Pre-Boomer Musings

For years we talked about how the United States was the great melting pot, because people who came here, whether to escape persecution, poverty or simply to pursue the American dream, could assimilate into society rather easily.  Today, we are more analogous to a tossed salad than the melting pot.  Have we become less accepting of people from other countries, are there greater cultural differences or does this reflect the times in which we live? 

The early immigrants were from Old Europe, then the Eastern Europeans, Russians, Latin Americans and Asians.  Those of African origins did not choose to come to America and were enslaved for generations.  Many others who came here willingly received harsh treatment too.  The persecuted Irish found refuge in the Eastern cities, working where and when they could.  Chinese immigrants had similar treatment on the West Coast, working in the fields and later as cheap labor on the transcontinental railroad where they clashed with white workers. The Japanese settled in Hawaii to work on the plantations and later farmed leased land on the mainland before being interned in camps during WWII. 

Italians arrived after 1870 and worked as unskilled labor, but 40 percent of them returned home.  Their jobs were taken over by the incoming Jewish population.  The Latins, primarily from bordering Mexico, performed unskilled jobs in the Southwest for years.  Migration picked up after WWII and has continued.  Those of Mexican origins represent the fasted growing part of the US population and the largest group of illegals.  People still pour into this country from around the world for the opportunities it continues to offer. 

The notion of the melting pot was part wishful thinking and part truth.  In the early days, many British enterprises succeeded, and the language of commerce became the prevalent language of the land: English   Those from non-English speaking countries tended to stay close to people who spoke the language of their homelands; this was true in the cities as well as the less populated farming areas.  Years later, while nearly all those who are currently permanent residents of the United States speak English, this country still has no official language.

So what keeps recent immigrants from uniting with us?  Do we treat them poorly?  Is it pride for their former country?  Could it be fear of not being accepted by mainstream Americans?  Possibly it’s a lack of commitment to the principles of our form of government coupled with the freedom it brings and the responsibilities that go with these liberties that keep newcomers from jumping in with both feet.  While enjoying the food, entertainment and customs of the old country may provide short-term comfort, this often  precludes them from being part of our way of life; and that means missing out on many of the joys and ultimate benefits America offers.

Most Americans welcome those new to this great land and wish them well.  We hope they grasp the American spirit, provide for their families, be productive, get involved in their communities and thrive.  That’s what our ancestors did, and they can do it too.  

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