American Values
The United States claims to value immigrants and starting a new life in America, however they do not follow through in actions.
One of the most common things people think of about America is how it was founded by immigrants and worked its way to be the most powerful country. The classic “American Dream” is based on starting from nothing and working to have it all. The US was always thought to follow through with its core value of letting immigrants into the country that are being prosecuted or discriminated against.
In recent years, however, the US is not following through with its values of generosity and open arms. Thousands of immigrants are left at the border, not wanted by the President. They had to flee their countries to escape dangerous situations, only to be blocked from coming into America. Families have been separated, some children not knowing when they will see their parents again. A country that was thought of as welcoming anyone seeking asylum is suddenly turning a blind eye to those who need it most.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/09/30/trump-record-low-cap-refugees-hurts-them-american-values-column/3813742002/
The Statue of Liberty represents freedom, the idea of a new beginning for immigrants, and the idea that it can happen in America. A poem written for the Statue by Emma Lazarus reads "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
President Trump’s immigration official Ken Cuccinelli revised the poem mainly to welcome those who can "stand on their own two feet and not become a public charge" (CBS). The core values of America changed in one sentence. These words represent America's new mindset on immigrants. Instead of welcoming in anyone who needs refuge, Americans only let in those willing to work and improve the economy.
https://libertyellisfoundation.org/about-the-statue-of-liberty
My question to you is: do you think this new poem would interfere with American's core value of welcoming immigrants? Why would they change the poem now, after so many years? How does this new poem reflect American’s changing values?
Hello, Catherine! My name is Ms. Blair, and I have been observing your classroom for the past few weeks. I will also be student teaching in your class this winter. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your classmates throughout this school year!
ReplyDeleteYour topic is intriguing in that it shows how a society's values can shift or change over time. This, of course, can result in the political tension we're seeing regarding immigration. Is this shift in values permanent, or could values shift once again to welcoming immigrants? What might prompt such a shift?