Coca Cola, Speak English?
The first English settlers arrived at the New World in 1607.
The first Pilgrims arrived from Holland and London in 1620.
The first Africans were delivered to America in 1619.
Filipino sailors settled in the United States in 1750.
Mexicans had already settled America’s southwest.
The various tribes of the Native Americans, by definition, were already here.
America is Earth’s great melting pot. What other country has the honor of being built by nearly every nationality? Differences in cultures and histories can serve to divide or strengthen a people. America, in her history, has experienced both division and strength through cultural diversity. When she has favored division she has persecuted and isolated minorities with zeal. When she allowed differences to be her strength she conquered a wild country and reached out to touch the stars.
The reaction that some had to Coca Cola’s Super Bowl advertisement reminds the nation that she is once again at a crossroads. America has the opportunity to embrace diversity and the multiple peoples who call this great country home, or to degrade immigrants for their heritage and demand instant conformity to an American mold. But what mold are immigrants demanded to conform to? Just speak English? Is it enough to abandon the 300 plus languages that are spoken in this country, or are there other conformities a diverse people must make to be American? Or can it be enough to love this country and embrace her opportunities? Can natural citizens recognize that despite many differences all citizens share a commonality in being American?
The American experience is varied and wide and should remain that way. A monocultural America would be one of the most un-American realities possible.
JP Miller