The Corroded Horizon

Not until yesterday did I really begin to take notice of how often I hear some language other than English spoken. This would not appear to be too odd given how many people from other countries I see from day to day, however I do not hear these languages spoken just from foreigners. Nearly everyday I hear it from someone who was born, raised and currently lives in the United States. As I opened the door for a coworker she said "Gracias" although she is not Hispanic and as far as I'm aware does not speak Spanish fluently or have any connections to the Hispanic community. It was said just as automatically as a "Thank You" would have been given for the simple gesture.

This got me thinking. Is it possible that, as time goes by, English in the United States could transform into a Spanish pigeon language? Some people may say this has already begun when you take a look at the border states such as Texas and California. Though I've never been there, I have heard that Spanish is almost a necessity to know in order to operate efficiently in southern California. There is also the opposite belief, held mainly by white racists, that this is America, home of the free and land of the brave, and if you come to this country you better damn well speak our language. One does not have to travel far to find either of these opinions, but it is almost a proven fact that the latter opinion will one day find themselves to be a minority.

I think most of us have heard that by the year 2050 Caucasians/whites/whatever will be a minority. I was surprised by this news at first, but as usual I got to thinking. I realized that this statistic shouldn't be so surprising when you remember everyone, except for Native Americans, everyone either is or has an ancestor from a foreign country. There was no time limit for this influx of immigrants to come, the doors have always been open. Sure there have been limitations and restrictions since the nation was founded, but this country still holds plenty of opportunities for those who want to see if they can have a better life here. And that is one of the very ideas that inspired and moved so many people to try and live a better life within our borders. Beneath the Statue of Liberty there is a pedestal that reads, "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore..." this quote encapsulates a place where those who are mistreated or unwanted are free to come with no concerns of persecution and a plethora of options on ways to live life. The United States has always striven to become that place, albeit with enormous obstacles from time to time. But if we ever begin to force those who come here to learn our ways or speak our language (AKA assimilation) we destroy that idea and become something else entirely.

So if the people of this nation call themselves American, then this idea of huddled masses breathing freely should be one that they're proud of. And if they are not, then they should quit calling themselves Americans and realize the America that they talk about never has existed and that as time goes by we're getting further from it.