Why do you think Whitman chose to include only people who worked with their hands in his poem I Hear America Singing?

The poem *I Hear America Singing* by Walt Whitman does not exclusively feature people who work with their hands. Rather, it celebrates the diverse occupations and contributions of various individuals in American society. The poem mentions numerous professions, including carpenters, masons, shoemakers, and plowmen, but it also includes blacksmiths, shipwrights, and mothers. By highlighting the working class and ordinary citizens, Whitman aims to capture the collective spirit and industry that contribute to the nation's growth and prosperity. The inclusion of mothers further emphasizes the importance of nurturing and caring roles within society. The poem embraces the symphony of voices and activities that characterize America's vibrant and inclusive identity.