a relevant quote for americans

[jacobo]

"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 loyality and that is a loyality to the american people." -teddy roosevelt

[Chainsaw Kitten]

Every single goddamn country is biased against immigrants. Don't shake your finger at the big bad Americans only. America sure is fucked up in many ways, but as far as foreign people go, every single country's a bitch.

[Gwendolyn]

I happen to love diversity, and I think immigration is awesome. I love meeting new people that have different backgrounds than mine. I don't think it's fair to be so biased....America isn't the only country who does this...

[Peregrinus]

Originally posted by adidas "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 loyality and that is a loyality to the american people." -teddy roosevelt Are you agreeing or disagreeing with TR's opinion?

[jacobo]

Originally posted by Peregrinus Are you agreeing or disagreeing with TR's opinion? agreeing.

[Peregrinus]

Originally posted by adidas agreeing. But what is "American culture" besides and amalgamation of different cultures infused with an unquenchable material appetite? The United States has been a nation of immigrants since before there officially was a United States. The only original cultures we had – those of the Native Americans – we (our government and our citizenry complicit and often even encouraging of the acts of removal) have effectively destroyed throughout most of the land, relegating the original inhabitants of this country to parcels of land which amount to less than 1% or their original territory. So what is “American”? People should not have to give up their own culture and their own beliefs when they come to this country. Those are part of who they are. A country does not have the right to strip personal identity from its citizens. The beliefs and traditions of immigrants have for the entire history of this nation contributed to its culture. We have one of the most diverse countries in the world precisely for this reason. The myriad colors and sights and sounds one experiences while walking down an American street is a direct result of this sedimentary culture. Rather, what a nation can ask is that immigrants learn sufficient skills, both language and technical, to function productively in its society and be knowledgeable enough about the past and current political, economic, and cultural issues and events to have a well-informed perspective on and appreciation for the country to which they are immigrating. Of course, most born Americans haven't an f-ing clue about past and current political, economic and cultural issues of their nation of origin. Most couldn't even past the naturalized citizen exam. What right have we to expect from others what we cannot expect from ourselves? Perhaps we should look to the education of our existing citizenry before concerning ourselves overmuch with regulating that of those who wish to become citizens. As for allegiance, I agree with TR there. One should be loyal and true to place which one calls home. Of course, being loyal and true does not mean total, unquestioning allegiance to that home, but rather a dedication to the ideals of that nation and a commitment to better its flaws and in so doing, improve the country for all those that dwell within its borders.

[Rachael309]

Originally posted by adidas "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 loyality and that is a loyality to the american people." -teddy roosevelt I am a third generation Calif girl and we have so many people here is South OC from other countries. I love it! I love being exposed to all the different cultures and being brought up with a open mind and open heart. I am grateful for being raised the way I was. I welcome all other open minded people from anywhere. I agree that English should be the primary language but I feel it would be a great loss to America if the immigrants lost their native language. Its important to know who we are and where we come from to help us on our journey to where we are going.