Bush Call For "Assimilation"

President Bush, in a thinly veiled campaign whistle stop in Omaha, Nebraska, recently proclaimed that immigrants must learn to speak English and "assimilate" into this country by adopting "American values." The venue was chosen because of the local rumblings of discontent with the rise of Hispanic population [including immigrants]. The locals have expressed frustration about Hispanics who have taken meat packing jobs and farming jobs. The venue was also chosen to lend to support for a Republican challenger to Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson by exploiting a divisive issue.

That the speech was spoon fed to Bush is rather likely because he probably could not spell the word "assimilate" and almost certainly does not know the true meaning and implication of the term. Indeed, it could be argued that Bush should consider practicing what he preaches with regard to getting a solid command of the english language and a thorough understanding of American history. Often tongue tied and frequently off the mark when allowed to speak publicly, Bush could be a poster child for the policies he proclaims.

The more serious concern is that the "assimilation" campaign and policy is a step backward for America and an appeal to racist attitudes. In social and political circles, there has long been a continuing debate regarding the "assimilation" versus "melting pot" theories of social integration. Though this debate may be over the intellectual level of President Bush, it is important to understand in assessing policies advanced by his administration. Assimilation is a social strategy that requires new entrants into a society to suppress and submerge their heritage and ethnicity in order to adopt and mimic the culture and habits of the majority group in the new locale. The new entrants must act and try to look like the majority group in order to "fit in" and be "assimilated." The melting pot theory suggests that new entrants retain their ethnicity, heritage and cultural values while learning the mores and values of the locale. While conforming to the basic standards of conduct, laws and regulations of the new area they inhabit, they contribute to the mosaic of that community by introducing new ideas, customs and traditions. In addition, the melting pot theory encourages tolerance of other cultures while assimilation encourages conformity and intolerance for those who look and act differently from the majority or "norm."

This new proclamation represents an insidious and potentially dangerous call to intolerance and bigotry. It also directly conflicts with progress toward more universal public acceptance of globalism that this country needs in order to survive and compete in the future. There is no harm in promoting english language proficiency. English is one of the primary languages of business throughout the world. However, in virtually every other country of the world, students are raised to be bilingual and multilingual. This mindset of becoming proficient in multiple languages arms these young people with skills that will enable them to compete more effectively in business and social spheres throughout their lives. This culture of multilingualism is considered a positive value.

In contrast, the Bush policy suggests that a person in America who does not speak english well is to be looked down upon and not accepted as an equal person, not really an "American." Individuals raised in ethnic homes whose native tongue is not english, but who may have even sacrificed their children or loved ones in the service of this country are, under the Bush philosophy, only quasi Americans because of their failure to attain full command of the english language. Such a philosophy is not supportive of or representative of what many would consider "American values." Perhaps in the eye of the beholder we must concede that the country has not reached agreement on what "American values" really are. Are immigrants being encouraged to adopt bigotry, intolerance, exclusion and divisiveness? Or are they to be encouraged to adopt tolerance, inclusiveness and a sense of acceptance in a blended cultural community? These are the questions that should be raised in response to President Bush's call for "assimilation."