A contemporary example that shows a vision of America

Referring to De Crevecouer’s idea of the new and the exceptional as typically American, I picked an image that demonstrates American prosperity in today's society. Being a home owner in America is a major subject as it shows independence and the up-rise in real estate. The striking 'sold' sign taking up a considerable amount of space in the image emphasises the notion that through the American economy, most specifically the improving real estate, all could be re-made, renewed and the traditional American family could start over with a clean slate. Interestingly, its the fact that everyday an American family moves from a state they have lived in for years, to another state that they will live in for more years thereafter that makes De Crevecouer's idea become realised in American society today.

"The American is a new man, who acts upon new principles; he must therefore entertain new ideas, and form new opinions."

I utilised this quote from the 'What is an American' letter because arguably it reflects the same sort of ideology the common American man has today and this is fundamentally pivotal to the image of the sold house, as this is illustrating 'new ideas and new opinions' by the change in lifestyle.

This image is a photo taken of an American student at Stanford University in California. Significantly, this is highlighting the importance of education being a perfect opportunity of success in America. Likewise, this image correlates with De Crevecouer's quote in 'What is an American' letter: "He becomes an American by being received in the broad lap of our great Alma Mater." This is highlighting the importance of education in America as playing a decisive role in defining that person, or in other words, be re-made and renewed.

To sum up, one could undoubtedly argue that De Crevecouer’s idea of the new and the exceptional typical American does still resonate in America today. Also, through the political, economical and sociological factors, the average American is can reinvent them-self and being renewed.