Author: Brandon Seidman

In Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All the Pretty Horses’, the third chapter entails much discussion about cultural differences, especially in regards to the United States and Mexico. Upon arriving at the prison, John Grady meets Perez, an individual who lives in a hut on the grounds of the prison but isn’t actually in prison. Perez discusses themes about the Anglos and how they are closed in a rare way and that their image of the world is lacking a universal perspective. Furthermore, he is implying that ideas about cruelty are not comprehensive. In terms of American culture, he states that manhood is based on having a set of ‘cojones’ and this we lack; therefore, we aren’t practical. Perez can most definitely be interpreted as being an evil character. His personality is foreign to John Grady’s as he claims that evil is a real thing in Mexico.

In Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All the Pretty Horses’, chapter two encompasses many differences in cultures. One of which is revealed while John Grady and the great aunt play a game of chess. While conversing, the great aunt goes on to explain how all that a woman has is her reputation. Opposite to that of a man’s, women are unable to regain their honor if lost. Obviously, this discussion is directed into regards to Alejandra. John Grady continues on to say how this ideology seems to be unfair. In response to this, the great aunt implies that power is more critical than right. This way of thinking is very different from that of the United States culture. John Grady understands where the great aunt is coming from but is reluctant to change his viewpoints on this subject.

In Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All the Pretty Horses’, the opening chapter includes much discussion about negative themes; despite this, some positives do hold true. Most notably, there is an optimistic vibe in the friendship formed between John Grady and Rawlins. The two hold many of the same characteristics in terms of family issues; thus, they are complements of one another. John Grady comes off as the smarter and sharper of the two. While seeking work as cowboys deep into Mexico, the pair has been described by locals as ‘caballero’. Caballero is basically another term for a cowboy, but one of whom is very well respected. In comparison to American and Mexican culture, caballero and cowboy both represent ideologies of heroism and being gentleman-like. On the flip side of this, being labeled with the title of a cowboy in America can have the potential to entail a negative connotation. Often times, American cowboys can be seen as overly aggressive and disrespectful to animals. In contrast, the Mexican or Spanish meaning of caballero includes optimistic and well-respected characteristics. Upon their arrival to a foreign destination, John Grady and Rawlins are given immediate respect by the vaquero’s because they received the label of caballero. The various interpretations of the word cowboy depend on the culture and community that an individual derives from. Primarily due to their background, the local Mexicans offered a strong sense of admiration to John Grady and Rawlins. In spite of this, John Grady’s character develops as he begins to become more mature.

The film, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ is known to be one of the best war films ever created. The replication of the Normandy Beach storming from World War II left many viewers, including me in awe. I noticed the first several minutes of the film to be very intense as well as engaging. The depiction of those initially landing on the shores caught me off guard. The reason being is because the soldiers, who are stereotypically portrayed as tough, seemed to be confused and somewhat scared in this specific example. This sense of emotion that was displayed was irreplaceable. At an instant as harsh as this, it was acceptable to be scared. Beyond this point though, American society found it to be unacceptable to share emotions. Discussion about a war for veterans is an especially challenging topic to talk about due to the amount of emotion that comes with it. Generally speaking, soldiers are known to be ‘tough guys’ and do not show their emotions. In relation to Huntington’s beliefs, this ideology was apart of the culture during the World War II era. Being an American at this time, especially a male soldier included highly different expectations as to how one should hold him or herself than today. Part of having an American identity meant being ‘hard’ and rolling with the punches. The movie, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ does a very good job in making this claim come to light as it played into favor for both ends of the spectrum.

            In chapter six of Samuel Huntington’s ‘Who Are We?’ there is an emphasis on creating an American identity. I found the example of Benjamin Franklin that he used to be quite fascinating. Given his reputation and historical background, it could be inferred that he was a pure American. Despite this though, the text revealed that Franklin’s identity transformation was quite rapid in the late eighteenth century. Initially proclaiming that he was a ‘Briton’, Franklin signed the Declaration in July of 1776 renouncing his affiliation with the British. Like many others between 1740 and 1770, Franklin changed his identity from British to American. There are various explanations as to why this took place, but there were several influential events that take the responsibilities of this transformation. First, the Great Awakening brought together a diverse set of individuals who were able to indulge in new experiences. Second, the Americans were allied with the British during this era and had fought in many wars against the French and Indians; thus creating a sense of mutuality between the two powers. Third, the vast area of land, large population growth, and emerging trade markets created a heavy sense of opportunity from a financial standpoint. The desire of wanting to have an American identity was significantly high at the time due to the many relationships and opportunities that were viable. Nonetheless, these progressions stimulated that of American identity. I found Benjamin Franklin’s personal experience in regards to this to be particularly interesting due to the lack of my previous knowledge about him in relation to identity.