# The True American explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

A poetic declaration of a new American identity, born from struggle and diversity, who transcends prejudice and embodies a unified, hopeful future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Identity and Oppression

The poem directly addresses the blending of 'Black blood and red and white' and the overcoming of prejudice.

### Hope and Vision for the Future

The son is described as 'The pattern of posterity,' embodying a hopeful, unified future for America.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator addresses America, presenting a son who embodies the nation's diverse heritage and resilience.

### Hope

The poem's vision of a unified, prejudice-free future reflects the presence of hope for a better America.

## Key lines

> America, here is your son, born of your iron heel, Black blood and red and white contend along this frame of steel.

America, behold your child, created from your harsh oppression, with African, Native, and European heritage struggling within his strong body.

_Introduces the central figure as a product of America's violent history and racial diversity._

> From his commanding triple coign, all prejudices fade.

From his elevated vantage point of three races, he sees beyond all biases.

_Highlights the transcendence of racial prejudice through a unified identity._

> The bright shining rainbow sweeping back to God at set of sun!

A radiant rainbow of diverse peoples returns to God as the day ends.

_Symbolizes the harmonious unity of all races ascending toward the divine._

> America, regard your son, The Cosmopolitan, The pattern of posterity, The True American.

America, look upon your child, the world citizen, the model for future generations, the genuine American.

_Concludes by defining the son as the ideal American for the future._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/the-true-american
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters