"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 native 'Americanism' around them".
- Randolph S. Bourne
I believe that Randolph S. Bourne is claiming that America is not really the melting pot for foreign settlers or Americans. Although there have been different people of different cultures and nationalities from different places of the world that have migrated to America for various reasons, their reasons don't necessarily mean they are going to automatically give up their cultural diversity for their freedom. In many cases foreigners have traveled to America without giving up some of their customary ways, but have also adapted to some of the common practices in America. However, in today's day in age, the melting pot is redefining the children born in America to multicultural families. It is especially difficult for someone who knows their parent's migrated from another country but all they know is life in America. Of course their parents can teach them about their culture but it is hard to separate adapting from American culture and their national culture.
I chose this quote because I actually am one of half-breeds Randolph S. Bourne is referring to in this article. Both of my parents are from other parts of the world and I was born and raised in America. There some things from my parents homeland that I choose to practice and others that I learned growing up in New York. For example I celebrate Two different Christmas days because it is celebrated in my parent's country in January and American's celebrate it December 25th. I thought I was Americanized till I read this article. Now I am questioning what truly defines Americanism.
No comments:
Post a Comment