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German-Americans were highly encouraged to self-identify as "white" during the Progressive Era, precisely due to the WWI issue and as a way of promoting some ki
by 0815test 7y ago
German-Americans were highly encouraged to self-identify as "white" during the Progressive Era, precisely due to the WWI issue and as a way of promoting some kind of unity beyond national-origin differences. Of course that still involved exclusion of minorities, and one can make the case that this laser-focus on race has had terrible side-effects (many present-day Europeans would probably see it that way!), but still. It's doubtful whether there even is a distinct German-American identity today in the U.S., the way there absolutely was one in the 19th century.
- rolltiide 7y ago> It’s doubtful whether there even is a distinct German-American identity Because comics will laugh someone out the room for describing their German Swiss but also Irish heritage. Actively encouraging people to “just say white” when within the confines of America or earshot of any Americans Its probably unproductive There are nuances associated with heritage that can let you understand people better When Im in Europe or Commonwealth countries people seem way more interested in where I’m from than any muddied grouping of color:heritage ratio. Would like to see that in the states