The full transcript
- Thread starter DOGS THAT BARK
- Start date
I get strange fealings about whats going on in our country. When
I say wow were up to 553 kids dead in Iraq another 2500 wounded. Im told things like that's not that bad. We lose 200 a year just in Wash DC a year by murder. We lose another 45000 on our highways. But those same folks say we should get all worried about 200 here another 3000 here and then another 50 here by these terroist. Many times none are Americans. Strange how not to worry about how some Americans die. But worry about others. This earth has never been peacefull. Why does everyone think since we invaded Iraq. All of a sudden its going to turn everything around. Noway. And Arabs have not cause all of this. It started a long time ago. Before they had guns.
I say wow were up to 553 kids dead in Iraq another 2500 wounded. Im told things like that's not that bad. We lose 200 a year just in Wash DC a year by murder. We lose another 45000 on our highways. But those same folks say we should get all worried about 200 here another 3000 here and then another 50 here by these terroist. Many times none are Americans. Strange how not to worry about how some Americans die. But worry about others. This earth has never been peacefull. Why does everyone think since we invaded Iraq. All of a sudden its going to turn everything around. Noway. And Arabs have not cause all of this. It started a long time ago. Before they had guns.
hellah
hellah
that`s not my quote....must be from somebody else`s panel....which i`m not seeing.....a previous post?.....i certainly don`t remember posting that....help me out...
ditto ,bro.....you da` man.....i`m depending on you again this fall in the mac....
...and i appreciate anybody that can discuss a sensitive issue like this and still keep their head on straight...
a question,though....i understand that you must be under a lot of pressure being of middle eastern extraction in these times in our country.....
but,you sound like you either don`t understand the gravity of the situation... or don`t care...and i don`t mean that as a negative comment...what i`m saying is that you sound very "conflicted" about america...
you obviously are an american...and are doing your part...and then some..
how do you feel about america?.....proud to be american?....resentful of america?.....a combination of the two?....
the comment about going back to lebanon sort of surprised me...
if you don`t want to answer or feel it`s none of my damn business,nuff said.....
regardless...as you said.....we`re cool......
g.l.
hellah
that`s not my quote....must be from somebody else`s panel....which i`m not seeing.....a previous post?.....i certainly don`t remember posting that....help me out...
ditto ,bro.....you da` man.....i`m depending on you again this fall in the mac....
...and i appreciate anybody that can discuss a sensitive issue like this and still keep their head on straight...
a question,though....i understand that you must be under a lot of pressure being of middle eastern extraction in these times in our country.....
but,you sound like you either don`t understand the gravity of the situation... or don`t care...and i don`t mean that as a negative comment...what i`m saying is that you sound very "conflicted" about america...
you obviously are an american...and are doing your part...and then some..
how do you feel about america?.....proud to be american?....resentful of america?.....a combination of the two?....
the comment about going back to lebanon sort of surprised me...
if you don`t want to answer or feel it`s none of my damn business,nuff said.....
regardless...as you said.....we`re cool......
g.l.
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my fault man, i didnt mean to say you previously posted the "murdering" quote....I meant it as, Ive heard it from people in and outside the internet.
I most certainly understand the situation....but things like this have been happening all over the world now...and now that the states feel threatened, its like "welcome to the real world" I just laugh at my american friends and say, "well alot of people have to deal with the actual threat and actual bombings rather then these orange level bs and what not" And while I dont agree with any of the bombings, I do agree with what they are trying to say, which is in my ears "get out of the middle east!" cuz really, I dont want the states being in Saudi Arabia...they dont belong there and its obvious the arab world hates the US. So why place troops where you are hatted!? Thats like an Ohio St fan who wears an OSU shirt and hat every single day, but is ignorant enough to attend classes in Ann Arbor. The arabs dont want the US in the middle east...simple as that.
someone asked me this question before and I got blasted for it. His defination of being american and mine were 2 different things. I love being an american. I love the fact that I can speak(sorta) and do(sorta) as I please. I like the fact that oppurtunities are out here and that if you really do work hard - you CAN achieve ANYTHING. And like anything in this world...pro's and con's. Few things I hate about america...obviously the government. If you havent cuaght on by now, I hate Bush and the whole Republican Party. I hate em all really - but since I can vote, I go with the Democratic Party cuz they somewhat see the view's I see. But things like the Patriot Act?!?!? COME ON! Easy for any white american to sit back and say "yea, kill em all" What makes the average white american better then me?!?! They arent! Like Ive said before, I dont break the law, I pay my taxes, and even served. Im trying to be succesful in life and take advantage of what the states offers in its education system(beyond HS of course). Stupid shit like racial profiling, patriot act, and all these threats that the white american do to the arab-americans here will be bad if it continues. Arabs are not patient people and they will let you know about it. If someone comes through my door and tries to beat my ass cuz of who I am, Im telling ya I will get my D-eagle and blow some heads off. And I know Im not the only one that thinks that way....
Lebanon is a beautiful country. The climate is great, I know the people, and the country is getting back on its feet. Plus, the women look better
well, if you like black hair tanned women that is.
I most certainly understand the situation....but things like this have been happening all over the world now...and now that the states feel threatened, its like "welcome to the real world" I just laugh at my american friends and say, "well alot of people have to deal with the actual threat and actual bombings rather then these orange level bs and what not" And while I dont agree with any of the bombings, I do agree with what they are trying to say, which is in my ears "get out of the middle east!" cuz really, I dont want the states being in Saudi Arabia...they dont belong there and its obvious the arab world hates the US. So why place troops where you are hatted!? Thats like an Ohio St fan who wears an OSU shirt and hat every single day, but is ignorant enough to attend classes in Ann Arbor. The arabs dont want the US in the middle east...simple as that.
someone asked me this question before and I got blasted for it. His defination of being american and mine were 2 different things. I love being an american. I love the fact that I can speak(sorta) and do(sorta) as I please. I like the fact that oppurtunities are out here and that if you really do work hard - you CAN achieve ANYTHING. And like anything in this world...pro's and con's. Few things I hate about america...obviously the government. If you havent cuaght on by now, I hate Bush and the whole Republican Party. I hate em all really - but since I can vote, I go with the Democratic Party cuz they somewhat see the view's I see. But things like the Patriot Act?!?!? COME ON! Easy for any white american to sit back and say "yea, kill em all" What makes the average white american better then me?!?! They arent! Like Ive said before, I dont break the law, I pay my taxes, and even served. Im trying to be succesful in life and take advantage of what the states offers in its education system(beyond HS of course). Stupid shit like racial profiling, patriot act, and all these threats that the white american do to the arab-americans here will be bad if it continues. Arabs are not patient people and they will let you know about it. If someone comes through my door and tries to beat my ass cuz of who I am, Im telling ya I will get my D-eagle and blow some heads off. And I know Im not the only one that thinks that way....
Lebanon is a beautiful country. The climate is great, I know the people, and the country is getting back on its feet. Plus, the women look better
well, if you like black hair tanned women that is.
wow....the racist rhetoric is just flying....which shouldn't really come as a surprise....anyways....here's an abridged version of someone's viewpoint!!!
The United States of America has long prided itself as a country that is known throughout the world as the land of the free. In fact, this rhetoric is reinforced every time the American national anthem is sung because the phrase ?the land of the free? resounds as the song reaches a crescendo. For countless immigrants, however, certain expected freedoms are never met by moving to that country. As supported by further research
dealing with the immigrant experience in America, it is evident that these individuals are encouraged to relinquish their identity, individuality, language and culture; which is fundamentally opposite to the definition of the word ?freedom.? Ironically, despite the fact that the majority of Americans are descendants of immigrants themselves, new arrivals are still treated poorly and consumed as a commodity, whose sole purpose is to help the country flourish. Furthermore, these newcomers also face
discrimination, repression, and prejudice as they attempt to assimilate into their new country.
As most people are aware of, the United States of America is a country that was created by immigrants. Its history includes colonization by the British and the continuous influx of people from all over the world. But because of British colonization and the predominantly white Anglo-Saxon forefathers of the country, America has held steadfast to ?an Anglo-American conception of American identity? (King 15). King indicates that despite the many different nationalities that comprise America today, the country continues to promote a white patriarchal English-speaking identity, which proves to be problematic for several immigrants. However, this does not seem to dissuade many
individuals, as newcomers continually choose to move to the United States for different reasons. And except for Native American Indians, all Americans are themselves either former immigrants or descendants of immigrants, adding to the irony of the situation.
Despite the many problems that exist within the United States, most people that choose to immigrate to America do so in search of freedom. As well as the expected financial gain and elevation in status, newcomers believe that America can provide them with freedoms that are nonexistent in their native countries. Yezierska states, ?My dollars that I could spend like a free person. My dollars that would make me feel with everybody alike? (Yezierska 23). It is obvious that a number of immigrants equate money with freedom. In America, they expect to have the opportunity to earn enough money to live comfortably, and also believe that they can spend their money as they choose. Furthermore, they assume that the opportunity to accumulate wealth will in turn lead to being able to engage in activities of their choosing. When deciding on America as their destination, most immigrants do not necessarily think that their lives will change into one of luxury or splendor; rather, they strongly believe that the quality of life in the United States is better than in their native land. Immigrants fully expect to gain certain freedoms by moving to their new country because of their belief
in the rhetoric that proclaims America as the land of the free.
