yes finger still hurt
Jul. 30th, 2010 08:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
vicarzI think I just realized what is wrong with the USian anti-immigration feelings - they're anti-American dream.
To me, USia is a place famous for it's rags to riches dream of equality. Ignoring the obvious advantage of the born-rich, and disadvantages of the born-poor, there is this belief that anyone can go to rags, anyone can reach riches based on what they do. Rags to riches is our dream, and a dream that brings people here. More than in other countries, wealth is not immunity from the law and poverty is not a life sentence.
Please don't sidetrack into the merits of that dream
However, arguing that "I was born here, therefore I deserve the dream, and those that were not born here do not deserve the dream" is inconsistent with that dream. When you say "I was born here" you are essentially arguing for a royalty-based class system where wealth and status is based on bloodline rather than effort and ability over time.
The argument "immigrate legally" seems to ignore some US ideas: first, it's next to impossible due to low numbers allowed in, second, US folks are not known for their religious adherence to the law themselves - underage drinking, speeding, skimping on taxes, these are practically considered patriotic acts. How do you pick which laws matter - based on whether you want to do them or not - or is it just if you get caught?
I am having trouble finding congruence with "The American Dream," with "Screw you if you weren't born like me."
To me, USia is a place famous for it's rags to riches dream of equality. Ignoring the obvious advantage of the born-rich, and disadvantages of the born-poor, there is this belief that anyone can go to rags, anyone can reach riches based on what they do. Rags to riches is our dream, and a dream that brings people here. More than in other countries, wealth is not immunity from the law and poverty is not a life sentence.
Please don't sidetrack into the merits of that dream
However, arguing that "I was born here, therefore I deserve the dream, and those that were not born here do not deserve the dream" is inconsistent with that dream. When you say "I was born here" you are essentially arguing for a royalty-based class system where wealth and status is based on bloodline rather than effort and ability over time.
The argument "immigrate legally" seems to ignore some US ideas: first, it's next to impossible due to low numbers allowed in, second, US folks are not known for their religious adherence to the law themselves - underage drinking, speeding, skimping on taxes, these are practically considered patriotic acts. How do you pick which laws matter - based on whether you want to do them or not - or is it just if you get caught?
I am having trouble finding congruence with "The American Dream," with "Screw you if you weren't born like me."
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no subject
Date: 2010-08-03 01:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-08-03 11:46 am (UTC)I THINK - I don't know, haven't really heard this angle before. Usually the question is whether "they" raise or lower our overall salaries, and since I am not in the hotel cleaning or construction labor market I don't see it; plus I have seen studies that show immigrant labor forces simply allow others to do better jobs for more pay. Tax analyses show benefits as well -- but again it's not my field and I don't have any quick links.