Week:3

The article titled “Political Identity & Political Culture” was a very interesting piece of literature in which I enjoyed reading. The article examines two different works from two different individuals and their take on how America defines “multiculturalism”. Essay number one is titled “Trans-National America” by Randolph Bourne and it was written to support the idea of accepting diversity in America during World War I. Additionally, G.K Chesterton also supports the idea of multiculturalism in his book titled “What I saw in America” however, Chesterton speaks after the ending of World War I.  These perspectives share the same idea when it comes to American way of life although written in two different time periods.

Randolph Bourne was influenced by the many events that were taking place during World War I like the “Immigration Act of 1917 and the Sedation Act of 1917/1918”. Both acts were against immigrants and were implemented to send many immigrants back to their country. As a result, Bourne noticed how America failed to accept and integrate other cultures in the US. Bourne suggested that the term “Americanization” should be redefined in a way where every culture is accepted and appreciated. Bourne states, “There is no real American national culture, that in fact it has always been sort of a mash-up between all kinds of different cultures like the Anglo-Saxon being just more predominant, but never exclusively…American culture then is really a mixture of different cultures and customs, that collectively form a unique, transnational political culture”. Many of these issues are to blame the Anglo-Saxon (first colonial settlers after the Native Americans) for labeling others as “in superior” to their kind. What is fascinating about the Anglo-Saxon race is that they are a mix between England and German individuals. In sum, Bourne insinuates that America should be defined for what it is and not for what it was to promote and give the true meaning to the expression “equality for all”.

Moreover, Chesterton is writing after the ending of World War I, emphasizing tension and hostility towards other cultures. His ideas were sparked after filling out a passport questionnaire where he comes across many offensive questions that jeopardize the true meaning of accepting other cultures.  In his writing it is evident that the US government falsely advertises the meaning of “equality and justice”. Chesterton states, “US government is founded on a creed, the meaning of the creed is best captured in The Declaration of Independence: … Which it enunciates that all men are equal in their claim to justice, that governments exist to give them that justice, and that their authority is for that reason just. The point is that there is a creed, if not about divine, at least about human things”. For this reason, Chesterton is able to identify the major issues of “racial, gender and economic disparities” in America.

In conclusion, both Bourne and Chesterton discuss the many problems that haunt many immigrants in the United States till present day. Although they both take different directions in their writing styles they both seem to come across the idea of redefining “nationalism” and “Americanization” in order to make America a better place for all cultures. Both individuals make it clear that the Anglo’s are no longer and should no longer be seen nor worshiped as the “superior” race.