The American Experience

Before we get started on the Top 5 things every AP Lang student should be able to do, I would like to look at the American Experience. During your Junior year, you'll be working hand-in-hand with your US History class to try and determine, "What is the American Experience?" This may seem like a very simple question, but in reality, it is very complex and contains many sides and perspectives. As we have looked at the American Experience this year in English, and to a large extent in history, I have come to have a greater appreciation for the complexities and details of American life. Near the beginning of the year, I wrote about how I thought the American Experience was defined by hard work and perseverance. While this still remains accurate in my opinion, I now believe that the American Experience can be better defined by opportunity and success, or the lack of success. This viewpoint has changed over the year as we have more deeply examined historical contexts and read the work of American authors, abolitionists, and novelists.

History is written by the winners. In America, this was not just those who conquered, but those who succeeded. Although America is composed of many diverse people, who share a wide range of ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds, economic successes, and religions, our ideas of the American Experience are defined by what we read about history and what we experience ourselves. Our laws, policies, economy, and culture are generally shaped by those who have access to more money, political power, and fame. Although the "American Experience" is supposed to be defined by the collective representation and opportunities of all Americans, this is unfortunately unrealistic. There do exist inequalities in America, and these inequalities often define the success of those who have the opportunities to rise above and make a mark on America.

But don't worry! You will have opportunities in your life as long as you work hard and challenge yourself. AP Language and Composition is a class that can help you to attain opportunities and success that many do not necessarily have in their lives. Work hard, and you will be able to make your mark on America.