After reading “The Gettysburg Address” by 16th President Abraham Lincoln and “Inaugural Address” by 35th President John F. Kennedy, I have made the connection that what they are saying is similar. The overall message is about equality. Their remarks do not refer to the same situation but they do relate to each other. The problem that Abraham Lincoln thinks the United States needs to solve is the problem of equality. He believed that all men are created equally. And JFK brings up the point that we are united as a nation, referring to the equality of black people and stated “we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty” expressing that he would pay any price to see equality among people in the United States. Is that problem solved? The answer is obviously no. As any normal person can see we live in a society stemming full of systemic racism and  major inequalities for minorities. And “President” (I will use that title lightly) Donald Trump thinks it does not exist. Not only that but the racist police that shoot unarmed, innocent black people that can amount to a list only from the shootings this year. There should not be a list like that at all. And it does not just affect black people, the Muslim ban proposed by “President” Trump was extremely racist by targeting Muslims entering America and ones that already live here, and extremely UNCONSTITUTIONAL. So, no these issues have not solved.

Nguyen says “I would like to make a board accurate statement about immigrants children in schools. I would like to speak for them(us). I hesitate; I cannot.” What she was trying is that she wants to make a accurate statement about immigrants children in school because other people have different perspective of immigrants children. In other words, the way that people treats immigrants is different to how people treats the white. So she wants to give a statement to tell people more specific to teachers at this timeline that we should treat the immigrants children with a little more respect or not to discriminate them just because of race. The reason being is because white people doesn’t know what the immigrants had to go through in order to get where they are now. For example, “If it was my turn to read out loud during reading circle, she’d interrupt me to snap, ‘You’re reading to fast’ or demand, ‘What does that word mean?’ Things she did not do to other students.”(Nguyen, Paragraph 8) This means that Nguyen’s teacher Mrs. Alexander did not show respect to Nguyen and a hint of discrimination because she treated Nguyen differently compare to other students. She would get mad if Nguyen was reading to too fast and demand her what that word mean, showing that she shows no respect to Nguyen based on her Vietnamese background. The reason being that Nguyen was hesitate to not speak out her statement was probably because of her personality. Nguyen personality was a shy and quiet person and she probably have kept her personality for awhile with some minor changes as she grew up. For example, “For, in addition to my excellent marks, I was nearly silent, deadly shy, and wholly obedient.”(Nguyen, Paragraph 8). This means that because she was quiet and shy person, she became hesitate to make a statement. Another possible reason is that she believe that students can change what’s best for them and seeing that change may cause others to do the same thing.

In Outlaw: My Life in America as an Undocumented Immigrant, by Jose Antonio Vargas, the two terms “undocumented immigrant” and “illegal alien” are used  in the article non-interchangeably. The two terms both refer to essentially the same type of person, however, the connotations of each term are pretty different. The term “undocumented immigrant” is quite literal. It suggests that the person being referred to was not born an American citizen, therefore they immigrated to the United States, yet it shows that said person does not possess proper paper work in order to be legally considered a citizen, hence “undocumented”. “Illegal alien” on the other hand, suggests someone as foreign as an alien to Earth has invaded this country and done something very wrong in order to be here. This term is much more negative and hurtful in comparison. People like Vargas who come to the US at a young age don’t know another home, this is their home. As Vargas states, “I grew up here. This is my home. Yet even though I think of myself as an American and consider America my country, my country doesn’t think of me as one of its own”. In Vargas’ case undocumented immigrant would be the better term to use because it is straightforward. The term suggests nothing more than someone who needs official documents to be considered a citizen by law. Additionally, the use of this term compared to “illegal alien” helps to normalize the situation that many people like Vargas find themselves in. Illegal alien suggests something much more heinous than the actual situation, and this rhetoric serves to perpetuate negative stereotypes surrounding undocumented immigrants, who much like Vargas are productive contributing citizens, not foreign monsters.

