Kevin Jennings- American Dreams

Growing up in the south had  undeniably left a tremendous impact on the way Jennings thought and lived. His predjudice of homosexuals was built on a foundation created by the southern culture that surrounded him. I think that this hatred prevented Kevin from accepting his true social identity earlier on in life. The perception of the 'American Dream' appeals to many who live a life of destitute. Conversely, Kevin's determination to conquer "The Dream" had left him in a very despondant state of mind. As he tried to establish the sense of normalcy that the 'American Dream' promised, he quickly began to abandon his southern roots. I think this action was a desperate attempt to conceal his real identity instead, the fact that he is gay, despite what his upbringing demanded. Kevin has come across relevant "cultural artifacts" that have altered his typical southern lifestyle. The notion of relating himself to two very iconic "American" people, Eleanor Roosevelt and Langston Hughes, was a coping method that allowed Jennings to openingly  acknowledge his homosexuality. Mentioning Eleanor's  famous quote and Langston's well known poem was to comprehend the idea that these artifacts have helped shape his new social identity, one that wasn't created out of fear from the truth.