The United States is arguably the most culturally diverse country in the world, which is why most know it as the “melting pot”. The United States adopted several aspects of American culture, including art, cuisine, fashion and traditions from the immigrants and minority groups that found this country as their home. However, the “land of opportunity” proved challenging for immigrants and minorities that attempted to become a successful piece within the Eurocentric American culture. This was mainly due to the pressures from the major industries to appeal to white audiences along with the added scrutiny and rejection of the minority groups that hoped to become a success. Although immigrant and minority children are not born with more creative talents than native-born U.S. citizens, their marginality may have pushed them into high-risk creative industries (Hirschman, 2013).
Duke Ellington, a composer, pianist and the band leader of his jazz orchestra was the most recognized around the world as a credible …show more content…
For example, Al Jolson, an immigrant from Russia was the highest paid entertainer in the country during the 1920s and 1930. Disowned by his family, he followed his dream of becoming a popular singer in the “land of opportunity for talented and hardworking immigrants” – America (Hirschman, 2013). Jolson, like Ellington, transformed the role and image of a performer with his creative touch and style of jazz by bringing the stage to life and performing closer to the audience as no one had done prior. Many greats such as Tony Bennet, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland credit Jolson to their success as performers. Jolson and other immigrant children and grandchildren have major contributions to the development of American performing arts. The innovation and creativity were a resilience and determination to succeed given the cultural marginality they faced as non-American
Duke Ellington, a composer, pianist and the band leader of his jazz orchestra was the most recognized around the world as a credible …show more content…
For example, Al Jolson, an immigrant from Russia was the highest paid entertainer in the country during the 1920s and 1930. Disowned by his family, he followed his dream of becoming a popular singer in the “land of opportunity for talented and hardworking immigrants” – America (Hirschman, 2013). Jolson, like Ellington, transformed the role and image of a performer with his creative touch and style of jazz by bringing the stage to life and performing closer to the audience as no one had done prior. Many greats such as Tony Bennet, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland credit Jolson to their success as performers. Jolson and other immigrant children and grandchildren have major contributions to the development of American performing arts. The innovation and creativity were a resilience and determination to succeed given the cultural marginality they faced as non-American