In paragraph 28 of “The Good Immigrant Student”, Nguyen says “I would like to make a broad, accurate statement about immigrant children in schools. I would like to speak for them (us). I hesitate; I cannot.” I believe what she means by the “broad, accurate” statement that she wants to say is that not all immigrant children want to stand out. Throughout the entire story, she describes how she just wanted to be left alone, stating “I wanted to disappear. I was not brave enough to shrug my shoulders and flaunt my difference; because I could not disappear into the crowd.” For her, it was difficult to fully assimilate into the world where others see her as a different kind from them, something her step-mother wanted for her and her sister. This would apply to many other immigrant children, some being very shy and never opening up to teachers or other children, and bring afraid to speak. However, she is not really able to make this statement because she is not the type to be rebellious. For her, being the rebellious type of person required to have a sort of bravery, something she repeatedly says throughout the story that she does not have. Furthermore, after saying that she cannot and that she hesitates to say this, she also talks about how her sister was more of the rebellious type, disliking school and “choosing rebellion rather than silence.” in way that feels like Nguyen is comparing herself to her sister to further show this.

The terms “undocumented immigrants” and “illegal aliens” carry different connotations with them. Personally, when I hear others call people “illegal aliens”, I feel that it is a form of disrespect towards individuals in these situations. Saying someone is “illegal” makes them sound like a criminal regardless of who they are. When you hear “illegal”, you think drugs, human trafficking, murderers etc. Anything that is seen as maleficent usually comes into mind. “Undocumented immigrants”  I believe is a much better term to call someone in this certain situation. People in Vargas’ situation should have the option of being called what they want regarding their legal status. I do not think it is fair to have to label certain people for this reason or any reason at all. The way I see it, it is unfair and it affects the opportunities of these individuals. Growing up with undocumented family members, you learn to understand why it is wrong to have to label someone and you get to see how these labels negatively impact ones self esteem, mental health, opportunities etc. Many undocumented immigrants do so much to contribute to the country, as Vargas stated “ [he] was paying state and federal taxes,” though he was using an invalid social security card he still decided to pay taxes. Apart from that many of these individuals manage to assimilate into the country, unfortunately based on the way they look, they are not accepted no matter how “American” they may seem as Vargas points out “ they don’t want to assimilate, they are a drain on society. They’re not talking about me, I would tell myself. I have something to contribute.” These individuals grow up in a place they see as home, actually the only place they know as home but are labeled as “illegal” and are not accepted into the society because of the way they look which is cruel. They are denied certain opportunities as Vargas points out, he was denied certain jobs, internship opportunities and aids because of his status. They try to live up to the American Dream; some fail, some live it. However, sometimes those who live it, such as Vargas, are living with lies which just weighs them down and exhausts them, all so they can have a better life and move on. Fortunately acts such as the DREAM Act have tried to help these individuals with their situation. Many of these individuals are called DREAMERS, which I think is a better term to call these people because it fits them perfectly since in reality all they want to achieve is the American Dream.

After reading “Out Law: My Life In America As An Undocumented Immigrant” by Jose Antonio Vargas, the term “undocumented immigrants” and “illegal aliens” (11) carry a negative connotation, but if used correctly and depending on context it does not have to be negative. The terms are used to provide clarity based on an individuals documentation of being a American citizen, however the term “illegal alien” is rather harsh and is used to reference foreign entities in a rather unnecessary way. Vargas explains that the use of these words represent a harsh portrayal of some of the immigrants when he writes, “they don’t want to assimilate they are a drain on our society” (327). Vargas is essentially explaining others perception of illegal immigrants within the country and how these perceptions carry a negative association with the terminology. The terms used to describe immigrants that do not carry any form of paperwork is necessary, especially when an individual needs to produce those documents to show proof of residency. Vargas explains this when he writes, “The Licenses meant everything to me- it would allow me to drive, fly and work” (331). Vargas is showing that the proof of documentation is required in order to carry out his lifestyle, but being undocumented can hinder these abilities. The connotation that being labeled as undocumented can be negative, however it is ultimately not meant to be negative. The terms that I believe should be referenced to Vargas regarding his citizenship status would be “undocumented immigrant” mainly because I believe “illegal aliens” is overdoing it and “illegal immigrants” gives off a criminal perception, even though the act of being undocumented is illegal.  Vargas understood this when he wrote, “They’re not talking about me, I would tell myself. I have something to contribute” (327).  When referring to people with no documentation as “illegal immigrants” it gives off a bad connotation and can become a problem for people. If the topic of Vargas’ or other people’s citizenship comes up the I personally believe that “undocumented” or “undocumented immigrant” is appropriate.

