The many contributions of immigrants.

This nation of immigrants is rapidly becoming a nation of native-born citizens. Today, the number of foreign-born in the United States makes up only about 6% of the population, and only 11% of Americans are the children of immigrants. The days of mass immigration are probably over. But the influence of the movement will never be erased. Americans have adopted many of the customs and ideas of the immigrants as their own. President Kennedy explained it this way: "... each wave of Immigration left its own impact on American society; each madе its distinctive 'contribu­tion’ to the building of the nation and the evolution of American life”.

She wide variety of immigrant groups in the United States has given the nation great industrial, diversity. Germans, Scandinavians and Poles share the credit for turning millions of acres of wilderness into productive farmland. Scandinavians also helped to develop the lumbering industry, along with Canadians. The Swedes built the first log cabins. The Swiss brought clock-making and cheese-making skills. The English were, experienced in the handling of horses, cattle, and sheep. The Greeks, Italians, Portu­guese and Spanish grew citrus fruits and grapes. Italians start­ed the wine industry. Chinese and Irish laborers built the first, railroad that spanned the nation.

In addition to their skills immigrants brought their native customs and beliefs— political and social theories, religions, academic traditions, holidays, festivals, sports, arts, hobbies, foods-— and by doing so, they greatly enriched American culture. The Germans introduced the Christmas tree, kindergarten, and the symphony orchestra. The Dutch brought the art of growing tulips, ice skating, bowling, and golf. The French taught Americans elegant continental cooking and dancing. Italians brought their ta­lents in painting, sculpture, and architecture, the Irish firm­ly, established the Catholic Church as an English-speaking Insti­tution (originally, on this continent it was French), introduced parochial schools, and built many Catholic colleges. The Irish also became active in politics and organized the first big nationwide labor union.

The American diet has also been delightfully affected by various immigrant groups. The Dutch taught Americans to make waffles and donuts. The Germans brought hamburgers and sausages. Italians introduced Americans to pizza, spaghetti, minestrone, and ravioli. Americans also enjoy Swiss cheeses and fondues, Irish stew, Chinese Chow mein, Mexican tacos, Indian curries, Russian caviar, Middle Eastern shish kebab and yogurt, British Yorkshire pudding, Danish pastry, French chocolate mousse, and Turkish coffee, these are just a few of the foreign foods frequently on American dinner tables.

The United States has often been called a melting pot because immigrants from all over the world come to the USA and become one people with a common culture and a common loyalty. But the United States has never been a melting pot In the sense that it melted away all recollections of another way of life in another place. On the contrary, immigrants from the same country tend to settle in the same neighborhoods and establish their native reli­gious and cultural institutions. Most immigrant parents try to teach their children the language, traditions, religious customs, and moral outlook that is their heritage. Some of these traditi­ons are handed down from one generation to another. Many cities and communities have ethnic festivals (featuring food, music, games, and arts and crafts) to bring together people who share a common, national heritage. Some festivals are sponsored by one group (for example, people of Italian, Irish, or Polish descent), but others include people from dozens of different cultures. These events remind Americans that the nation is not really a melting pot at all. In fact, in recent years, people have begun to call it a salad bowl. Why? In a salad, many different elements are combined into a whole, but each ingredient also retains its Individual identity. That is what happens to people of different cultures when they become American citizens.

In spite of the nation's immigrant tradition, it still isn't easy being a newcomer to the U.S.A. Often, there is conflict between the ideas of the old country and those of the new country. Learning English is, for many, 3 very difficult task. Finding a good job in this highly technological nation is another challenge, nevertheless, despite the need for tremendous adjustments, most im­migrants learn to love their adopted land and to live happily in it. Some of the most patriotic Americans are those who have lived and suffered elsewhere. The U.S.A. has given many people a sense of hope and safety that they never had before. In return, immigrants have made immense contributions to their new country. Undoubted­ly, the U.S.A. hаз been strong and рrosреrоus largely because it is a nation, of immigrants.

Date: 2015-02-03; view: 956