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As global birthrates decline, as they are, nations which can consistently and willingly integrate immigrants have a huge cultural superpower. America does this
by 015a 2y ago
As global birthrates decline, as they are, nations which can consistently and willingly integrate immigrants have a huge cultural superpower. America does this better than any nation; we're the only nation on the planet that someone can come to and "become" our nationality. As an American; I can (with difficulty) move to Japan, but I cannot become Japanese; I can't become Australian; I can't become British, German, Chinese, or Indian; but people from those countries may come to America and become, in every sense of the word, American. That's a superpower. It might change over time, but its still true today.
When you combine that superpower with our insane natural resources; our insane oceanic coverage on the west and east borders; and our cultural and governmental bias toward personal freedom; there's simply no alternate reality or predictable-term future where America isn't a global leader.
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]
- RajT88 2y agoSome parts of the country you can "become American". My wife is a naturalized citizen from a former colony nation, and some places we travel people make it clear that they feel she is not a "real American" despite almost no accent and having lived here twice as long as where she was born.
- rayiner 2y agoIronically, DC makes me feel that way the most, where I routinely have to suffer the indignity explaining to people in professional contexts about my “diverse background” while they “ohh” and “ahh.”
- RajT88 2y agoI've heard that complaint from second gen immigrants. First gen don't seem to mind quite as much. (Just my observation - my wife also holds this view) Performative interest in diversity is condescending and othering. Well, performative interest period can be condescending and othering, regardless of the topic.
- rayiner 2y agoI’m first gen so I actually think of myself as less American than say my wife, whose ancestors came over before the revolutionary war. So I’m not offended that someone might view me that way. I just don’t see the point of making me discuss that in a professional setting. It’s like “dance for us, foreigner!”
- snapplebobapple 2y agoYou're forgetting Canada eh? Noo doobt aboot it, you can become a Canadian just by moving too eh. Only hosers forget Canada eh!
- gcapell 2y agoAustralian here: I think anyone can become Australian.