Describe some of the challenges facing the American people during the late 20th and early 21st centuries
An example of a challenge facing the American people during the late 20th and early 21st century is public education. The American democracy depends on an educated and well informed citizenry. The less meaningful we make a high school diploma, the less opportunity we make for meaningful access to higher education. Also, the less emphasis we place on the ability of the next generation to be able to think for themselves, the more likely we are going to lose our democracy and the American Dream to demagogues. Both poems speak of diversity. Within "On the pulse of the morning" It states, "The singing River,and the wise Rock. So say the Asian, the Hispanic, the Jew, the African, the Native American, the Sioux, the Catholic, the Muslim, the French , the Greek, the Irish, the Rabbi, the Sheik, the Gay, the Straight, the Preacher, the privileged, the Homeless, the Teacher. They hear. They all hear the speaking of the tree." this speaks about the change in our culture. It explains the ways in which we face our challenges. Equality, is an important concern in the world today. “Women, children, men, Take it to into the palms of your hands…” (stanza 8) Our society can be a loving one with equality for men, women, blacks, and whites. Rich or poor we all have the same opportunities in our country. No matter when in history we all appear. People think that people that are not like them come from other planets, but we are all members of earth. In, "One Today" It states "One sun rose on us today, kindled over our shores, peaking over the Smokies, greeting the faces of the Great Lakes, spreading a simple truth across the Great Plains, and charging across the Rockies.". One sun, being a metaphor for the people of our country. Blanco wants to portray an image of being of one mind and one people. Standing together, in the "simple truth." the simple truth most believe is