Excellent quote by an often-underrated conservative President.
I will say one thing. In the early part of the 20th century, many people thought that the Jews, Italians, and Irish who were coming over in droves were unable to assimilate, that they were dirty, criminal, and incapable of embracing American culture. That was, of course, proven untrue.
Will Hispanics follow the same route? I think this depends largely on what we do. For many Hispanics, yes, I think they do, and will, but others do not.
Will Hispanics follow the same route? I think this depends largely on what we do. For many Hispanics, yes, I think they do, and will, but others do not.
"Silent" Cal was a man of few words but his words were fitly spoken, especially on this matter.
I have little hope that the tide of Mexicans that have flooded our country will embrace American values and culture. Yes, there were those in the late 1800's and early part of the last century who thought the southern and eastern Europeans would never assimilate.
I think the Hispanics (and I'll focus on the Mexicans) present a totally different situation. Here's why:
1). Proximity to their homeland. The Europeans immigrants that you mention had to "sink or swim" here and adapt to American ways.
2). The sheer numbers of Mexicans is unlike anything seen before for one group. Yes, immigrants came in waves some hundred years ago but they came from an assortment of countries. The rallying cry is no longer "We shall overcome" but "We shall overwhelm".
3). The rise of political correctness and the diversity agenda have made it nearly impossible to articulate a "Shape up or ship out" policy. The culture of tolerance has not worked in America's best interest in this regard.
4). The mass media (Univison, Telemundo, Azteca, Estrella) allow Mexicans (and other Hispanics) to continue to have the language of their homeland delivered to them 24 hours a day. It's a disincentive to speak English, which I consider an important component of assimilation.
Maybe I present a too-bleak picture and I welcome fellow FReepers to give me some reason for optimism on this matter.
You could also add the Chinese to that list; and the time period this occurred covered much of the 19th Century as well; but, there were a key differences ...all the aforementioned ethnic groups came here legally and they did not ask for, expect, or receive, public assistance.