During World War I and World War II, being German-American in the U.S. became less-than-agreeable. At that time, due to interpersonal and institutionalized discrimination, many German-Americans actively tried to assimilate into a still-very British America by downplaying their ethnic characteristics. This cartoon, published in 1921, illustrates how German-Americans attempted to do this and how well-aware the larger society was of their efforts:
(I have long since lost the source on this, but if someone sends one in, I will gladly link to it.)
Comments 5
Sociological Images » ASSIMILATION AS A CONDITION OF CITIZENSHIP FOR AMERICAN INDIANS — September 18, 2008
[...] a related example, see this cartoon mocking German attempts at assimilation during World War I. addthis_url = [...]
Christina — February 27, 2011
It seems that he abandoned a pipe for a cigarette as well. Were pipes associated with Germans at that time?
Why America Should Not be a Melting Pot | My Life is Beck — January 25, 2014
[…] Source […]
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