Caribbean Literature
Dr. Ramirez
Online Overview of Jose Marti's
"Our America"
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Marti calls for people to step forward
with their ideas
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Expresses desire for people in America
to be united, to make America strong
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Uses "Our America" to refer to Latin
America. Situates his essay within a historical context with mention
of the Aztecs, the Inca, Simon Bolivar--Latin American liberator--and figures
from Mexico's War of Independence
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Recognizes role of Catholic Church
(rosary as our guide) in identity
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Reflects on the Peasant--associates
him with Nature, an individual who will resist tyranny and outside ideas
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Criticizes the dandy--one who is Europeanized
(English breeches, Parisian vest, etc.). Likewise, he critiques the
general, scholar and judge--figures of authority who are influenced by
ideas from the U.S. and from Europe (French revolution)
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Makes note of the Giant of the North
Themes in "Our America":
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Create; Do not imitate
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Be careful of learned authorities
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Establish a government that is unique
and appropriate to the Americas
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Work toward a common good
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Diversity is a positive aspect of American
culture
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We should look after our past, our
family, our roots.
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Sees the colonial inheritance as corrupt
and defunct
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Favors the local
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Take notice of your neighbors (don't
be provincial)