ImmigrationMyths and Realities

What do you think of when you see these images?

Gwen Neu

Gwen Neu

Joshua DeLorenzo

Myth: The Plymouth Rock myth upholds the idea that immigrants found political and/or religious freedom in the United States.

Reality: South Asian immigrants became targets of prejudice and discrimination because of their various religions. During World War I, they became targets of a political investigation relating to a conspiracy with Germans in an attempt foment a rebellion against British rule in India.

Myth: The Statue of Liberty symbolizes an America that welcomed the poorest of the world’s poor through its so-called open door.

Reality: South Asians, in addition to many other immigrants from around the world, encountered ever-tightening rules against immigration of those “likely to become public charges,” meaning immigrants who arrived with very little money, possessions, and social support systems in the United States.

Myth: The Melting Pot myth puts forth the idea that the various nationalities and ethnic groups assimilated into the dominant American culture and as a result became new people.

Reality: South Asian immigrants attempted to retain their culture by forming communities and following the traditions they brought with them. This desire to retain familiar habits, foods, and languages caused them to become targets of prejudice and discrimination.

Now what do you think of when you see these images?

Gwen Neu

Gwen Neu

Joshua DeLorenzo

What do you think the South Asian immigrants might say about each myth?

What parts of each myth have a basis in reality?

How did you think those realities became myths?

Why do you think it is important to understand the difference between myth and reality?

What other myths might there be in U. S. history?

Conclusions: