Immigration and American Exceptionalism

Andrew Winter

6 Oct. 2015

Immigration and American Exceptionalism

            How many generations has it been since the average family in America were considered immigrants? How quickly does American exceptionalism cloud one’s judgement regarding foreign immigration? At one point in time, immigrants were encouraged to enter America, learn English, and be productive citizens. Today it seems like quite the opposite is true. As seen most recently, millions of Syrian refugees are entering Europe and the United States is on the fence as to allow a mere 10,000 immigrants or not. Perhaps this is true because immigrants aren’t given the same opportunities they once were in America—or, perhaps the American public doesn’t believe they are following the same rules immigrants in the past have followed. Regardless of which is true, one thing is certain: the idea of an American “Melting Pot” is quickly becoming a wild “Garden Salad.”

            It has often been said that “two hands are better than one” and this saying can also be true in acknowledging the perspective of another person. People of other cultures still have much to offer this young country. America wasn’t always as strong of a country that it is today. This strength was established on the backs of many immigrants especially in the later parts of the industrial revolution of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. Large amounts of European immigrants came to America in search of a new beginning away from a war-torn land. These immigrants learned English and worked many small-paying, labor-intense jobs. Many of these immigrants also brought with them a wealth of knowledge on precision manufacturing and construction.

 Socrates once claimed to be the wisest man because the one thing he did know, was that he knew nothing. A society which is content in its own knowledge is not a society which advances. Many people would rather not bother to deal with adjusting their way of life now to make way for any possible improvements. Becoming settled in a convenient comfort zone can be very dangerous. Additionally, it is also always easier to blame others for new found problems, than to seek out a solution and turn a problem around into a positive.

                      (American exceptionalism in immigration)*

                                                                 *(No Regrets, Just Love on damnlol.com)

                                         

While this idea of a “Garden Salad” has been applauded in some social circles, a house divided cannot stand. If the different elements within a salad chose to clump together you would hardly have a decent salad. An expensive restaurant may try to advertise this as a “de-constructed salad,” but I dare to say that is not what consumers are interested in when they order a salad. Instead, all the produce inside the salad should complement each other—finding their identity in being a salad and not solely the original vegetable plant from which it came. This is not to say that past identity should be forgotten. There is surely much appreciation and respect to gain by remembering and learning from the past. The field of psychology has established that the healthiest form of social adaptation is found when the traditions of one’s original culture are remembered as well recognizing the traditions of the new cultural environment.

            Now, just as Americans expect foreigners to learn and speak English, Americans must also make an effort to understand foreign cultures. More intercultural classes should be offered in earlier education. There is so much room in this country to grow and expand. It may be easy to forget, but there is also great wealth in this country. Who are we to hoard it away? Surely, a swift end to prosperity would be the result of that. Immigrants should be welcomed with open arms to this country—especially those facing hardship and persecution in their home country.