Give Me Your Tired Your Poor Quote
The iconic quote, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" has been immortalized on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This quote, written by American poet Emma Lazarus, has come to symbolize the spirit of America and the country's history as a land of immigrants.
The Story Behind the Quote
Emma Lazarus was a Jewish American poet who was born in New York City in 1849. She was a prolific writer and her work often dealt with themes of Jewish identity and the immigrant experience.
In 1883, the fundraising efforts for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty were falling short. Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the New York World, launched a campaign to raise funds from the American people. He invited Lazarus to write a poem that could be auctioned off to raise money for the pedestal.
Lazarus was initially hesitant to take on the project, but she eventually agreed. She wrote "The New Colossus," a sonnet that would become her most famous work. The poem was written in response to the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States at the time and was meant to remind Americans of the country's roots as a land of immigrants.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" is a call to America to welcome immigrants who are seeking a better life. It represents the idea that America is a place where people from all over the world can come to start anew and build a better future for themselves and their families.
The quote has taken on even greater significance in the context of the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in 1886. The statue was meant to symbolize the friendship between the two nations and the shared values of liberty and democracy.
The Legacy of the Quote
The quote "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" has become a part of the American identity. It is often quoted in speeches, used in political campaigns, and referenced in popular culture.
The quote has also inspired people around the world who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families. It has become a symbol of hope and a reminder that America is a place where anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and pursue your dreams.
Conclusion
The quote "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" is a powerful reminder of the values that America was founded upon. It represents the idea that America is a place where people from all over the world can come to start anew and build a better future for themselves and their families.
The legacy of the quote lives on today, as America continues to be a beacon of hope for people around the world who are seeking a better life. It is a reminder that America is a country of immigrants and that our diversity is what makes us strong.