Unquestionably, one of the many problems newcomers face when moving to America is that of identity. It is very difficult, and often impossible, to completely dismiss one?s culture in order to better assimilate into a new country; to leave behind inherent traditions and customs for the American way of life. Yet, this is exactly what America demands from its citizens, and it is reinforced through the prevalent melting-pot ideology. Desmond King acknowledges this fact with the following: ?The melting-pot
model implied that immigrants to the United States discarded their previous ethnic values and loyalties, diving into a pool of mixed groups and becoming part of the resultant heterogeneous potion? (King 27). It is obvious that this prevailing ideology becomes problematic for new arrivals to the country. Forced to adhere to America?s melting-pot philosophy, they have no choice but to dispense with their cultivated identities; only then can they be considered ?real? Americans. King is a proponent of the American melting-pot system and argues that ?the presumption of a single national identity precluded diversity? (King 19). Adding to the problem of identity is the fact that many new arrivals are automatically placed in a lower social class, and the only way to break free from this construct is by becoming ?Americanized.? Once again, this entails forgetting life-long traditions and customs and embracing a new identity in order to completely assimilate
into America. For older immigrants, this becomes a nearly impossible task as they are distinctly different from the American ?norm.? Bean makes the following assertion: ?Immigration contributes to anxiety about
entity?.Some persons will be fearful of such identity changes simply because they involve newness? (Bean 9). The difficulty immigrants face when attempting to assimilate into America is paramount. Martin states, ?Integrating immigrants is far more
complex and marked by tensions that arise from the immigrants? desire to keep alive the culture and language of the community they left behind, and their need and wish to adapt to new surroundings and another society? (Martin 20). Unfortunately, it is impossible for newcomers to adapt to the United States without sacrificing their culture and identity because of the established melting-pot ideology that is ingrained in America. Although unfair and highly problematic, this sacrifice is nevertheless required for complete assimilation into American society.
Another major obstacle that immigrants face when moving to America is language. Although most newcomers have a basic understanding of English prior to arriving in the United States, some do not. This poses a tremendous problem for numerous foreigners because learning a new language can be very difficult and somewhat intimidating. Bean states, ?After arriving in the United States, non-English-language immigrants face numerous pressures and incentives to learn English as a second or
higher-order language or to increase their skills in English? (Bean 159). The language problem hinders these immigrants greatly because not only does it impede them from assimilating into American culture, but the problem also prevents them from functioning within the society. Aside from the obvious difficulty of communicating with their new countrymen, not speaking the language also leads to a sense of isolation in America. Bean argues that non English-speaking newcomers face ?the incompleteness of integration into a society still firmly dominated by the English language and by English speakers? (Bean 170). Their only recourse, prior to learning the language, is to associate
with other foreigners that speak their mother tongue, which in turn leads to further separation from the rest of America. Furthermore, the language barrier prevents these immigrants from an uplift in social class. Quite often, they are forced to accept employment in positions that are significantly lower than what they held in their homeland just to provide for their families. Cather states, ?The Bohemian and Scandinavian girls could not get positions as teachers, because they had had no opportunity to learn the language? (Cather 97). Cather alludes to the fact that these immigrant girls were unable to pursue their ambitions because of their inability to speak English. This clearly illustrates one of the major problems non-English speaking
immigrants face; a lack of opportunity due to not knowing the language spoken in their new country. Reimer echoes the typical arrogant American attitude towards newcomers: ?This is not to deny the rights of various groups to encourage the use of their respective languages in the home. Nevertheless, English is the ?glue? that helps keep American culture vibrant and dynamic? (Reimers 119). Similar to a number of Americans, Reimers
displays an attitude that shows an intolerance towards immigrants that choose to use their mother tongue outside of their homes. His statement also demonstrates that Americans consider English as the only acceptable language in their society. Reimers refers to English as the language that helps create and establish American culture, which places the new arrivals who are unable to speak the language in direct opposition to this ideal, through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, immigrants who cannot speak English find themselves at a great disadvantage when moving to America. The prevailing attitude of Americans leads one to believe immigrants can only belong in the United States after they have mastered the English language and not before then; a harsh reality that excludes countless newcomers and promotes racism.
The United States of America has long prided itself as a country that is known throughout the world as the land of the free. In fact, this rhetoric is reinforced every time the American national anthem is sung because the phrase ?the land of the free? resounds as the song reaches a crescendo. For countless immigrants, however, certain expected freedoms are never met by moving to that country. As supported by further research
dealing with the immigrant experience in America, it is evident that these individuals are encouraged to relinquish their identity, individuality, language and culture; which is fundamentally opposite to the definition of the word ?freedom.? Ironically, despite the fact that the majority of Americans are descendants of immigrants themselves, new arrivals are still treated poorly and consumed as a commodity, whose sole purpose is to help the country flourish. Furthermore, these newcomers also face
discrimination, repression, and prejudice as they attempt to assimilate into their new country.
As most people are aware of, the United States of America is a country that was created by immigrants. Its history includes colonization by the British and the continuous influx of people from all over the world. But because of British colonization and the predominantly white Anglo-Saxon forefathers of the country, America has held steadfast to ?an Anglo-American conception of American identity? (King 15). King indicates that despite the many different nationalities that comprise America today, the country continues to promote a white patriarchal English-speaking identity, which proves to be problematic for several immigrants. However, this does not seem to dissuade many
individuals, as newcomers continually choose to move to the United States for different reasons. And except for Native American Indians, all Americans are themselves either former immigrants or descendants of immigrants, adding to the irony of the situation.
Despite the many problems that exist within the United States, most people that choose to immigrate to America do so in search of freedom. As well as the expected financial gain and elevation in status, newcomers believe that America can provide them with freedoms that are nonexistent in their native countries. Yezierska states, ?My dollars that I could spend like a free person. My dollars that would make me feel with everybody alike? (Yezierska 23). It is obvious that a number of immigrants equate money with freedom. In America, they expect to have the opportunity to earn enough money to live comfortably, and also believe that they can spend their money as they choose. Furthermore, they assume that the opportunity to accumulate wealth will in turn lead to being able to engage in activities of their choosing. When deciding on America as their destination, most immigrants do not necessarily think that their lives will change into one of luxury or splendor; rather, they strongly believe that the quality of life in the United States is better than in their native land. Immigrants fully expect to gain certain freedoms by moving to their new country because of their belief
in the rhetoric that proclaims America as the land of the free.
