Essay One, drawn from The True American, is Due September 21:
Option One
Develop a thesis that addresses these questions: What are the challenges of achieving the American Dream as we find ourselves in a place where the terror that threatens America from the outside collides with the barbarian within? In other words, how does this collision of forces make the American Dream more precarious and fragile than ever? What forces of light and wisdom are illuminated in The True American that might help us navigate out of this crisis?
What is the "barbarian within"?
When self-interest and ambition are not tempered by virtue and morality, they curdle into a toxic tribalism, racism, and prejudice that hurl hate at the "Outsider," or "Los Otros," as the scapegoat for all of one's problems, and for explaining why one is not getting "a big enough piece of the pie."
Option Two (simplified)
Develop a argumentative thesis that answers the following question: How does a Presidential campaign that many say features a racist, xenophobic demagogue (a leader who preys on prejudice, racism, and xenophobia rather than use rational argument) parallel the crisis of two Americas described in The True American?
Sample Thesis
The True American addresses the crisis of two Americas, which have many parallels to the current Presidential campaign evidenced by ________________, ___________________, _________________, and ___________________.
Option Three (more specific)
How does David Brooks' essay "The Moral Bucket List" speak to the moral crisis described in The True American?
Sample Thesis
David Brooks' essay "The Moral Bucket List" complements The True American evidenced by __________, _________, ____________, and __________________.
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