Category Archives: February

Comments on “The Melting Pot and the Color Line”

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Amanda Lederman

One of the arguments that stood out to me while reading Steinberg’s “The Melting Pot And The Color Line” was the fact that “America’s melting pot has been inclusive of everybody but blacks.” Although Steinberg explains that other “people … Continue reading →

Posted in Amanda Lederman, February, February 12 | Leave a comment

To Assimilate or Not to Assimilate

Posted on February 13, 2013 by evanlefkovitz

The existence of assimilation and pluralism among immigrant communities and whether or not these two phenomena coexisted in American society is a prevalent topic in this week’s readings. Specifically, authors Stephen Steinberg and Gary Gerstle examine the concept of “Americanization,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Evan Lefkovitz, February 12 | Leave a comment

The Great American Melting Pot

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Serinna Bradfield

Steinberg and Walzer both address the concept of the “melting pot”, the term used to describe immigrant assimilation into American culture. Each author presents contrasting views on the extent to which immigrants are “melted” into American society. While Steinberg suggests … Continue reading →

Posted in February 12, Serinna Bradfield | Leave a comment

Americans and Immigrants: One And The Same?

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Gabrielle Kirschner

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in February 12, Gabrielle Kirschner | Leave a comment

Union of a Diverse America

Posted on February 13, 2013 by jwillner

A major theme in politics nowadays is the issue of immigration laws and what our policies should be on accepting foreigners into our country. One viewpoint is to restrict immigration entirely to “protect” America from being tainted by outsiders. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in February 12, Jordan Willner | Leave a comment

February 5th Readings: The Real-estate Aspect

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Evelyn Michalos

One aspect of the readings that I found interesting was the relationship between tenants and landlords and its influence in the development of neighborhoods within the city. The first chapters of Mele’s Selling the Lower East Side and Anbinder’s Five … Continue reading →

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The Nationality that Emerges out of the Melting Pot

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Christos Mouzakitis

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once stated, “Remember always that all of us [Americans] are descended from immigrants.” A recurring issue in immigration is how to facilitate the acclimation of immigrants to American civic virtues. Michael Walzer’s “What does it mean … Continue reading →

Posted in Christos Mouzakitis, February 12 | Leave a comment

Thoughts on “The Melting Pot and the Color Line” by Steven Steinberg

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Matthew Gomm

In this essay, Steinberg address the idea of the melting pot, and if it truly exists in America. I found the end of the article quite captivating. Steinberg references Gary Nash and Orlando Patterson, who believe that once the melting … Continue reading →

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Some thoughts on Michael Walzer’s “What Does It Mean to Be an ‘American?'”

Posted on February 9, 2013 by Matthew Gomm

Michael Walzer discuss the meaning of the adjective “American” in this article, exploring whether this unclear adjective (since technically Mexicans and Canadians are “Americans” as well) relates to our level of national unity. After reading the passage, my personal opinion … Continue reading →