Sunday 3 November 2013

The New American


"Are not these blacks thy children as well as we?"

De Crevecoeur had the idea that, upon arriving in America, a European would no longer be European, but a new man, an American.

This idea of immigration to America, and then throwing away all ties to your previous country, is still prevalent today, and Crevecoeur assumes, why would you want to be ties to your old country, when you had nothing. 

"The indulgent laws, protect them as they arrive, stamping on them they symbol of adoption", implying that you become an American through adoption. You become a new person, and can start fresh a new life. The reason I chose this image, was because I believe this embodies the idea of a new American, or in some cases, a new second generation American. The Pledge of Allegiance is said in most schools in America, and all children, no matter race or religion, share the common factor that they are American. Which is no wonder america is referred to as a 'melting pot'.

However, Crevecoeur's idea that the new american leaves his past behind, could be argued to be not as true, as American's tend to be proud of their ancestry and heritage, no matter where from.

Additionally, the blacks who were once slaves, are now considered American, despite their beginnings as slaves in america. De Crevecoeur, in "Letters from an American Farmer", clearly wonders why blacks can't also become this New American,  "Are not these blacks thy children as well as we?", and wishes them to be put out of their misery, yet is left at a loss. The society of America today, is far more equal, but still has a way to go.

However, the New American, as proposed by Crevecoeur, is still surviving today, as this image proves.

http://qz.com/95845/how-elite-universities-are-killing-the-american-dream/

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