Unquestionably, one of the many problems newcomers face when moving to America is that of identity. It is very difficult, and often impossible, to completely dismiss one?s culture in order to better assimilate into a new country; to leave behind inherent traditions and customs for the American way of life. Yet, this is exactly what America demands from its citizens, and it is reinforced through the prevalent melting-pot ideology. Desmond King acknowledges this fact with the following: ?The melting-pot
model implied that immigrants to the United States discarded their previous ethnic values and loyalties, diving into a pool of mixed groups and becoming part of the resultant heterogeneous potion? (King 27). It is obvious that this prevailing ideology becomes problematic for new arrivals to the country. Forced to adhere to America?s melting-pot philosophy, they have no choice but to dispense with their cultivated identities; only then can they be considered ?real? Americans. King is a proponent of the American melting-pot system and argues that ?the presumption of a single national identity precluded diversity? (King 19). Adding to the problem of identity is the fact that many new arrivals are automatically placed in a lower social class, and the only way to break free from this construct is by becoming ?Americanized.? Once again, this entails forgetting life-long traditions and customs and embracing a new identity in order to completely assimilate
into America. For older immigrants, this becomes a nearly impossible task as they are distinctly different from the American ?norm.? Bean makes the following assertion: ?Immigration contributes to anxiety about
entity?.Some persons will be fearful of such identity changes simply because they involve newness? (Bean 9). The difficulty immigrants face when attempting to assimilate into America is paramount. Martin states, ?Integrating immigrants is far more
complex and marked by tensions that arise from the immigrants? desire to keep alive the culture and language of the community they left behind, and their need and wish to adapt to new surroundings and another society? (Martin 20). Unfortunately, it is impossible for newcomers to adapt to the United States without sacrificing their culture and identity because of the established melting-pot ideology that is ingrained in America. Although unfair and highly problematic, this sacrifice is nevertheless required for complete assimilation into American society.
Another major obstacle that immigrants face when moving to America is language. Although most newcomers have a basic understanding of English prior to arriving in the United States, some do not. This poses a tremendous problem for numerous foreigners because learning a new language can be very difficult and somewhat intimidating. Bean states, ?After arriving in the United States, non-English-language immigrants face numerous pressures and incentives to learn English as a second or
higher-order language or to increase their skills in English? (Bean 159). The language problem hinders these immigrants greatly because not only does it impede them from assimilating into American culture, but the problem also prevents them from functioning within the society. Aside from the obvious difficulty of communicating with their new countrymen, not speaking the language also leads to a sense of isolation in America. Bean argues that non English-speaking newcomers face ?the incompleteness of integration into a society still firmly dominated by the English language and by English speakers? (Bean 170). Their only recourse, prior to learning the language, is to associate
with other foreigners that speak their mother tongue, which in turn leads to further separation from the rest of America. Furthermore, the language barrier prevents these immigrants from an uplift in social class. Quite often, they are forced to accept employment in positions that are significantly lower than what they held in their homeland just to provide for their families. Cather states, ?The Bohemian and Scandinavian girls could not get positions as teachers, because they had had no opportunity to learn the language? (Cather 97). Cather alludes to the fact that these immigrant girls were unable to pursue their ambitions because of their inability to speak English. This clearly illustrates one of the major problems non-English speaking
immigrants face; a lack of opportunity due to not knowing the language spoken in their new country. Reimer echoes the typical arrogant American attitude towards newcomers: ?This is not to deny the rights of various groups to encourage the use of their respective languages in the home. Nevertheless, English is the ?glue? that helps keep American culture vibrant and dynamic? (Reimers 119). Similar to a number of Americans, Reimers
displays an attitude that shows an intolerance towards immigrants that choose to use their mother tongue outside of their homes. His statement also demonstrates that Americans consider English as the only acceptable language in their society. Reimers refers to English as the language that helps create and establish American culture, which places the new arrivals who are unable to speak the language in direct opposition to this ideal, through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, immigrants who cannot speak English find themselves at a great disadvantage when moving to America. The prevailing attitude of Americans leads one to believe immigrants can only belong in the United States after they have mastered the English language and not before then; a harsh reality that excludes countless newcomers and promotes racism.
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and finally....
and finally....
