Faces of America

 In class we watched the documentary, "Faces of America." In this I learned a lot about famous people's pasts. Not only did I learn that but I discovered that we are built as a "nation of immigrants." I thought it was very interesting that you could be a different color but come from a background. For example, the narrator was African American but he came from Irish descent. Another interesting fact, was the work and discrimination the immigrants had to face. Their journeys were far from easy. They started a new life in America for many different reasons, most just looking for new opportunities. 

   To me being a "nation of immigrants" means that we have a diverse culture with interesting backgrounds. I couldn't imagine how hard it would be for people to drop everything they had to move to America. These immigrants had to learn a whole new culture and become new people.  Their future generation wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for them. These traits have shaped America because we have brought not only different cultures but respect for other cultures and what they had to do to reach the United States. I feel close to my ancestors in different ways. Some family traditions revolve around the past. My family always has the best spaghetti because my great grandparents were Italian. I don't necessarily feel like they have shaped the way I am living today but I know that is the case for many.