Cindy Dickson
"The foreign cultures have not been melted down or run together, made into some homogeneous Americanism, but have remained distinct but cooperating to the greater glory and benefit, not only of themselves but of all the native "Americanism" around them."
This quote emits the notion that the older meaning of "Americanization" has been watered down to have one sole meaning and one sole representation where one's level of "Americanism" must be measured on a scale. Bourne is sort of introducing a slight concept of American individualism vs. Foreign collectivism, where Americans are unsatisfied and self absorbed without considering others, and always looking for more advances without considering variety within their boundaries.
Bourne's essay is to suggest that America change its limitations and consistently placing its "naturalized citizens" on a pedestal, thus making it difficult for the "unnaturalized" to feel as part of the nation. Basically, America is neglecting the fact that this country came to be from different branches of input stemming from various nationalities and backgrounds. It is not understood as to why back in the day, prior to this essay, immigrants were better welcomed when we knew nothing of what they could bring to the table, but now that we're aware of their positive input, we choose to exploit and oppress them. I chose that quote specifically because I agree with it completely, there is no sole definition of what it is to be "American" other than being foreign and living on American soil, that's as American as it gets, so why must there be some differentiation between people living on American soil, when neither of us can trace our very first ancestors back to living on this soil? The quote relates to political science because the government instills the concept of always going above and beyond other nations in the minds of its citizens. Proletariats don't usually wake up and change the rules of what makes you an American and what differentiates you from one.
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your explanation that "Bourne's essay is to suggest that America change its limitations and consistently placing its "naturalized citizens" on a pedestal, thus making it difficult for the "unnaturalized" to feel as part of the nation. " This line here is a sad but true tale of how Americans treats immigrants. Like I said in my response, Americans are descendants of immigrants too, so why does one dominate class feel they have the right to look down upon those who were not born here. It's just not right at all.
You also go on to say "It is not understood as to why back in the day, prior to this essay, immigrants were better welcomed when we knew nothing of what they could bring to the table, but now that we're aware of their positive input, we choose to exploit and oppress them." I also agree with this statement, it ties in with the "oh i'm better than you" mentality that plagues some Americans.
Instead of looking down on those who are not born in America, we should be more accepting and kind to them. Their contributions whether big or small are needed.
Hello I agree with you guys that Americans are afraid of bring new and difference into the country. Their main goal is to make sure their people are safe and are set but the fear of letting new diversity in without having any sense of what they want to do here or what they can bring to the table puts them at fear of letting immigrants in.
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