The Intersection of Cultural Myths
Choose an essay ("Stephen Cruz" or " Veiled Intentions" or Notes of a Native Speaker") that is conversant with more than one of the cultural myths described in Rereading America( limit yourself to: Melting Pot, Individual Opportunity, or Ideal Gender Roles) and write a focused argument indicating how these two or more cultural myths are represented in the text. First begin by comparing the myths. In what ways do the myths coincide in this essay? Do the myths represented reinforce, contradict, and/or challenge one another and how is that expressed in the text? Your argument should pre-suppose that these myths involve overlapping and often conflicting principles. Your thesis statement will assess how the myths mingle in these particular narratives.
Create a concise and focused answer based on relevant evidence from the text. Do not merely summarize the essay, but describe how these cultural myths shape the writer's essay.