Ana Mckenna
Americanization
What does Americanization mean? Is it abandoning your roots? What about like Merriam-
Webster says, learning America’s language and history? Maybe it’s changing the way you dress or what you eat. I think Americanization is a little of all of that and more.
In the beginning, Native Americans tried to adapt to their new neighbors. The Cherokee nation created a legal code and also written symbols, they even published books, bibles and hymnals (Olson 57). Whites wanted them to become farmers and some did, whites wanted them to convert to Christianity, and some did; they even changed the way they dressed to accommodate the growing colony. Their efforts were not enough, they were forced to abandon their homes by many acts of legislation like the Homestead Act of 1862, their survival was hindered by the shrinking the amount of land to fish and hunt (packet). President Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, and thousands died from hunger and disease (Olson 58). They were removed to what was to be their new home, but yet again they were driven out.
Chinese immigrants have also suffered the Americanization process. In 1868 the Burlingame
Treaty encouraged Chinese to come to America to work on the railroad (Olson 75). Once they were here and the railroad was completed they outstayed their welcome. Employers had to pay a tax for every Chinese employee (packet 9) and labor unions wanted immigration restrictions
(Olson 75). This led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (packet 9), for the first time an entire group of people was banned from the United States.
Skin color has been a factor for many immigrants. In US vs. Bhagat Singh Thind the Supreme
Court ruled that Asian Indians were not really white (Olson 302) and African Americans had to fight to be considered equal.
The beginnings of America were by no means pretty; people suffered discrimination, exclusion and racism. America was made by different cultures coming together looking for something better, and in doing so they created a haven people want to run to. It’s human nature to want to fit in, so once here, some people may want to change the way they dress and even their religion, but that’s what’s so great about this country, you can. It’s also human nature to keep away from things you don’t understand, but again, it’s your right to do so. Americanization is many things; it’s giving a little and taking a little, whether it is your culture, your language or your tradition. It has been the growth of a nation; it’s losing some of your former home to make room for your new home.