussion Question: Discuss how the passion or vitality of the feminist movement has increased or decreased since the sixties.

The late sixties emerged as arguably the most enormous time of action and influence in the entire decade. Because of the preceding years of growing boldness, the late sixties contained significant circumstances that were a fitting end to a decade that had been full of turbulent—yet memorable—moments. Woodstock, Earth Day, the Kent State shootings, and Watergate were all circumstances that revealed the continued legacy of unrest that existed in the country. The breakdown of particular institutions was seen through these different events. For example, the Kent State and Jackson State shootings lent Americans a lack of confidence in the police system. Watergate obviously placed an air of distrust for political leaders for the impressionable youth of America. All in all, the sixties will continue to live as one of the most influential decades of the twentieth century because of the diversity of issues it dealt with.

Discussion Question: Discuss the influence of the drug culture and the hippie movement on the environmental advocacy boom.

The explosion of radical feminism in the late sixties can be attributed to numerous reasons. However, I see the frustration women felt as being accredited to the media’s unfair and unhealthy portrayal of women. The depiction of the “perfect housewife” of the fifties constrained the image of women. This second wave of feminism in the sixties was focused on “uniting all women as sisters” (Lytle 279). The cry for an end to oppression was rampant in not only the female circuits, but extended to homosexuals. Gays, unlike women, “faced socially and legally sanctioned discrimination (Lytle 283). I feel like gays had a much harder time infiltrating the system because of the social bias against their sexuality. Acceptance was hard to attain on both a legal and cultural level.

Discussion Question: Discuss the differences and similarities between the feminist movement and the gay liberation movement.

The influence of the media in the rise of the feminist movement in the sixties was prominent. Douglas discusses the effect of Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie and how these two shows portrayed women in different ways yet they both paved the way for feminist ideals. The character of Samantha in Bewitched displayed her witch powers in episode after episode and continually revealed to the audience her cleverness and superiority in intelligence over her dumb husband, Darrin. For housewives to see that Samantha was smart, cunning, yet loving and irresistibly charming, was a monumental step on the road to recognition of this predicament.The liberation of women in the American social world seemed to come to a breaking point with the publication of Betty Friedan’s eminent book discussing the “problem that has no name.” For a book to be out in public that discussed the patterns of women in society and the need for change was enormous. In looking at the SNCC document, it is evident that these women who wrote this paper had immense courage to stand up for the injustice they were witnessing. The readings for today have greatly enhanced my understanding of the roots behind the feminist movement.

Discussion Question: Discuss the extent to which the television shows of that time propelled or hindered the image of women in American society.

The trials and tribulations documented by Angela Davis in her autobiography brought to light many of the injustices that existed in the era of the fight for civil rights. I was especially struck by the way in which she was treated in the prison. It saddens me that I grew up immersed in American history from a young age, yet the history books fail to address the failures of preserving justice on the part of the federal and state governments. The passion Davis has for the cause is evident as she never backed down or opted to “take the easy way out.” The writing Davis displays is a flowing and passionate style that moves the action along smoothly yet successfully communicates the aspects of the story that she wants the audience to take note of. For example, the raw and unbridled descriptions of the jail’s treatment of the other women stirs a reader’s compassion and is a clear depiction of that time period and the prevalent racial tensions.

Discussion Question: Discuss the treatment of Davis in the jail and the failure on the part of our U.S. justice system to avoid injustice.

The racism in America prevailed throughout the sixties. One of the most frustrating ideas was the institutionalized racial barriers that had grown to be accepted in the west and north. I know that I had misconceptions about the civil rights movement in my belief that it was primarily in the south; when, in fact, it was all over the country (in various forms, of course). I was especially intrigued in looking at the Black Panther manifesto and its rhetorical attempts at gaining justice and avenging the wrongs white men had done against them in the past. The call for all blacks to refrain from being a part of the armed forces struck me as rather extreme. Blacks were citizens and deserved to be treated with respect and entrusting them with the call of duty was a sign of that.

Discussion Question: Discuss the impact of rhetoric on a social movement. Compare this movement with Malcolm X’s emotional wordage and other important leaders who saw a vision communicated through their words.

The concept of black pride grew in influence throughout the sixties. With leaders like Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael emerging, blacks saw hope in a different kind of approach for racial justice (that differed from Martin Luther King and his strictly peaceful approach). These men saw violence as necessary in various circumstances (inevitably if violence was reigned on them by the white man). Malcolm X, in a speech given a year preceding his assassination, calls on his listeners to forget their differences and unite. He denounces religious, economic, and social barriers and states there is “a common problem” that exists. This crisis is not limited to one group of blacks; it is a dilemma for all. Carmichael likewise points out society’s pressures surrounding racial relationships. Whites have always been seen as “good” and blacks are supposedly inherently “evil.” Because of the ways in which both races are viewed differently, it is impossible for whites (thought they may desire to) to relate to the black experience. Black pride focused on blacks “fixing” the system and not relying on white authorities to adequately achieve justice. A common call for Black Power rallied together many blacks and so began a new chapter in the racial tensions of the sixties.

Discussion Question: Would Malcolm X’s influence have been as potent if his oratory skills had been lacking? Do you think he exploited emotions through his writings and speeches or simply stated the truth?