All evidence indicates that prejudice and discrimination are very common problems that immigrants continually face in the United States, as racism is instilled and continually reinforced in America through the melting-pot ideology. It has been documented throughout the history of the United States that newcomers face racial discrimination when seeking employment, which ultimately proves to be a very difficult problem to overcome. Bean reaffirms this fact with the following statement: ?Lingering discrimination and structural and institutional barriers to equal access to employment opportunities constitute obstacles to complete assimilation? (Bean 98). In conjunction with their inability and unwillingness to accept difference, Americans also perceive themselves to be superior to the newcomers and react to them accordingly. Foreigners are often treated with disdain and derision because they do not fit the Anglo-American model. In fact, racism is so prevalent in America that derogatory nicknames such as ?spic?, ?jap?, ?nigger? and ?chink? are now a part of the everyday slang American vernacular. Furthermore, immigrants are both diminished and feared, as illustrated by Cather: ??These foreigners ain?t the same. You can?t trust ?em to be fair?.They ain?t to be trusted?? (Cather 64) and ?The country girls were considered a menace to the social order. Their beauty shone out too boldly against a conventional background? (Cather 98). King adds, ?Hostility to economic migrants became subsumed into a more general fear of alien groups and so-called racially ?undesirable? immigrants? (King 11). The diminution and fear of newcomers arises from ignorant Americans who develop an intolerant attitude towards the foreigners. Due to their lack of understanding, Americans also have a tendency to react apprehensively towards the new arrivals and categorize them as inferior human beings. Moreover, prejudice and discrimination is even more apparent for ethnic immigrants. In refusing to educate themselves, Americans make it apparent that they do not wish to learn about the newcomers? uniqueness, traditions and customs, and because of this ignorance Americans typically assume the worst and develop a fear of the unknown towards ethnic groups. Bean affirms this statement with the following: ?Among non-whites the reaffirmation of ?ethnicity? probably arises most in reaction to real and perceived discrimination? (Bean 109). They become an obvious target for abuse as their aesthetic is in direct contrast to the white Anglo-American model. Also, the fact that numerous non-white immigrants are marginalized helps foster the discrimination that they continually face. And although racism is ongoing throughout the United States, minority immigrants are subjected to an even greater amount of abuse, in comparison to their white counterparts. These prejudicial acts force minority
immigrants to seek solace within their own ethnic community, which in turn further isolates them from the rest of America, creating a complicitous problem.
Throughout history, a capitalistic America has consumed its own immigrants and continues to do so, even today. Foreigners are allowed into the country for the sole purpose of enriching America. Their combined efforts have helped to make the United States the most powerful nation in the world, and in return, they are compensated for their work, although sometimes unfairly. And often, despite all their toil, they are discarded as soon as they are deemed expendable. Cather states, ?Jake and Otto served us to the last?and seemed loath to leave us. But at last they went, without warning. Those two fellows had been faithful to us through sun and storm? (Cather 71). In this passage, Cather refers to the consumption of the two immigrants, Jake and Otto, by the American family that they served. Although the two men assisted Jim?s family loyally, they were left with no alternative but to leave once their services were no longer required. As a reward for their loyal servitude, Jake and Otto were dismissed after being used up by Jim?s family. Another problem critics point out is that America?s commitment to the
consumption of immigrants eventually led to the advent of slavery. Reimers claims, ?The colonists wanted good workers and offered incentives for persons bringing in white indentured servants. Eventually white southerners decided that slaves better served their needs? (Reimers 7). Slaves were brought into America to be consumed and serve their southern white owners. And although they spent their entire lives working for their
owners, they received very little compensation in return, if any. Despite the abolishment of slavery, factors such as racial discrimination continues to promote slavery in today?s American society, evidenced by a number of immigrants who are forced into the proletariat. Countless newcomers are left with no choice but to accept low-paying positions in order to support their families. Cather states, ?Fuchs had been a cowboy, a stage-driver, a bar-tender, a miner; had wandered all over that great Western country and done hard work everywhere, though as grandmother said, he had nothing to show for it? (Cather 35). Similar to Fuchs, millions of immigrants are consumed by America and end up with nothing, despite all their hard work. Committed to the consumption of its immigrants, the United States continually accepts foreigners into the country for its own betterment.
Despite the rhetoric proclaiming America to be the land of the free, freedom is an illusion for most newcomers. Morris states, ?Extremely high unemployment and underemployment combined with low wages constitute a barrier to the fulfillment of the aspirations of millions of people? (Morris 67). Faced with many obstacles and hardships including unemployment, countless immigrants are relegated to accepting low-paying jobs that are far beneath their expectations. And because of their low-income
employment, they often have to work unbelievably long hours in order to support their families. Their lives become a never-ending cycle of continuous work and sleep, which leaves them with very little time for their loved ones and leisure activities that they enjoy. Yezierska states, ?But from my high visions, my golden hopes, I had to put my feet down on earth. I had to have the money to pay for it? (Yezierska 20). Due to employment issues and the other problems previously stated, immigrants cannot truly be free. In this case, money does in fact translate to freedom and autonomy, and countless newcomers are not given the opportunity to realize financial gain and elevate their social standing. Yezierska encapsulates a typical foreigner?s views with the following: ?But now I felt that the America of my dreams never was and never could be. Reality had hit me on the
head as with a club. I felt that the America that I sought was nothing but a shadow ? an echo ? a chimera of lunatics and crazy immigrants? (Yezierska 31). Numerous immigrants move to America with extremely high expectations. However, instead of
freedom, they face the harsh reality of an oppressed existence, as the freedom they expect from America is nonexistent.
