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American Culture



“If freedom means the right to do pretty much as one pleases, so long as one does not interfere with others, the immigrant has found freedom, and the ruling element has been singularly liberal in its treatment of the invading hordes. But if freedom means a democratic cooperation in determining the ideals and purposes and industrial and social institutions of a country, then the immigrant has not been free, and Anglo- Saxon element is guilty of just what every dominant race is guilty of in every European country: the imposition of its own culture upon the minority peoples. The fact that this imposition has been so mild and, indeed, semi- conscious does not alter its quality. And the war has brought out just the degree to which that purpose of 'Americanizing,' that is, 'Anglo-Saxonizing,' the immigrant has failed” (Bourne).
           
            In this quote, Bourne talks about how the descendants of the first colonists are guilty of suppressing the cultural identity of others in the name of preserving the American ideals, all the while replicating the Anglo-Saxon ways. He also talks about how despite the efforts, the “Anglo-Saxonizing” of the new immigrants has failed and how they continue to preserve and live with their own individual national and cultural identities.
           
            I chose this quote because this Anglo-Saxon influence is still present in the American culture today. For example, despite the fact that the United States has no official language, one’s ability to speak English is still used as a marker to judge how “American” they are. In fact, it even plays a role in deciding whether one can become a U.S citizen or not. Furthermore, even though tolerance for other cultures has increased significantly over the last century, immigrants are still expected to shed some parts of their culture and assimilate. This is evident in how different cultures are portrayed in media through stereotypical caricatures, the rise of xenophobia, and the random guy who tells you to speak English on the subway.

Works Cited:
Bourne, Randolph S. “Trans-National America.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 1 July 1916.

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