Who gets to be an American?

The question who gets to be an American has been a persistent theme throughout U.S history. Each era, from the Cold War into the present day, reflects to the expansions of American identity. During the Cold War, individuals’ loyalty to U.S. was questioned based on ethnicity or political beliefs (American Yawp Collective, 2013) Patriotism was defined by anti-communism through McCarthyism, where immigrants and minorities were excluded from the national identity.

Post-World War II America experienced a significant economic growth. However, it primarily benefited the dominant families leaving out racial minorities (American Yawp Collective, 2013). The inequality was significant in factors such as housing, employment and education, raising the question of the true American identity. These boundaries were later challenged in the 1960s as civil rights movements gained momentum (American Yawp Collective, 2013). Immigrants and various ethnic groups such as the African Americans and Latinos fought to redefine American citizenship, pushing for equal rights, voting access and social justice.

A significant backlash against marginalization and personal gain was seen in The Unravelling and The Triumph of the Right eras. Traditional values that excluded immigrants were reinforced by conservative politics’ emphasis on law and order. Immigration became more politicized and national identity was again contested. In the recent past, the debate over citizenship and identity has intensified through movements such as Black Lives Matter (American Yawp Collective, 2013), reflecting ongoing tensions over who should call America home.