Assignment (Due 9/24): Choose a quote from Chesterton and write it out on your blog. Under that write your interpretation of what you think the author is trying to say. Then, after that write out your own explanation of the meaning of this passage and why you chose this specific quote. Next class, we will talk about the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.
Of course this generalization about America, like other historical things, is subject to all sorts of cross[Pg 14] divisions and exceptions, to be considered in their place. The Negroes are a special problem, because of what white men in the past did to them. The Japanese are a special problem, because of what men fear that they in the future may do to white men. The Jews are a special problem, because of what they and the Gentiles, in the past, present, and future, seem to have the habit of doing to each other. But the point is not that nothing exists in America except this idea; it is that nothing like this idea exists anywhere except in America. This idea is not internationalism; on the contrary it is decidedly nationalism. The Americans are very patriotic, and wish to make their new citizens patriotic Americans.
I think what Chesterton is trying to say here is in america despite all the different scenarios that have happened with all the people of different races we are still willing to have these people in our country despite that as long as they conform to being American the way we view Americans should be. Other countries are more weary of foreigners and tend to not be so willing to accept a large number of people knowing that they come with different views and opinions and with their own sense of nationalism where as america just wants you to succumb to becoming american.
I chose this quote because it very much indicates what america was formed on and has been about even til this day sure we preach freedom and democracy but it all comes at cost and only then when you obtain it it has to be to american standard, and I sorta agree with this and then I dont I agree with letting everyone come over and start their lives a new in america and to be come american citizens however I don't agree that we should try and change and control so much of these people as well.
David, you stated some good points in your interpretation of “Chesterton” quote. People sometimes are myopic in their views when it comes to the generous ways America openly accepts immigrants from all corners of the world. This is one of the few countries of the world where everyone’s culture and religion is protected in a court of law. Can you imagine going to another country for example, Saudi Arabia and not following their laws? You may be decapitated for this or be stoned to death. This is also one of the few places that people risk everything to be and if everyone comes here and follows their same lifestyle, expecting their same mode of living, it makes you wonder why they left their homeland in the first place. As far as I am aware, in every country of this world, there are laws that are in place to govern as they see fit. This country is no different and if you are an immigrant or aspire to be one to this country, you should obey those laws even though you may think it does not apply to you. As far as I know, America does not force anyone to migrate here. People choose to do so for various reasons, but in so doing, they should respect and obey the laws of the land until these laws are changed to reflect otherwise. You cannot halfheartedly accept some aspects of being an American citizen, and furthermore, being patriotic is not something to be ashamed of.
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