E Pluribus Unum (one from many) United States History Immigration: History and Issues
The Great American Meltin’ Pot America was founded by the English But also by the Germans, Duch, and French, The principal still sticks Our heritage is mixed So any kid could be the president You simply melt right in, It doesn't matter what your skin. It doesn't matter where you're from, Or your religion, You jump right in To the great American meltin' pot. Great American meltin' pot
European traditions and beliefs Most immigrants before 1890: Protestants from Northern Europe U.S. culture at that time reflected the traditions and beliefs of northern Europe.
Immigrants from Europe Old New New New
Legitimate versus imposters Conflicts between old and new immigrant groups common. Earlier groups considered themselves to be legitimate U.S. citizens. Established groups viewed new immigrants imposters or trespassers.
What does this political cartoon say?
Nativist Movement: 1830 – 1840 ’ s Antiforeign groups Believed new immigrants subvert democratic values. Catholics feared to owe allegiance to the Pope
Legislation restricting immigration 1860 and 1890 population doubled (30 million to 60) million. 1880s immigrants from southern and eastern European countries. Legislation restricting immigration: first time in 1882 – Chinese Exclusion Act.
Ellis Island Built in 1892 as the first Federal Immigration Center Federal government begins to regulate immigration in 1890 Previously immigration was a state-based policy Closed in 1940s The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World - gift of friendship from people of France to the people of US universal symbol of freedom and democracy The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Angel Island Established in 1910 to process immigration from Asia Off the coast of San Francisco By million immigrants passed through Many were detained for long periods of time Immigration Act of 1924 discouraged immigration from Asian countries
The Americanization of Immigrants Education primary means to Americanize and assimilate new immigrants. What is the impact on the family when a child begins to identify with a culture the parent does not share? Can culture/values be taught? How? Whose?
Excluded from the melting pot “ Melting Pot ” : immigrants assimilated into culture through education and acculturation. Does not correspond with reality of U.S. experience. Many immigrant groups maintained their ethnic identity. Melting pot did not take into account immigrants and ethnic groups who did not easily blend into the culture. Asians, African Americans, Native Americans, and others were excluded from this process of fusion and amalgamation.
E Pluribus Unum: One from many Many cultures coming together to create single culture
Cultural Pluralism Immigrants preserve best of old-world cultures Gradually assuming U.S. customs, beliefs. Ethnic minorities encouraged to preserve own traditions While taking active part in economic and social life of the United States. Strength as a nation derives in large part from the diversity of its ethnic cultures.
Pluralism embraces all people Regardless of backgrounds, beliefs. WASP remains only one of many groups within the culture.
Traditional mainstream assumptions Monoculturalism AArgues diverse ethnic, racial groups need become like traditional mainstream culture Liberal multiculturalism Individuals from diverse groups share natural equality and common humanity Toward a universal equality made up almost exclusively of Western and white middle-class assumptions
Pluralist multiculturalism Most widely accepted model of multiculturalism. Emphasizes difference between various ethnic and cultural groups rather than focusing on sameness.
Critical multiculturalism Recognizes humans as social beings Shaped by range of economic, political, cultural forces. Understanding power and power relationships is essential in this model. American Salad Bowl American Salad Bowl
E thnicity Extraordinarily complex phenomena. Sense of peoplehood developed through language, traditions.
Most immigrants have learn a new language As a national language, English is a powerful force in their assimilation. Bilingualism: controversial, emotional issue. Federal support for bilingual education began in 1968 with Title VII, the Bilingual Education Act, amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of Bilingualism and U.S. Education
Reflection questions: 1. What are the advantages of the diversity (gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, occupation, religion or denomination, political affiliation) in the United States? 2. What are some of the serious problems that arise from this country being a multicultural society? 3. How important is it for the schools to Americanize immigrant children? 4. What are some of the problems that can occur when the schools take on this task? 5. Should quotas be set on the number of people allowed to immigrate to the United States? 6. If yes, how should the quotas be determined? 7. Is bilingual education something that should be supported by the schools and the culture in general?