American Culture

An American is a Melting Pot

Hector St. John De Crevecoeur asked the question, "What Is an American"? To myself an American is simply a Melting Pot. America is a place where the association between American and the word freedom are inseparable. Our country is much the same in terms of melting pot today, as it was back when Crevecoeur came to this land. Coming to this country today would be very similar to coming in the late 1700 to early 1800 with some differences.

The United States foundation is based on the immigration of multiple cultures, religion, and philosophies. Since we are a country of many ethnicity's and religions, the abandonment of culture is not expected. Our government allows the freedom of religion and will even bend to accommodate social groups. This is similar to what Crevecoeur said "Industry, good living, selfishness, litigiousness, country politics, the pride of freemen, religious indifference, are their characteristics". Even with our countries current events in the world, immigrants still come to the United States. As emotional as our country has been, the gates to this country have not been closed, or has any demand like that have been placed by our government. Immigration is the same as it ever was in this country, as long as the immigrant and future citizens are willing to assimilate themselves into our culture. Most peoples of the United States accept newcomers as they themselves or there own ancestry for the most part were immigrants. Becoming a citizen is far from giving up cultural traditions or religions and we today remain a true melting pot.

Immigrants entering the United States need to take on additional knowledge to fit in with the American culture. Language barriers exist and learning English and the history of the land can be a difficult task. The younger generation has the opportunity to learn the English language once they enter school. This gives them the power to teach other family members that only speak their own language, and to open the doors for more immigrants. With the will to learn, this will allow immigrants additional freedom. The U.S.A. is the land of opportunities that gives them freedom to travel and opportunity for a better life.

Assimilation is important to a limited degree. By assimilation, America only requires a certain level of decency. As a citizen, you are expected to work, to educate your children, to live in a decent home, and to live morally. If a person truly wants to blend into our society, you can embrace these and the majority will accept you. Our society requires paying taxes, educating your children, and to live by certain laws. If you can do that, you still have the leeway to maintain your traditions. Cultures should be encouraged to keep native traditions alive. Children should know the heritage of their ancestry. Immigrants know why their parents came to this country, whether it was for freedom, employment, education, etc. which will allow them to learn the traditions of both cultures.

In America, culture