Immigration and the question of the “quintessential American” are two topics that go hand in hand. In Michael Waizer’s piece “What Does it Mean to be American,” he said, “It is a country of immigrants who, however grateful they are for this new place, still remember the old places.” This idea is inbred in every American today. Even when an individual considers himself an American through and through, there are still other aspects to his personhood that play a part in shaping him, like the original “old places” where his family emigrated from.
This concept is invaluable. It is essential for all discerning Americans to remember that all immigrants’ journeys have common factors. Ideally, this realization should unite the country. Recently, a major topic of debate has been with regard to illegal or non-documented immigrants. A turning point for finding a solution to issues relating to immigration may come about when our lawmakers reflect on this idea that all “Americans” are essentially immigrants, who “still remember the old place.”
The example Waizer references about the Great Seal, with its E pluribus unum motto, is interesting because it “seems to suggest that manyness must be left behind for the sake of oneness.” This example is similar to the melting pot theory that used to be most prevalent. Now, there is a new theory at the forefront of immigration study, and that is the salad bowl theory or that “the people are Americans only by virtue of having come together. And whatever identity they had before becoming Americans, they retain (or, better, they are free to retain) afterward.” The salad bowl theory explains that different American and immigrant cultures are juxtaposed with one another, but are not one homogenous mixture; the parts preserve their distinctiveness.
This freedom to retain previous identities has manifested itself in inspiring ways throughout this country. Kasinitz, in “Becoming American,” discussed the creation of “hybrid minority cultures.” I found the idea of these subcultures to be particularly interesting. Kasinitz said, “they are creating a new kind of multiculturalism…of hybrids and fluid exchanges across group boundaries.” Hybrid minority groups correlate perfectly with the United States, which is comprised of individuals retaining certain elements of their past, but also adopting and evolving their past practices within their American homes.
A nation with one culture, one language, one religion, and one way of life is fine, but is it promoting diversity and seeking out the best of the best for it’s country? I would argue that is not. With diversity in all aspects of life, it pushes a nation to strive towards excellence. Everyone has their own unique point of view to contribute towards the discussion about bettering the nation. In the United States of America, this diversity is ever present and pushes the nation towards innovation and prosperity. This is the true beauty of this nation: the culmination of a myriad of varying peoples uniting for the “American” cause.
