Nativism and xenophobia are two growing problems. Xenophobia is the fear of or prejudice against people from other nations. Nativism is an anti-immigrant ideology that advocates the protection of native inhabitants of a country from new or potential immigrants, who are seen as threatening. In both cases, many immigrants who came to America in pursuit of happiness and the American dream continue to encounter discomfort, rejection, and in some cases persecution because of their differences in culture, customs, traditions, and beliefs. Prejudice and oppression against people of other nations still present us with many societal challenges; clearly, however, most would agree that there are benefits and will continue to be benefits of the cultural diversity represented by immigrants from many different nations. For this assignment, you will explore perspectives about immigration and ethnic diversity in America. To prepare: • • Review Chapters 4, 5, and 8 in the course text. Focus on the ways in which American society has reacted to the constant influx of immigrants from around the world. In the Discussion Exercises in Chapter 4, review “Exercise #2: The Immigration Letter to the Editor.” Also consider the Questions for Discussion. Submit a 2 -page letter in the same “letter to the editor” style as that shown in the text. Use the Questions for Discussion to guide your response. Taking care to concentrate on nativism and xenophobic behavior as they relate to immigration, answer the following questions: • • What did those who opposed immigration do to try to stop it? What did the descendants of immigrants do to try to stop discriminatory opposition to immigration? Support your assertions by making at least two documented references to your course readings, following the examples of documentation in “Common Reference List Examples” (see the Resources for this week). Please use proper APA formatting to cite each of your sources. Exercise #2: The Immigration Letter to the Editor Directions: This letter appeared in newspapers across the United States, each signed as if written locally. Discuss your understanding of it message, and then move to the Questions for Discussion. As you read, consider which of the four ethnic perspectives presented in this chapter is illustrated. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture…I am not against immigration, not do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. If you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! “In God We Trust” is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, and political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, based on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don’t care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express opinions and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE. God Bless America Questions for Discussion: 1. What do you think the writer means in saying that the view of America as a multicultural community “has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity”? 2. Are large numbers of immigrants not learning English? 3. Should immigrants who are learning English be criticized for trying to maintain fluency in their native languages? 4. Are immigrants complaining about the use of “God” in the Pledge of Allegiance? 5. If “God is part of our culture,” do you have to believe in God to be an American? 6. Who is intended to be included in the “We” of the last paragraph? 7. How would could the letter be written to reflect any of the other ethnic perspectives?
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