In Lincolns Gettys Burg address and John F. Kennedy ” inaugural address” they both state points that show they will help the nation as a whole and they both think the untied has problems they need to solve and their mostly based off equality and liberty. In Lincolns ”Gettys burg address” he think the unites states needs to have more equality  and freedom in his speech he says ”that this nation under god shall have a new birth of freedom” he also talks about showing devotion to the fallen solider’s . In John F. Kennedy’s speech he talks about having liberty in the unites states ”let every nation know,…that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty this much we pledge-and more”. The united states has not solved these problems cause their is no form of equality or liberty within this country their are to many innocent African Americans dieing for no reason their is also no justice or fairness in the legal system. We need to start implementing equality and liberty in this country if not its gonna get worse over the years.

While reading ‘’Inaugural Address’’ by John F. Kennedy and ‘’The Gettysburg Address’’ by Abraham Lincoln I noticed that both Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy had similar large positive effects in american history. Both John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln spoke about lack of equality, liberty of all people and they both worked hard for colored people. Lincoln wanted to free the slaves while Kennedy wanted black people to be treated equally. They both wanted freedom for colored people. In the “Inaugural Address” Kennedy says “We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.” and “ask not what your country can do, but what you can do for your country.” He says this basically explaining that we should have equality within all of us and that we need to do more for our people and our country rather than worrying about what our country can do for us. When Lincoln speaks, he says “a new birth of freedom and the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” He’s talking about human equality and change that has to be done in order for there to actually be equality within all humans. Both Kennedy and Lincoln wanted the same thing, equality and freedom for humans, especially colored people and they tried their best to create change and they did. Unfortunately they both wanted the same and they were both the only presidents that were assassinated. They will always be remembred. 

After reading the speeches from each former president, I realized that they resemble from each other. Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy wanted a change in America. They noticed the need of equality. Each of the former presidents also had struggles during their presidency that involved equality for all. Lincoln wanted to free the slaves, but other people did not like that idea. Kennedy wanted people of color to have freedom and to be treated equal, but other people were against that too.

In Lincolns Gettysburg Address, he starts off by honoring all the soldiers that have died in the war. He states, “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.” He continues to say that there is still unfinished work, and that lives of all the soldiers will not be taken as granted. He gives his country a remarkable plan that will impact us forever. He states, “a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Lincoln talks highly on liberty for all people and that now was the time for a change.

In Kennedys Inaugural Address he starts off by saying today is a celebration of freedom. From this point on, I knew that his speech was going to change the thoughts of many people that day. He expressed his vison of a new beginning of freedom and equality. He wanted everyone to help him get his vison through by saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” He does state there would be struggles by saying, “we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.” Although it would be hard, we will get through this and be a strong united country.

Although Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy worked hard to have a unified and equal country, we currently still have problems. We still have situations such as racism, discrimination, police brutality and much more. If we do not work together as a whole and as team, the problems will worsen.

For each speech, President Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” and Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address” come to terms with the lack of equality and describe the value of freedom within America. Lincoln begins his speech by commemorating those who have lost their lives during the Civil War and begins to speak about the present issues, at the time. Mentioning how the fight for equality goes beyond the battlefield and has become something greater than us. As a final tribute, he adds “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us… that these dead shall not have died in vain.” Signifying that these men died in honor and we must carry these ideas of liberty and equality in our everyday lives. Similarly to Kennedy, he conveys a strong theme of nationalism throughout his speech regarding liberty for all. As he continuously advocated that Americans would be powerful together then separated “ United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do…” Proving to the American citizens to band together as we become less vulnerable to obstacles put against us. Yet, despite these comparisons, it begins to become clear the distinctions of the beliefs of each President. In Lincoln’s speech, he praises America and its blessings that have been given to citizens as an act driven by a higher power giving credit to God for the future betterment of America, “under God, shall have a new birth of freedom… the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Further, illustrating this point by emphasizing God’s weight on the turnout of America. Whilst, Kennedy concluding his speech by stating “let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” Mentioning that change will happen but by our actions rather than depending on a religious factor.

Although both had promised to target the unequal and unjust areas that the United States lacked in, it continues to persists. Ironically, both presidents acknowledged America’s extensive history to achieve its liberty and equality yet struggle to maintain it. Given current issues, there is still police brutality, homelessness, poverty, and discrimination/racism consequently these problems will only continue to persist if the system isn’t dismantled