Friday, July 6, 2007

Summary and Response to “National Prejudices”

The article “National Prejudices” by Oliver Goldsmith is about his encounter with some elderly people and a conversation about Nationalism. He starts off by stating that he is drinking at a bar and draws himself onto a conversation held by a group of elderly men about political affairs when one of the men states that the English are better than the Dutch, Germans, French, and Spaniards. When the elderly man asks Goldsmith his opinion on the statement he replies that he wouldn’t know if English was the best because he has not gone to visit these countries to compare them. He quotes a philosopher that we should not “countrymen” but we should be “citizens of the world” meaning we should view ourselves as inhabitants of the world and not of a certain part of it. Goldsmith states that it is ok to love one’s own country but its not okay for one’s love to continue to grow.
He concludes the article by stating that its okay for one to love ones’ country without hating another and he rather be a “citizen of the world” rather than an appellation of some sort.
I found this essay really boring and did not like the point. I think that it is better to label myself an American then label everyone as the same when it comes to nationality. I believe that some countries are better than others, American being one of the best, should not be dragged down by citizens of the world.. I believe that it is fine for a person’s love for one’s country can continue to grow instead of being muffled. I also fond the middle of the article most confusing and hard to comprehend due to his sophisticated language use. I did not know where the sentences started or ended. I did not like this essay at all.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey mate,
Break down the diction and you will be just fine.

Any Questions: Email me!:3
AP English Student

Journey to An Unknown Land said...

what an infected mind you have...

j said...

Lol try the essays of Francis Bacon those are the real tough ones. Oliver Goldsmith's language might be considered to be a child's language when Bacon comes into the view.

Diya said...

The summary was really beautiful written even though you didn't like this essay. It is very helpful

Diya said...

The summary was really beautiful written even though you didn't like this essay. It is very helpful

Mandu said...

who are the individuals or group of people who show certain biases/prejudices?

Mandu said...

does oliver Goldensmith also show a certain bias in his essay??, how do you feel about perspective on racial or national predjudices