Lesson 2: “I Am an American”

Today you will

• Consider the question “What makes an American?” in light of two visual appeals to Americanness: a sign put up by a Japanese American grocer in 1942 and a recruitment poster that predates the United States’ entry into World War II.

• Analyze how public messages shape perception by interpreting two wartime images (“I Am An American” sign and Uncle Sam poster), using evidence-based language and cause/effect connectors (because, as a result, therefore) plus academic interpretation verbs (suggests, communicates, portrays) to explain how fear can influence how audiences understand “Americanness.”

• Reflect on the many definitions that a political and geographic term such as American can have in different contexts.