In the United States of America, people, especially in the world of politics, are often asked to define who is exactly is an “American”. On the surface, the answer seems rather obvious; an American is a person who is a native or citizen of the United States of America (Oxford Dictionary). However, 239 years ago, the United States of America became it’s own independent country. Since the formation of the original 13 colonies, men, women, and their families have fled to the USA to escape the injustices happening in their home countries in hopes of a better life. The USA was a country founded by immigrants, built by immigrants, for immigrants.
In terms of race, American’s are generally associated with being white anglo-saxon, English speaking …show more content…
There have been a great amount of stigmas and prejudice of certain races and ethnicities coming into the USA, depending on what influx of people are coming into the country at that time. In Peter Behrens’ 2012 article It’s about Immigrants not Irishness, he discusses his disappointment when he hears people of Irish descent use derogatory names of Mexican or Central American immigrants. He feels this way because during the late 1840’s to early 1850’s roughly 500,000 Irish immigrated to the United States, where they accounted for more than half of all immigrants in the 1840s(Pbs.org). During this time of mainly Irish immigrants, the people endured a vast amount of slander and prejudice. “The Irish were seen as unclean, immoral,...and were said the be peculiarly prone to violence”(Behrens). He also describes how the media similarly portrayed the Irish as ape-like and rash, quick tempered people. He is bothered by the way people celebrate St. Patrick’s day and use it just as an excuse to excessively drink. Behrens believes that St. Patrick’s day should celebrate all that the Irish have overcome the hardships and discrimination they endured when they came to the
In terms of race, American’s are generally associated with being white anglo-saxon, English speaking …show more content…
There have been a great amount of stigmas and prejudice of certain races and ethnicities coming into the USA, depending on what influx of people are coming into the country at that time. In Peter Behrens’ 2012 article It’s about Immigrants not Irishness, he discusses his disappointment when he hears people of Irish descent use derogatory names of Mexican or Central American immigrants. He feels this way because during the late 1840’s to early 1850’s roughly 500,000 Irish immigrated to the United States, where they accounted for more than half of all immigrants in the 1840s(Pbs.org). During this time of mainly Irish immigrants, the people endured a vast amount of slander and prejudice. “The Irish were seen as unclean, immoral,...and were said the be peculiarly prone to violence”(Behrens). He also describes how the media similarly portrayed the Irish as ape-like and rash, quick tempered people. He is bothered by the way people celebrate St. Patrick’s day and use it just as an excuse to excessively drink. Behrens believes that St. Patrick’s day should celebrate all that the Irish have overcome the hardships and discrimination they endured when they came to the