I found this essay very interesting for a couple of reasons. First of all, it was different than most of the assignments I've read during my time at UW. I enjoyed getting to read somebodies personal style of writting as opposed to a textbook, as odd as that may sound. Also, I find the topic of immigration very interesting and relevant to my life. (Of course, that is why I applied for this program!)
There were two points within the article that I found most interesting. The first is when the author points out that the way most people view immigration is very negative. We view it as an unwanted rush on our borders. However, I think that immigration can be very healthy and she points this out as well. If we actually educate ourselves on the history of immigration we could be very surprised at what we find. There are patterns to it and not everyone is trying to come to our country, as great as we may think that we are. If we view immigration in this light, then we may realize that it can be beneficial. We are all ourselves immigrants in some way or another, who are we to look at someone trying to do what we have done as an outsider or foreigner?
This brings me to the second point I loved about her article. I enjoyed learning about the French. The title of that section tells it all, "The More the Better and Make Them all French." I really agree that what makes up a nation is more political than blood or descent. As Americans, I feel that it is very important to notice how varied our background is and to be accepting of all of those trying to make a better life within our borders, not treat them as aliens or temporary labor as the Germans did.
In summary, I found this article to be a great background to immigration in the past and an informational way to jump start the class into our studies. I really liked the topic of the role of individualism and how it fits into this reading and I look forward to discussing this more in class next week.
Hello!
