Each phrase has its own significant meaning. They both insist that even though they are people of color, they are just as important in their own way. Hughes' poem focuses more on the future, as he states; "No one will dare/Tell me: 'Eating in the kitchen,'" the speaker seems eager to see what the future holds. Whitman tends to maintain the present tense, declaring, “I, too, am America.” The speaker believes that the injustice done to him is wrong and that he too should be treated like a human. The speaker also believes that color should not be a reason to not be considered an American. But unlike the president of Hughes, he is more discreet on facts other than defending