Ben and Venture

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What makes an American? This is such a broad question As much as some would like to prescribe American-ness based on race or ethnicity, there is no (long lasting?) consensus that has been or can be reached on the subject of what the exact limitations in that sense are.^^<cit>1</cit>^^ quote: If our history teaches anything, it is that the question "Who is an American?" has never had a fixed or simple answer. Rather than determining what an American is, simpler answers can befound by looking at the stories we tell about the people we think of most as American The archetypal American takes the form of going through intense struggle, then overcoming difficulties and achieving success through hard work. Venture Smith demonstrates this better than Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin, a symbol of our nation, a beacon of its virtues. An inventor, diplomat, writer, and scientist. How could such a man not be what America is about? How could he *not* be the first American? Where would one begin looking for a challenger for this title? None of the other Founding Fathers quite match him. Despite the seeming futility of this search, we might as well humor it. Let's try [[Venture Smith]]. Perhaps this search is not futile? Might as well look at this guy [[Venture Smith]] though. 1. Eric Foner, “Who is an American?” in Who Owns History?, ~~(San Francisco: Aunt Lute Book Company, 1987),~~ ~~53-64~~.

You're in [[Africa]]. It's been about six weeks since you [[got back home]]. Your [[father]] seems worried. "What's wrong, dad?" He says an army invaded a neighboring area, and now they're threatening to invade our. "Don't worry," he says, "[[we'll stay safe]]."

To be more precise, Dukandarra, in Guinea. It's where you were born around 1729.^^1^^ You're about 6 and a half now though.^^2^^ 1. A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa 2.

Your mother left home and took you because your father married his third wife without her permission, that being the custom due to her being his first. (Talk about resulting experiences)

A man by the name of Thomas Mumsford buys you, naming you Venture. He bought you with his own venture, hence the name. The ship sails to Barbados, where most of the slaves on board are sold, but you are not. The ship sails on to Rhode Island, and you're sold there instead. You brace for [[a new period in your life]].

On the advice of his most trusted advisors, your father compels your people to retreat. An agreement is made, but they break their word. They invade, capture your family and execute your father. They take you prisoner and force you to work. You aid them with hauling heavy goods despite your young age. Eventually you are taken to the sea and [[put on a boat]]. expand this a bunch my dude

This seems like as good a place as any to take a break from that for now. Let's examine the early life of Benjamin Franklin so we can compare him to Venture Smith. Benjamin Franklin was born to a well-to-do family, probably most comperable to today's middle class. and [[Early in America<-Let's get back to Venture, shall we?]]

Your master sends you to live with his sister for some time until he can take you to his proper residence. You start out working in the house, (if:)

Venture goes through struggle after struggle, yet still manages to work hard and overcome this to achieve success. This is a quintessential American narrative, and how we define many of our most revered figures. ~~This is a story that has been told time and time again.~~ Alexander Hamilton, Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, (Rockefeller, Henry Ford, (list more people if you can) are all people who have had this narrative applied to them. This is a story told not just about not just about people, but about America itself. This is a story that people try to tell about Benjamin Franklin, but it just doesn't seem to hold up. He certainly achieved significant success, but not through struggle. [[[[[[[[[[] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

His name is Saungm Forro, and he's Prince of the tribe of Dukandarra.

[[Start]]

Smith, Venture. *A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa*. Edited by Elisha Niles. ~~Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1964.~~ Foner, Eric. “Who is an American?” In Who Owns History? ~~San Francisco: Aunt Lute Book Company, 1987.~~ author editor form for venture smith (editor is elisha niles)

(set:3)[test]

"rags to riches" life trajectory hard working to overcome struggles make sure to be explicit and/in your tie back to thesis

Benjamin Franklin, a symbol of our nation, a beacon of its virtues. An inventor, diplomat, writer, and scientist. How could such a man not be what America is about? How could he *not* be the first American? Where would one begin looking for a challenger for this title? None of the other Founding Fathers quite match him. Despite the seeming futility of this search, we might as well humor it. Let's try [[Venture Smith]. Perhaps this search is not futile? Might as well look at this guy [[Venture Smith] though.

Now we have seen Venture go through the second stage of the arc. He has had continued struggles and difficulties, but has largely managed to work and rise above them. In Benjamin Franklin's life, This period is not completely absent ~~from Benjamin Franklin's life~~, but it is much less prevalent. He overcomes struggles such as those involved in running a small business (and...?), relatively minor compared to working to buy your freedom from slavery, particularly considering Franklin's social class.

And now the arc has been completed. Venture has gone through The final stage of the American archetype is where Benjamin Franklin is most competitive with Venture Smith. He undeniably achieved significant, lasting success, and has remained as a significant figure in America as a result. Certainly not all of this success was achieved solely through his own hard work though, owing to his socioeconomic status. Despite the significance of his achievement and recognition, it is seen as less [legitimate/valid/important/significant] as compared to success [obtained/derived] more solely through struggle and hard work.