According to scholar Gleason’s article, he explains the meaning of the term “melting Pot” and asses some Americans views on the term. He explains “There is much evidence to support the assertion that ‘the melting pot concept is stubbornly entrenched in our nation subconscious’ and that it is ‘part of the American official mythology.’ ”Gleason is suggesting that assimilation and the melting pot are viewed by some people as iconic to American identity. The Irish would often assimilate by finding American jobs, and even getting involved in American politics.
The idea of assimilation presented the idea of starting a new chapter. After the potato famine of the 1840’s, the Irish wanted to forget the past of living in starvation, and poverty in their homeland. My family intended to assimilate on the means of finding a job. They needed money to make a living in a new society and culture, so they adapted with their labor jobs.
The Irish were able to overcome stereotypes, prejudices, and hard economic conditions by simply remembering the ideas of hope. According to an article by scholar Hirchman, “Although the American Government and people have not always embraced immigrants, the image of the United States as a land of opportunity and refuge has become it’s preeminent national identity at home and abroad.”Although the Irish and many other immigrants were burdened and weighed down by stereotypes and nativism, the Irish had to remember why they came to America in the first place. The Irish had come to start a new life, and to gain new opportunities. Hope was the real reason the Irish had settled in America. This is exactly what my ancestors intended to do.
driscollfamilyhistory 