As the title of her poem suggests, Amanda Gorman emphasizes “the hill we climb” and not the mountain already ascended from which to extol American greatness. How is Gorman’s version of the “City on a Hill” different from Reagan’s? How does it reflect both her status as a young Black woman and the moment, so soon after the January 6, 2021 insurrection, in which she is speaking?
“City on a Hill” Discussion Question 4
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill we Climb” differs from Reagan’s version of the “City on a Hill” idea in a few different ways. Firstly, in Reagans usage of the metaphor, he places America on a metaphorical pedestal. For example, he states, “We are indeed, and we are today, the last best hope of man on earth.” Reagan perpetuates the idea that America is the center of the world, and that all other countries look to us for guidance/help. Additionally, Reagan also invokes the idea of divine inevitability when he states, “there was some divine plan that placed this great continent between two oceans to be sought out by those who were possessed of an abiding love for freedom.” This idea contributes to the narrative that we often see with the story of the pilgrims, that the land is “god given,” or that god had some kind of divine plan to form the U.S.
Gorman’s version of the “city on a hill” metaphor differs from Reagans in a few different ways. Firstly, she acknowledges that America is far from perfect, instead of putting it on a pedestal. For example she states, “and yes we are far from polished, far from pristine.” Furthermore, she emphasizes how being American is “more than a pride we inherit,” and how we as a country need to keep making strides to repair/change it. This call for action is a contrast to Reagan’s complacency and America is perfect mindset. Finally, similar to Winthrop, Gorman emphasizes the importance of unity, “We close the divide because we know to put our future first we must first put our differences aside.” It makes sense that Gormans ideas would differ from Reagans, because of her experience as a black woman, she has most likely had a much different American experience than Reagan. It also makes sense that she would acknowledge that America is definitely not perfect in her poem, because of the Jan. 6th insurrection, which was shortly before. Finally, it also makes sense that she would call for unity, because of the political climate at that time, which was extremely polarized. I think her poem is especially relevant in our current political climate, because a lot of these problems still exist.
Amanda Gorman’s version of “City on a Hill” differs significantly from Ronald Reagan’s, as she presents America as still working toward its goals. In contrast, Reagan presents America as already successful and superior. She emphasizes “the hill” rather than a finished mountain, showing that democracy and unity require ongoing effort. Reagan used the phrase to highlight American greatness and leadership during the Cold War, while Gorman uses it to remind people that progress comes from citizens actively working to improve the nation.
Her interpretation is also shaped by her identity as a young Black woman and by the political moment in which she spoke. As someone who has written about racial inequality, Gorman brings attention to the voices that have often been ignored in American history. This connects to our class discussion about how much of history has been shaped by the silencing of Indigenous voices, and how other marginalized groups have also been left out of historical narratives. She also gave the poem shortly after the January 6th insurrection, a time when the country was facing political division and threats to democracy. Because of these factors, her message focuses on healing, accountability, and rebuilding trust. Rather than just ignoring conflict, she acknowledges it and urges Americans to move forward together in unity.
Reagan and Gorman invoke the concept of being a “city on a hill” in vastly different ways. Reagan uses the phrase, connecting it to American exceptionalism and triumph over economic crises and global instability that Reagan helped curb during his presidency. He is calling for the American people to understand that America is once again a “city on a hill” and we should be proud.
On the other hand, Gorman uses the phrase in terms of progress. This is reflected by her altering of the phrase to “the hill we climb.” In Gorman’s mind, we are, and we must, keep climbing to reach our full potential. While she does not reject American advancement, she acknowledges that there is still room for much more. This message makes perfect sense when one considers the context in which Gorman speaks. Gorman speaks as Black woman in January, 2021, months after the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Movement that transpired the previous year. Furthermore, weeks prior to her speech was the insurrection on January 6th. These moments attacked justice and democracy, the foundation of America. Thus, Gorman flips the concept of a “city on a hill” on its head, emphasizing that we still need to climb it. Instead of calling for Americans to believe in American excellence, Gorman calls for Americans to continue to work towards a better, more just, and more democratic future.
Reagan and Gorman’s ideas of the “City on a Hill” vary vastly. Reagan’s “City on a Hill” aligns with American exceptionalism and God-given superiority, ideas deeply tied to traditional pilgrim origin stories. In his Farewell Address, the United States is not just a City on a Hill; it is a “shining” City on a Hill. The addition of “shining” adds important context to Reagan’s reworking of Winthrop’s original sermon. To shine is to glow, to stand out, to serve as a beacon. His language suggests that the nation is not striving toward moral or democratic greatness but already embodies it—radiant, ideal, and worthy of emulation. Reagan also explains that America is “a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness toward home.” This metaphor perpetuates a singular, linear narrative of both the Pilgrims and the nation itself—one that imagines America as having already fulfilled the full realization of its democratic promise. Both his metaphor and diction leave little room for doubt. The nation shines because it is presumed to be inherently good. Its light is treated as constant and unquestioned, permanently illuminated rather than something that must be built or sustained.
Gorman’s title “The Hill We Climb” challenges narratives of national destiny. America was not placed on a hill, and it did not organically emerge from a point of ethical, political, and societal superiority. This hill must be climbed; we did not begin at its summit. Gorman explains that “we are far from polished… [and] pristine” and that “we are striving to forge our union with purpose committed to all… conditions of man.” We are “rebuilding, reconciling, and recovering… witnessing a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished.” Gorman does not claim that America is perfect, nor that it has ever been. Greatness is not divinely ordained, nor inherited; it is fought for and achieved. This stands in direct contrast to Reagan’s encapsulation of a “shining City on a Hill.”
Her version of the hill also reflects both her identity and the historical moment in which she speaks. As a young Black woman speaking at the presidential inauguration six weeks in the wake of both the January 6th insurrection and the national Black Lives Matter protests, her presence challenges the exclusivity and homogeneity embedded in earlier visions of American exceptionalism. When she declares, “A skinny Black girl descended from slaves… can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one,” she highlights both progress and limitation. This statement embodies the climb: a non-linear, yet persistent striving toward something greater. In light of January 6th, she acknowledged democracy can be “delayed” but “never permanently defeated.” Gorman’s vision of the hill is not effortless; it is something that must be fought for, defended, and sustained.
Amanda Gorman reshapes the “City on a Hill” metaphor by focusing on effort rather than achievement. Reagan describes America as already shining, exceptional, divinely favored, and morally superior. His version celebrates national greatness and suggests that the country has fulfilled its purpose and stands as a model for the world. In contrast, Gorman emphasizes “the hill we climb,” which shifts attention from a finished summit to the work required to reach it. Her language suggests that democracy is not something completed in the past, but something that must be continually strengthened. Instead of presenting America as perfected, she openly acknowledges its flaws, divisions, and unfinished promises.
Her perspective as a young Black woman also changes the meaning of the metaphor. Reagan spoke from a position of political power within a tradition that often centered white male leadership and celebrated American triumph. Gorman speaks from a generation and community that have experienced exclusion, racial injustice, and unequal access to opportunity. Because of this, her version cannot assume that America has already lived up to its ideals. Speaking just weeks after the January 6 insurrection, she addresses a nation visibly fractured and facing questions about the stability of its democracy. Rather than simply praising American greatness, she calls for accountability, unity, and collective responsibility to rebuild trust and continue the climb toward a more just and inclusive nation.