Undeniably, leaving one?s native country to move to a foreign land can be a terrifying experience. Problems with identity, language and racism only adds to the difficulties immigrants face. In the United States, not only are these problems prevalent for newcomers, but they are further compounded by expectations of autonomy and freedoms that are never realized. Moreover, they are forced into the proletariat with little or no hope of social uplift as they are consumed by America. Upon further examination, all evidence indicates that the immigrant experience in the United States of America is fraught with problems that are often linked, which in turn establishes a definite negative causal effect. Freedom in the United States is illusory, and presenting the immigrant experience in America is an exercise of negativity. Inevitably, aside from the cold, Canada presents a more viable alternative!
and finally....
All evidence indicates that prejudice and discrimination are very common problems that immigrants continually face in the United States, as racism is instilled and continually reinforced in America through the melting-pot ideology. It has been documented throughout the history of the United States that newcomers face racial discrimination when seeking employment, which ultimately proves to be a very difficult problem to overcome. Bean reaffirms this fact with the following statement: ?Lingering discrimination and structural and institutional barriers to equal access to employment opportunities constitute obstacles to complete assimilation? (Bean 98). In conjunction with their inability and unwillingness to accept difference, Americans also perceive themselves to be superior to the newcomers and react to them accordingly. Foreigners are often treated with disdain and derision because they do not fit the Anglo-American model. In fact, racism is so prevalent in America that derogatory nicknames such as ?spic?, ?jap?, ?nigger? and ?chink? are now a part of the everyday slang American vernacular. Furthermore, immigrants are both diminished and feared, as illustrated by Cather: ??These foreigners ain?t the same. You can?t trust ?em to be fair?.They ain?t to be trusted?? (Cather 64) and ?The country girls were considered a menace to the social order. Their beauty shone out too boldly against a conventional background? (Cather 98). King adds, ?Hostility to economic migrants became subsumed into a more general fear of alien groups and so-called racially ?undesirable? immigrants? (King 11). The diminution and fear of newcomers arises from ignorant Americans who develop an intolerant attitude towards the foreigners. Due to their lack of understanding, Americans also have a tendency to react apprehensively towards the new arrivals and categorize them as inferior human beings. Moreover, prejudice and discrimination is even more apparent for ethnic immigrants. In refusing to educate themselves, Americans make it apparent that they do not wish to learn about the newcomers? uniqueness, traditions and customs, and because of this ignorance Americans typically assume the worst and develop a fear of the unknown towards ethnic groups. Bean affirms this statement with the following: ?Among non-whites the reaffirmation of ?ethnicity? probably arises most in reaction to real and perceived discrimination? (Bean 109). They become an obvious target for abuse as their aesthetic is in direct contrast to the white Anglo-American model. Also, the fact that numerous non-white immigrants are marginalized helps foster the discrimination that they continually face. And although racism is ongoing throughout the United States, minority immigrants are subjected to an even greater amount of abuse, in comparison to their white counterparts. These prejudicial acts force minority
immigrants to seek solace within their own ethnic community, which in turn further isolates them from the rest of America, creating a complicitous problem.
Throughout history, a capitalistic America has consumed its own immigrants and continues to do so, even today. Foreigners are allowed into the country for the sole purpose of enriching America. Their combined efforts have helped to make the United States the most powerful nation in the world, and in return, they are compensated for their work, although sometimes unfairly. And often, despite all their toil, they are discarded as soon as they are deemed expendable. Cather states, ?Jake and Otto served us to the last?and seemed loath to leave us. But at last they went, without warning. Those two fellows had been faithful to us through sun and storm? (Cather 71). In this passage, Cather refers to the consumption of the two immigrants, Jake and Otto, by the American family that they served. Although the two men assisted Jim?s family loyally, they were left with no alternative but to leave once their services were no longer required. As a reward for their loyal servitude, Jake and Otto were dismissed after being used up by Jim?s family. Another problem critics point out is that America?s commitment to the
consumption of immigrants eventually led to the advent of slavery. Reimers claims, ?The colonists wanted good workers and offered incentives for persons bringing in white indentured servants. Eventually white southerners decided that slaves better served their needs? (Reimers 7). Slaves were brought into America to be consumed and serve their southern white owners. And although they spent their entire lives working for their
owners, they received very little compensation in return, if any. Despite the abolishment of slavery, factors such as racial discrimination continues to promote slavery in today?s American society, evidenced by a number of immigrants who are forced into the proletariat. Countless newcomers are left with no choice but to accept low-paying positions in order to support their families. Cather states, ?Fuchs had been a cowboy, a stage-driver, a bar-tender, a miner; had wandered all over that great Western country and done hard work everywhere, though as grandmother said, he had nothing to show for it? (Cather 35). Similar to Fuchs, millions of immigrants are consumed by America and end up with nothing, despite all their hard work. Committed to the consumption of its immigrants, the United States continually accepts foreigners into the country for its own betterment.
