Americaness
Dear Mr. Deloria,
A couple of days ago, I asked my professor a question, "How should new immigrants find a balance point between their original culture and the 'mainstream American culture'?" Professor Hobbs told me that different parts in the U.S have different 'American culture'. I found myself nodded yet still baffled.
In your article, you seem to agree with the idea that American culture is "incomplete" and is defined by "what it is not". And to find some "root" or "authenticity" on this land, they often play Indians to justify their connection with this continent. As a country that roots its history in immigration, it is understandable that American culture is under constant change, results from both assimilation and segregation. However, you also mentioned the dominance of white males in trying to find a national identity. What role do you think this dominance plays in coining an American identity&culture? Does this help forming a distinctive culture, or does this overlook its variety by stressing too much on national unity?
And how does this diverse culture compare to other more homogenous culture? Or, is American culture even that "diverse"?
My questions might be somehow far-fetched from the topic of "playing Indian". However, I am sincerely looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Cynthia
A couple of days ago, I asked my professor a question, "How should new immigrants find a balance point between their original culture and the 'mainstream American culture'?" Professor Hobbs told me that different parts in the U.S have different 'American culture'. I found myself nodded yet still baffled.
In your article, you seem to agree with the idea that American culture is "incomplete" and is defined by "what it is not". And to find some "root" or "authenticity" on this land, they often play Indians to justify their connection with this continent. As a country that roots its history in immigration, it is understandable that American culture is under constant change, results from both assimilation and segregation. However, you also mentioned the dominance of white males in trying to find a national identity. What role do you think this dominance plays in coining an American identity&culture? Does this help forming a distinctive culture, or does this overlook its variety by stressing too much on national unity?
And how does this diverse culture compare to other more homogenous culture? Or, is American culture even that "diverse"?
My questions might be somehow far-fetched from the topic of "playing Indian". However, I am sincerely looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Cynthia
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