Although Americans are proud of their country as an Immigrant Nation and consider
it as a refuge for all opressed people of other nations, they are very strict about the fact whom they allow to enter. They acknowledge that America’s strenght has derived from the diversity of its citizens but nevertheless most often people that differ too much in their cultural or ethnic background from the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant ideal are left out. The contradiction in this behaviour was described by Steven Vincent Benet when he said “Remember that when you say “I will have none of this exile and this stranger for his face is not my face and his speech is strange,” you have denied America with that word.”
Americans have furthermore always mystified the foundation of America and left out of the narrative certain events like for example the exploitation of slaves, the brutality against the Native Americans and the annexation of Mexico etc. Their liberal myth of pilgrims who out of love for freedom and equality formed a democracy therefore differs from the actual history of America. Ali Behdad refers to this fact as Historical Amnesia2 and points out that it is essential for the self-image of Americans who consider themselves hospitable and unbiased and who regard America as always been open for immigration.
My thesis is that the driving forces behind these phenomena have always been xenophobic fears which brought forth nativism. In my opinion therefore these phenomena can be better understood if one realizes the nature of xenophobia and the resulting nativism.
In this paper I will describe what xenophobia is and I am going to give a general overview over its mechanisms and how it leads to nativism. I will show that it can effect the cultural development of a nation and the social interactions between people on a personal level. Moreover I am going to illustrate that people and nations define themselves and get a stronger feeling of cohesion and membership by defining who the outsider is.
I will use the United States of America as a classical nation of immigrants as an
example for the influence xenophobia can have on the cultural development of a nation. To illustrate and analyze xenophobic and nativistic attitudes between people in a normal day to day live I will also refer to the film "L.A. Crash" in which those behaviours are portrayed very well.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definitions
- Xenophobia
- Nativism
- Effects on Cultural Development
- U.S. History
- U.S. Immigration Policies
- Effects on Social Interactions
- Film Synopsis "L.A. