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the melting pot theory
the melting pot theory in america
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Throughout the course of history the definition of the term “American” has changed repeatedly. The changes in the definition of the term between 1865 and 2011 coincide with political, social and economic trends during any specific time during this period. Originally the term “American” was not an inclusive term and even though the Constitution states that all men are created equal, many “Americans” did not practice what they preached. However, it is a common phrase today that America is a “melting pot” where peoples from many different countries and cultures come to live a better life. Although certain groups in the United States still struggle with being ostracized by some citizens, they are still “Americans” as the term is now inclusive. The subtle shift in the view of the term “American” from a non-inclusive term to an inclusive term can be tracked through the mindset of citizens of the United States through many periods leading up to the present. For example, African Americans gained their freedom at the end of the Civil War but they were not really considered Americans until years later during the Civil Rights movement and immigrants were not often included in the term “American” as they were not the “ideal” candidates to represent America; ie, they were often not white, middle class, and/or Protestant. Over time, however, these stigmas were dropped and now many Americans are proud to be part of a nation that is so diverse. To properly analyze this shift, we have to examine the time periods surrounding the subtle changes and in order to do that we must first start with the period after the Civil War. When the Civil War ended, African Americans were freed from slavery with the enactment of the Thirteenth Amendment. Of the ro... ... middle of paper ... ... Progressives also continue to exclude immigrants after the war and into the 1920s by putting severe restrictions on the immigration process as they did not want anyone coming to the United States that did not fit into their ideal mold of who an American should be. They start implementing these restrictions after multiple publicized issues with immigrants turning into criminals, etc. as in the case of the Italian immigrants Sacco and Vanzetti. The Progressives use the American populace’s fear of these people to further their own agendas and create the National Origins Act of 1924 which basically eradicates immigration from Asia, Africa and other undesirable places but allows immigration from desirable countries such as England and Germany. World War II sparks a fresh shift for the term “American” due to ethnocentric views of other countries and their inhabitants.
Many immigrant and minority narratives concentrate their efforts on the positive side of the American dream. These particular stories narrate a person's struggle and rise through the ranks of the Am6rican hierarchy focusing on the opportunities that seem to abound in this country. While these stories are well and good. they do seem to soft peddle the flip side of this country's attitude toward the immigrant and minority. America is a land of milk and honey and opportunity, but unfortunately most new officiates or unwilling participants in the American culture face an American nightmare that leaves its effects on the individuals, families and cultures for generations to come. America has its own deeply seated prejudices and stereotypes of people from outside its walI5 and these prejudices force some immigrants and minorities either to abandon former cultural ties in order to assimilate or to strap on the baldric of equality that changes their lives forever.
America is defined as one country, culturally that statement is false, but geologically it is true. Some situations can involve us all, yet there is a mass amount of days where it is individual. But the structure is still there. All laws should pertain to each citizen. The article, The Bill of Rights, can prove these statements with ease. On the other hand, though, America is also fluctuating. Views never really stay the same, and the articles, Andrew Jackson’s Speech to Congress on “Indian Removal” and “Cultural Common Ground Gets Harder To Come By” can prove this. These articles both show a contrast between the views of American citizens. Finally, the whole daily life of an American can be vastly different depending on whose shoes you step into. Articles like, “What Is An American”, “Cultural Common Ground Gets Harder to Come By”, and a speech by Franklin
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” (“Declaration of Independence: A Transcription”). This statement from the Declaration of Independence, is very significant to many Americans. But how many Americans really believe that everyone is truly equal or if every American is actually considered equal? Jonathan Kozol’s article, “Still Separate, Still Unequal,” is an effective argument because of his brilliant use of pathos, successful usage of logos, and his notable use of his underscoring sympathetic tone.
Cave, Damien. "What Does It Mean to Be American?" The New York Times. The New York Times, 2014. Web. 04 Sept. 2016.
...outcast group of that set range attempt to conform themselves. The meaning of who is an American continues to change gradually over time, embracing different cultures and races into that definition, but the task is nowhere near completion as long as the hyphenated racial classifications and double consciousness still exist.
Following the 1890’s, the world began to undergo the first stages of globalization. Countries and peoples, who, until now, were barely connected, now found themselves neighbors in a planet vastly resembling a global village. Despite the idealized image of camaraderie and brotherhood this may seem to suggest, the reality was only discrimination and distrust. Immigration to new lands became a far more difficult affair, as emigrants from different nations came to be viewed as increasingly foreign. In the white-dominated society of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the only way to truly count oneself as American was to become “white”. For this reason, the idea of race, a socially constructed issue with no real physical basis, has become one of the most defining factors which shape immigration and assimilation in the United States.
What does it mean to be an American? To me, what it means to be American is to Pledge Allegiance to your country, to proudly boast that you live in a country that has a justification for existence, to be given opportunity. Although there are many definitions of what it means to be an American, does being an American really just mean being successful in society? The point of this essay is to describe the different meanings and my feelings of what it is to be “American”.
(An in depth analysis into my personal views on what it means to be an American)
The United States as a country has always been an entity unique amongst the world’s myriad of nations: a conglomeration of cultures, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds from around the planet, all fused together to yield something entirely new. Since its very inception, those who dwell within its borders have attempted to ascertain the makeup of the American identity, in order to pin down how exactly one can come to be considered as an American themselves. This is inherently quite a subjective issue, but the conversation primarily boils down to three core factors that make the American people who they are: a dedication to preserving the natural rights of every human being, a belief in the importance of the individual in deciding their own
A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki provides an insight of America’s multicultural nation. He shares the history of the non-European minorities who have settled and contributed to the growth in America. However, many do not view them as Americans today because they still follow the Master Narrative. This teaching only focuses on the European settlement and their history in America, therefore, causing no acknowledgement to the minorities. Takaki challenges the Master Narrative as an incorrect teaching because it does not reflect America’s full history. America has always been racially and ethnically diverse. Thus, he hopes to move them away from the Master Narrative and learn from his teachings that non-Europeans are Americans despite their
What does it mean to be an American? For me, personally, being an American means to know the history of America. This is very important because if you know the past, you can learn from it, don't make the same mistakes and make the America a better place to live. Following the American Dream is very important as well. Being an American means to be free, become whoever you want to be in your life, become successful and achieve your goals. Patriotism is what makes person a "true American". It is important to be a patriot because it shows how do you love and support your country and even be ready to give your life for the country. Being an American means to respect people from other countries and people different races.
Students attending American schools are taught clearly about the United States’ image as a melting pot; however, there is evidence to support that, while there is not an official federal stance on the matter (Sengupta), the amount of assimilation required to be legitimately considered a “melting pot” is not being reached. Although similar, there is often confusion about the differences between “multicultural” and “assimilated” communities. By definition, assimilation is the complete “merging of cultural traits from previously distinct culture groups” (Dictionary), while multiculturalism is delineated as the “preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a unified society, as a state or nation” (Dictionary). Early to mid-1900’s America entertained the idea of a melting pot, where people from all parts of the world would join together and assimilate. It seems, however, that the growing trend has been to treat America as more of a “salad bowl” (Porter), in that people are joining together but instead of merging as one unit, are maintaining a majority, if not all, of their primary culture with little attempt to adapt. This underachievement has left America to unintentionally become a multicultural society. The clear differentiation between expectation and reality brings vast amounts of controversy among the nation’s people.
The idea of hyphenated Americans has been around for centuries and seemingly just helped to categorized people into different groups, based on culture. They appear in just about any survey or poll, “Please check one of the following: African-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American, etc.” However, they go far beyond mere categories. In school yards the students are divided into these categories, and in cities entire neighborhoods are segregated in terms of hyphenated Americans. Now it is important to analyze: How does this divide come into existence and what role does it play in society? Of course, a division between citizens of a country can result in catastrophic occurrences; therefore, it is critical that this idea of hyphenated Americans be dealt with. Americans should work harder to eliminate the socially constructed idea of hyphenated Americans, because
Everybody’s definition for being American is different. I think that our generation defines if you are American if you have pride towards our country and to stand up for what you believe in, and to be respectful to the people around you and the people who fought for you to be here.
The age old question that many ask today is “what is an American?” America is continued to be called the “melting pot” of the world. This statement refers to the combination of different cultures and ethnicities throughout the United States. The diversity of America should not take away from the history and foundation it was found upon. ...