Problem
The first poem, "The Hill We Climb" was recited by Gorman January 21, 2021 at the presidential inauguration. The second, "New Day's Lyric," was offered on the occasion of the 2022 New Year. Poetry is of course creative and literary, but Gorman also addresses some of the key social and cultural issues of our day. She also represents a powerful and hopeful voice coming from the generation that will inherit the nation in the years ahead.
I. How does Gorman address "cultural diversity" in the United States? How does her vision compare to or complement your own understandings and experiences of diversity? Conversely, what diversity themes is the poem missing? Support your discussion with specific examples and sources from the course. In your discussion, be sure to identify and discuss three key dimensions and challenges of cultural diversity in the US.
II. Aside from diversity, what is Gorman's view of key features of broader US culture? Identify and discuss key themes she evokes. Who are "We the people?" Again, how does her vision complement your own understandings and experiences of what constitutes US "culture," particularly in the present moment? How does her perspective compare to two key dimensions of US culture explored in this course? Again, identify at least one key issues cultural the poems do not address. Support your discussion with examples from the poems and from course materials.