Our first reading is not about Arab-American literature per se, but it is an important founding document of American literature as something distinct from British literature.

What are your thoughts on the national American character Whitman describes? What role does ethnicity play in it? What is the importance of poetry and literature in American culture?

Post your thoughts on the reading and pay attention to what your classmates. Our goal in this forum is to take part in a lively, civil, intelligent conversation with our peers.