Despite the rhetoric proclaiming America to be the land of the free, freedom is an illusion for most newcomers. Morris states, ?Extremely high unemployment and underemployment combined with low wages constitute a barrier to the fulfillment of the aspirations of millions of people? (Morris 67). Faced with many obstacles and hardships including unemployment, countless immigrants are relegated to accepting low-paying jobs that are far beneath their expectations. And because of their low-income
employment, they often have to work unbelievably long hours in order to support their families. Their lives become a never-ending cycle of continuous work and sleep, which leaves them with very little time for their loved ones and leisure activities that they enjoy. Yezierska states, ?But from my high visions, my golden hopes, I had to put my feet down on earth. I had to have the money to pay for it? (Yezierska 20). Due to employment issues and the other problems previously stated, immigrants cannot truly be free. In this case, money does in fact translate to freedom and autonomy, and countless newcomers are not given the opportunity to realize financial gain and elevate their social standing. Yezierska encapsulates a typical foreigner?s views with the following: ?But now I felt that the America of my dreams never was and never could be. Reality had hit me on the
head as with a club. I felt that the America that I sought was nothing but a shadow ? an echo ? a chimera of lunatics and crazy immigrants? (Yezierska 31). Numerous immigrants move to America with extremely high expectations. However, instead of
freedom, they face the harsh reality of an oppressed existence, as the freedom they expect from America is nonexistent.
Undeniably, leaving one?s native country to move to a foreign land can be a terrifying experience. Problems with identity, language and racism only adds to the difficulties immigrants face. In the United States, not only are these problems prevalent for newcomers, but they are further compounded by expectations of autonomy and freedoms that are never realized. Moreover, they are forced into the proletariat with little or no hope of social uplift as they are consumed by America. Upon further examination, all evidence indicates that the immigrant experience in the United States of America is fraught with problems that are often linked, which in turn establishes a definite negative causal effect. Freedom in the United States is illusory, and presenting the immigrant experience in America is an exercise of negativity. Inevitably, aside from the cold, Canada presents a more viable alternative!
ChrryBlstr so what your saying. Our nation USA of big old fat white guys tends to be racist. Now you know you want to be down here with us. It's true we have those old fat white guys most with money falling out of there pockets. Screw-em power to the little guy. Come down and live here we be nice to you.
Yeah. Sorry!Was just trying to say (in a round about fashion) that there are always going to be 'radicals' that want to (and do) kill people because of their (or someone else's) beliefs.
As someone else said, this has been going on long before we even had guns. (djv)
The fact is that a rediculously, minutely, microscopically, tiny % of Muslim's do horrific things. I'm afraid it just isn't logistically possible to guard against such things.
My absolute, heart-felt sympathy to anyone out there that has been personally affected by any terrorist 'activity', but (also as djv said) as a % of un-natural deaths it's unimaginably small!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying "It's tiny, so don't worry about it.", but the time/resources needed to try to eliminate terrorist incidents are terribly out of proportion to any results we may or may not see.
Thanks for reference Stevie--I look forward to reading them.
Hellah 10 You were the 1st that came to mind when I stated the catch 22 bout feeling bad about those that are model citizens being unjustly profiled with others.
The patriot act is a concern because of the potential abuses that could be employed--but when I think of the worser ofevils--hmmm
Personally I would have no objections to gov accessing anything of mine--computers included. While I consider it a violation of freedoms I also realize that these are precarious times.
Another catch 22--Our freedoms are one of our most cherished rights yet many protect the criminals more so than the abiding citizen.
Hellah 10 You were the 1st that came to mind when I stated the catch 22 bout feeling bad about those that are model citizens being unjustly profiled with others.
The patriot act is a concern because of the potential abuses that could be employed--but when I think of the worser ofevils--hmmm
Personally I would have no objections to gov accessing anything of mine--computers included. While I consider it a violation of freedoms I also realize that these are precarious times.
Another catch 22--Our freedoms are one of our most cherished rights yet many protect the criminals more so than the abiding citizen.
dogs, if you or the government think things are as bad as that, then the gov't has the power to suspend civil liberties by declaring martial law. that's a pretty extreme remedy but at least it focuses everyone on the question of whether it is really necessary. the problem with laws like the patriotic act is that they'e still around long after the threat passes when, instead of terrorism, the gov't shifts their priorities to, lets see, weeding out internet gambling, or going to all gunowners homes and collecting their weapons. it's kinda hard to put pandora back in the box once you let her out. once you allow the gov't to dilute your civil liberties, they are gone forever.
You are up early my friend--and you are 100% correct--
The gov notorious for implementing special tax or law to cover unique situation --and never repeal when situation resolved--but use for other instances not intended. Could not agree more--and yes it is very scarey. Would be nice if they put time limit on them and would have to be warrented "and voted on" to extend if needed--preferable by the people.
The gov notorious for implementing special tax or law to cover unique situation --and never repeal when situation resolved--but use for other instances not intended. Could not agree more--and yes it is very scarey. Would be nice if they put time limit on them and would have to be warrented "and voted on" to extend if needed--preferable by the people.
Guy's things are not that bad. And I will not let there scare tactics change my way of life. This country is huge. Will they hit again. Whats to stop them. We cant guard every little way in. And truth be told some are here already. And many are not Arab's at all. There just plan nuts or government haters. There are more Terry Nicholes. Like the odds given on Fox this morning. Yours odds in this country are higher of you dieing by lighting strike then terror attack.
Re: and finally....
Re: and finally....
Dear Immigrant ..aka- Spic, Jap, Chink, Nigger etc..
Thank-you for your application but do to the fact we are a exploitive, racist, oppressive, prejudicial, marginalizing, abusive, social capping, profiling country we have found that it is in your best interest to immigrate to Canada.
