The U.S. has been described through various labels throughout history; from the melting pot to the Land of freedom. The common definition of the American identity is that it is established not in place, but in the acceptance of a similar set of ideals, not considering religion or ethnicity. E pluribus unum is a Latin phrase meaning, “out of many, one”. The traditional meaning of the phrase is that out of many states, more specifically 13 colonies, a cohesive, single nation surfaces. In recent years, however, the definition suggests that out of the many races, religions, languages, a single country is formed. This illustrates the concept of the melting pot. The journey to obtain a whole nation has come at a cost. Differences in politics and
The United States is looked at by the rest of the world as a country of chances, a place where it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from. In reality, however, it’s quite different. Many say that America the Great will always be divided. Despite being an improbable idea, it is possible for the U.S to succeed by seeing the problems with division and clash, and allowing the benefits of unity to outweigh its own prejudices.
For my journal, I am examining the second and third paragraphs on page two of J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur’s essay, “What is an American.” Using persuasive strategies, de Crevecoeur examines “that race now called Americans” (2), juxtaposing their former experiences in Europe with those upon arrival “on a new continent” (1). In this passage, de Crevecoeur anticipates the notion of America as a “melting pot,” while establishing the foundation of the concept of the American Dream.
As Washington said, “The name of ‘American,’ which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any [name] derived from local discriminations.” Washington supported this appeal to national unity by noting that each geographic region of the United States benefits from the preservation of the “Union of the whole,” whether by expanded trade, by greater strength against foreign nations, or by the security that internal peace within the United States
The United States, often referred to as a “melting pot,” is known for its extensive cultures. This paramount aspect of the Unites States makes it so unique yet it also happens to be the center of its many conflicts. America, although seemingly doubtful due to the vast amount of cultures and people, has been able to withstand conflicts and adversities because Americans have been able to learn from the country’s past and find a way to use their differences to come together.
The United States today, as we know it, is a very culturally, economically, politically and religiously diverse country. This is due, in part, to the differences and division among its founding thirteen English colonies along the country’s east coast. Those thirteen states collectively made up the Northern or New England colonies, the Mid-Atlantic or Middle colonies and the rural Southern colonies. Each of which had their own way of living and several differences that were unique to those regions. For the men and women who populated these colonies, their ‘new’ world may have slightly resembled England, hence the names New England, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Netherland – later renamed New York, but they wanted it not to be exactly like their
The United States of America is and always will be a haven of diversity in this world. From the opening of Ellis Island, with many immigrants yearning for shelter, to the modern-day process of becoming a citizen, people of countless origins, cultures, and nationalities have flocked to America, creating the greatest melting pot of diversity on the planet. However, one key origin of this peaceful coexistence can often be overlooked. Rather than from immigration, the unique mindset that America is a land of differences was born not long after the first settlers stepped off their vessels in the Chesapeake Bay and Plymouth Harbor. The people from these two ships established two colonies so vastly different from each
While these authors are divided on the definition of “one nation” they all recognize the major issues that affect our nation today. Despite Brooks’ muddled representation of the socio-economic and political divide in the United States, the author made one important point – that despite the differences among the entire population, Americans share the “same love” for their nation (Brooks 541). The notion of loyalty to the country may be an idealistic one. However, it clearly represents what factor or element unites Americans as a people. Even outside the American context, people should no longer be categorized as part of Red or Blue America, but a part of a truly diverse country where differences are observed in “cohesive” communities (Brooks
Whether or not “The First Universal Nation” of Ben Wattenberg (Buchanan 466) fixes its meaning? Despite it is in law, not all people have the same point-of -view about it in practice. George M. Fredrickson’s “Models of American Ethnic Relations: A Historical Perspective” and Patrick J. Buchanan’s “Deconstructing America” essays are typical exemplars. Fredrickson and Buchanan are famous politicians. “Race in US” is one of popular topics of Fredrickson who used to serve as the “president of the Organization for American Historians and Stanford University” (Fredrickson 449). Buchanan is “one of the most influential and outspoken conservative voices in the US… and has campaigned for
Reading over the brilliant work of Michael Walzer’s “What does it mean to be an American” I have discovered that the identity of Americans is that of a “melting pot.” We , as Americans, promote an abundance of cultures that are interconnected to make our country the amazing place it is today. Walzer believes in the diversity of America, he realizes that America’s cultural diversity is part of what makes us the best country in the world.
