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e. “The magic of America is that we’re a free and open society with a mixed population. Part
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of our security is our freedom.” — Madeleine Albright
f. “America means opportunity, freedom, power.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
g. “The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor, and a builder who
builds best when called upon to build greatly.” — John F. Kennedy
4. Connections. The Key Context for this essay explains that Schulz’s title alludes to the 1941
film Citizen Kane. Research or watch this film, and analyze how its theme of isolationism
relates to Schulz’s account of Zarif Khan and the experiences of Muslims in Wyoming in
recent years.
Redefining America
5. Connections. Explore your own family’s history. Do you have any ancestors who are American
Indian, Alaska Native, or otherwise indigenous to North America? If not, did your ancestors
immigrate here, and if so, from where? Do you have any ancestors who were enslaved and
brought to America against their will? Did any of your ancestors receive harsh treatment at
places like Ellis Island, Angel Island, other border crossings, or detainment centers? What
factors contributed to the decision to immigrate to America? What challenges did they face
once they arrived? Were any of your ancestors stripped of their citizenship, whether in their
country of origin or in America? Interview older members of your family and look into any
genealogical records you have access to. Then, write a narrative explaining the way your
family has been affected by immigration policies and/or the experience of immigrating.
6. Multimodal. Research the events that Schulz notes occurred throughout Zarif Khan’s life — from
Buffalo Bill to the Beatles (para. 1) — and create a timeline that includes those things plus other
significant technological advancements that occurred during his lifetime (c. 1887–1964). How
do these events reflect the social and political changes of the twentieth century? What are the
major events that have occurred since his death? Add at least ten events to your timeline. Then,
reflect on how these changes have reshaped American society during your lifetime?
7. Speaking and Listening. In her 2019 book This America, Jill Lepore notes how various
people present at America’s founding, including Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine, wrote
at one point or another that they saw the U.S. as an asylum, or a sanctuary, or both. Later
in the book she makes this claim: “A nation that declares most of the peoples of the world
ineligible for citizenship and yet also describes itself as an asylum is defined by contradiction.
But the United States, rebuked by all those left out of its vision of the nation, began battling
that contradiction early on, and has never stopped. In the United States, the nation is that
battle.” How does Schulz’s piece relate to Lepore’s assertion? To what extent does Schulz
challenge it? Prepare for and hold a discussion in which you address these questions.
Parts of this sample chapter have been purposely omitted. Please see full Table of Contents for more information.

First Lady Michelle Obama

Amy Sherald

Amy Sherald (b. 1973) is an American artist known for her portrait
paintings. Born in Georgia, Sherald received a B.A. in painting from
Clark Atlanta University and a M.F.A. from the Maryland Institute
College of Art. Sherald and Kehinde Wiley, who painted President Baltimore Sun/Getty Images
Barack Obama’s portrait, were the first African American artists to
paint official portraits. Since their unveiling in 2018, the portraits
have been one of the Gallery’s most popular exhibits.
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Copyright © 2021 by Bedford, Freeman & Worth High School Publishers. Uncorrected proofs have been used in this sample chapter.
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