.My youngest brudda, whom I call "My Binkie Bro", passed this on to me. So, Ill share it with you.
Roosevelt 's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907. The caption reads:
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American....There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Theodore Roosevelt 1907
It was about the time of this photo, that my grandparents arrived at Ellis Island. It didn't take them long to become the Americans President Roosevelt was talking about. They learned English as best they could, and never really passed along their native language to their own children. The raised a large family and soon their sons were off at war fighting the very country that they immigrated from.
How things have changed. Most immigrants no longer give up their language or sacrafice their culture to blend in and become Americans. Some Americans even take on the culture and fly the flags of their of their ancestors from 200 years ago, a culture and a country none have ever even seen.
So, where are we going from here? I'm heading for the Thought Dock! Come with me, so you can see.
Well, I think that Roosevelt contradicts himself in that statement. How in one sentence can he argue that "it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin," and in the next breath say that the acceptance comes with conditions. In other words, Roosevelt is simply stating, yeah, we'll accept you, but only if you're like us. Notice the way he goes on and on about them assimilating to us, not about how he wants to be accepting. Acceptance, love, and tolerance are not conditional offers. Roosevelt has no intention of being accepting; he's making a political statement and I, for one, can see right through Roosevelt's proclamation.
ReplyDeleteAnony..This blog was created to promote Thought, and that it does. The author welcomes all Thoughts. But frankly, honestly, and surely, your Thought sucks. Teddy doesn't contradict himself. He simply says in essence, "You are a guest of my house. I'll welcome you here, but you will adopt my culture, my morals, my ethics, my flag, and my language. To be an American, you can not be loyal to any other country."
ReplyDeleteSo, as an American, I often invite my followers to visit the Thought Dock. But to remain here, you must speak English, respect my values, and don't expect to fly your flag near mine. If you can't, or if you refuse, then you will leave.
was roosevelt a socialist?
ReplyDeleteactually back in those days there were no laws mandating acceptance. there were no laws supporting civil rights. but what there was was a general courtesy and welcome extended to those from europe (because unfortunately the 3rd world did not exist politically then) to come and enjoy those things our American ancestor put together. you know, the good life, the American dream. of course to reap the benefits of the good life and achieve the American dream,,,,you had to "be" an American.
~ Nowadays you don't have to~ or even have to want to be an American to enjoy the good life or achieve the American dream.
so much for philosophy
Never anonymous in the USofA ....you will always know who I am ~ because as an American I value freedom of speech. an ol' lady once told me never write anything you would be ashamed of signing your name to. Get a profile...they are free
First of all, I'm not getting a blog. I will, however, stake claim to that comment; I just forgot to sign my name.
ReplyDeleteDave - Your blog will not continue to generate much thought if you are so condescending as to say that one's thoughts "suck." Certainly if you expect others to "respect my values" as you put it, I would think that you could show the same courtesy.
Mom - Thank God that there are laws mandating acceptance and for a few good civil rights leaders to demand protection of our civil rights. Otherwise, I don't think I'd be living my American Dream: I get to vote, to own my own home, go to college and get a higher education, and be a female police officer. I'm so glad I don't have to "be" a man to enjoy these things.
You said that "nowadays you don't have to be or want to be an American to enjoy the good life or achieve the American Dream". Statistically speaking, immigrants (legal or otherwise) rarely live the "good life." In fact, I'd hate to walk a day in most of their shoes.
Simply put, acceptance is not assimilation. And I'm disappointed that Grandpa did not pass down language or culture onto his descendants.
--aap
Amelia, I'm very disappointed that you lack the respect to address your Uncle properly. That was the shocker, not your opinions. What has happened to you? Live your dream, but don't forget your roots. They were what got you where you are today.
ReplyDeleteOK everyone... what has happened in the few days since I've been on here? In the famous words of the incredible Mr. Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"
ReplyDeleteLOL
Now you know how I *hate* political discussions, so let me turn this to the spiritual.
Jesus said much the same thing... if you want to be a Christian, then be a Christian. You can't serve two masters. You can't live with one foot serving Christ and the other foot a part of the world. He loves us and accepts us unconditionally, HOWEVER, He only offers eternal life to those who completely commit their lives to His ways.
Isn't that cool how I connected Biblical principles to Mr. Roosevelt???
LOL Love you all...
PS - Amelia: you don't have to have a blog to have a profile... :)