In American society, there are multiple cultures and races exist. Since immigrants bring the various cultures to America, Americans face a highly controversial problem. Some of the Americans believe all of the ethnic groups assimilate into a common culture can help Americans distinctly identify themselves. Others argue that ethnic groups should not abandon their cultural heritages background. As a result, merging different cultures into one new culture will cause America lose its cultural diversity which is one significant charm of this country. On the contrary, if every ethnic group only focuses on building their own community and resists communicate with others, it will aggravate the separation of a nation. Although people often argue about these two ways which one is more appropriate to Americans, I think Richard Rodriguez's idea is more realistic in nowadays American society. Rodriguez resists the idea of the melting pot, and believes that assimilation is inevitable and reciprocal. In the essay Does America Still Exist?, Rodriguez explains his thought to us through his experiences.
The United States of America is, or has been, undoubtedly one of this world’s most preeminent super powers to date. It is a grandiose entity that is so significant in of itself and through worldwide decisions that it has transported to world to an American centric worldview, understandably so and within its own right. America’s prestige is so great that to many it is comparable to the late Persian Empire; seen as having similar components culturally, geographically, economically, and socially. Though, just as the Roman Empire in all of its glory reached eventual ruin, America the Great is not an eternal entity. This brings an imperative question to light— how has the nation survived and continue to grow and prosper while faced with Herculean odds, world war, and crippling prejudice? What significant component has the United States of America experienced, or grabbed hold of, that allowed it to progress as it has, that Pax Romana lacked? The simplified answer to the question is immigrants, the ever-present force behind America’s success. From the very beginning America was a nation founded by Anglo-Saxon immigrants, and ever since they have been the proponents of America’s success, especially in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries by means of increasing economic productivity, expanding the market, and the introduction
The concept of a ‘Melting pot” is an idea that America is known for and accustomed to for years and years to come. Unfortunately, that analogy leads people to get rid of their culture for the American culture. Leading the public to the point where they strive to prove their differences just to stand out and make a name. One demographic, African Americans, have been trying to reconnect to their native heritage after being stripped from their identity years ago. From their traditions, how they cook food, and the way they do their hair. African Americans have become more determined to be in touch with their inner self as the years go by. Because they were ripped from their homeland African Americans may never know to the full extent of
America was widely known as a “melting pot” of sorts for many generations. The country earned its title by accepting immigrants of various cultures and molding, or melting, them into the American lifestyle. However, the “melting pot” idea of America is starting to dissipate. According to a Newsweek Poll on the public, “only 20 percent still think America is a melting pot” (Morganthau and Wolfberg, par.4). As more Americans push away immigrants and create stereotypes against said immigrants, America continues to lose its title as a “melting pot.” There is ethnic friction in America and people have begun to have a hard time assimilating (Morganthau and Wolfberg, par.18). .America is beginning to place a negative outlook on its
The United States of America was founded on July 4, 1776. Seeking a life free of the British Government, a host of immigrants founded a new nation. Because the United States was created by the migration of people from various parts of the world, it is sometimes described as a “melting pot.” Along with their personal possessions, these immigrants brought their respective cultures and traditions as they meshed together into a new society. Despite being categorized together as citizens of the same country, the independent traditions and lifestyles of humankind have created challenges throughout history. It is important for Americans to share a sense of pride, patriotism and loyalty. Equally important, however, is the need for respect regarding differences and individualism. Ethnocentrism is a barrier between understanding culture and diversity.
When thinking about the word America, an interesting word popped up in my head. It isn’t very easy to describe this word, as it’s unlike any other country. In fact, it is something more outstanding. Even though this country has made some big mistakes in its history, it doesn’t affect the definition it deserves. Americans are a mixed race of people that come from many different countries; sharing the same rights but possessing their own opinion on the idea of a better life for themselves and their families. The ability to connect with each other and cooperate also helps to define the ability to move forward and find new ways to innovate.