The latest of my reads was Erika Lee's America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States. Through a chronological account of xenophobia in America, Lee, a professor at the University of Minnesota, narrates the motives and lesser heard stories underlying pivotal events and legislation that impacted immigration in America.
With nuanced language, she reveals how complicated and fallible political leaders are, no matter which side of the spectrum they stand nor what policies they support. Nobody, not even our childhood hero, Dr. Seuss, has a clean record. For me, this was sobering reminder that I am not to deify politicians nor social justice movement leaders.
I enjoyed Lee's inclusion of political cartoons and photos as pieces of evidence, though readers should keep in mind that some may be triggering. Though her frequent use of citations and facts was appreciated, I struggled to follow the intensity of her historical account. Admittedly, I had to carve out dedicated time and free myself of distractions to finish the book when I ran out of library renewals and was approaching my "return-by" date. There were so many names, laws, and events to keep track of. I may not have absorbed as much someone who is more familiar with American policy and historical figures. Keep in mind that the first part of the book moves rather slowly, but I found each chapter to be worth the work. Momentum seemed to pick up once she reached the 1900s, though I feel more confident with post-1900 history and may be biased.
My biggest take away from this book is that America was built on a tradition of racism and xenophobia. Although the recent presidency certainly empowered a surge in racial attacks and enabled a more intolerant society, there have been countless others throughout the history of American politics, even in Boston, who advanced restrictions and hate crimes on the basis of race and illegitimate eugenicist theories.
This book is full of statistics, anecdotes, and quotes to support Lee’s case that xenophobia threatens American democracy, national unity, and the future “of a more humane global society;” de-Americanizes residents and citizens; and “fosters a violent citizenship of exclusion” we cannot afford to practice - an argument that should not warrant a 400-paged explanation.
Will Lee’s work convict and convert the hearts of the ones propagating discrimination through policy? I am doubtful it is accessible and comprehensible to the masses, but I believe that the privileged minority with the attention span and vocabulary to navigate America for Americans will be moved to steward their position, power, and place for a more inclusive society, in public and private domains. I recommend this read and supplementing it with other books in one's personal pursuit of reconciliation.
Recommended reads (not a definitive list):
A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power by Jimmy Carter
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett
Dream with Me by John Perkins
Everybody Always by Bob Goff
Living Gently in a Violent World by Jean Vanier and Stanley Hauerwas
Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
Warning: this book includes some facts, images, quotes, and stories that readers may find triggering.
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