You Application has been DENIED:: Good Luck
Sincerely,
WHITEY
Re: and finally....
ChrryBlstr said:However, instead of freedom, they face the harsh reality of an oppressed existence, as the freedom they expect from America is nonexistent.
Freedom in the United States is illusory, and presenting the immigrant experience in America is an exercise of negativity. Inevitably, aside from the cold, Canada presents a more viable alternative!
Dear Immigrant ..aka- Spic, Jap, Chink, Nigger etc..
Thank-you for your application but do to the fact we are a exploitive, racist, oppressive, prejudicial, marginalizing, abusive, social capping, profiling country we have found that it is in your best interest to immigrate to Canada.
You Application has been DENIED:: Good Luck
Sincerely,
WHITEY
Call me biggoted or misinformed or a redneck, or whatever, but when an Arab is in my vicinity, I get nervous. Don't hardly see how I can be blamed for that either although I hardly think Bowling Green is a terrorist hotspot.
Conversely, I have played hoops many times in black neighborhoods and been one of the only whites around, and I wasn't nervous at all, nor did I feel unsafe (this is before the cell phone days).
PS, I'm also not the least bit nervous around a group of Asians!
Conversely, I have played hoops many times in black neighborhoods and been one of the only whites around, and I wasn't nervous at all, nor did I feel unsafe (this is before the cell phone days).
PS, I'm also not the least bit nervous around a group of Asians!
well
well
i`ll have to disagree with loop....i believe that there is no question that the last 28 months of peace in america, where not another life has been lost on american soil to terrorism, would have been much more difficult without the patriot act.
. i think right now at this time and this place the greatest threat to American liberty comes from al-qaida and their sympathizers rather than from the people of law enforcement and national security who seek to defend america and her people against that threat.
That doesn't mean that each and every single one of us agrees with everything that is done in the fight against terror.
i think that what upsets the aclu and lawyers of every ilk(no offense intended)is that these tools can be used in general criminal investigations as well. .
the terrorists do not go around wearing an "i am a terrorist" t-shirt, and these " tools" are the ones that allow us not only to deter terrorism but also to investigate crimes. ....
i think it is very easy to use sweeping rhetoric and ludicrous examples of the most extreme potential misuses of the powers of the patriot act...and throwing the declaration of marshall law out there as though it`s a realistic option....i think loop was being facetious... ...if you think everyone`s panties are in a bunch over the patriot act,what do you think happens if martial law is declared....won`t happen...not even worthy of discussion...and a bad example..
in some of the touchier provisions of the act,in order to access business records in a criminal investigation, a judge has to approve such orders, not simply a clerk of the court, as in ordinary criminal investigations.
second, the department of justice is obligated to report to congress once every six months on the manner and the number of times it has used this procedure..... and it calls for special protection by requiring that the fbi not target an investigation based solely on first amendment activities........it`s not giving the government a blanket ability to run rampant over every average joe standing on the corner...
if anyone has examples of these laws that are imposed in difficult times and have remained on the books long after they were necessary, to diminish our civil liberties and quality of life long after they`ve outlived their usefulness,please make them known...
i`m just not as paranoid about this as some....maybe some have ulterior motives underlying their arguments...
i respect loop and everyone that disagrees with me on this...i appear to be in the minority...
well
i`ll have to disagree with loop....i believe that there is no question that the last 28 months of peace in america, where not another life has been lost on american soil to terrorism, would have been much more difficult without the patriot act.
. i think right now at this time and this place the greatest threat to American liberty comes from al-qaida and their sympathizers rather than from the people of law enforcement and national security who seek to defend america and her people against that threat.
That doesn't mean that each and every single one of us agrees with everything that is done in the fight against terror.
i think that what upsets the aclu and lawyers of every ilk(no offense intended)is that these tools can be used in general criminal investigations as well. .
the terrorists do not go around wearing an "i am a terrorist" t-shirt, and these " tools" are the ones that allow us not only to deter terrorism but also to investigate crimes. ....
i think it is very easy to use sweeping rhetoric and ludicrous examples of the most extreme potential misuses of the powers of the patriot act...and throwing the declaration of marshall law out there as though it`s a realistic option....i think loop was being facetious... ...if you think everyone`s panties are in a bunch over the patriot act,what do you think happens if martial law is declared....won`t happen...not even worthy of discussion...and a bad example..
in some of the touchier provisions of the act,in order to access business records in a criminal investigation, a judge has to approve such orders, not simply a clerk of the court, as in ordinary criminal investigations.
second, the department of justice is obligated to report to congress once every six months on the manner and the number of times it has used this procedure..... and it calls for special protection by requiring that the fbi not target an investigation based solely on first amendment activities........it`s not giving the government a blanket ability to run rampant over every average joe standing on the corner...
if anyone has examples of these laws that are imposed in difficult times and have remained on the books long after they were necessary, to diminish our civil liberties and quality of life long after they`ve outlived their usefulness,please make them known...
i`m just not as paranoid about this as some....maybe some have ulterior motives underlying their arguments...
i respect loop and everyone that disagrees with me on this...i appear to be in the minority...
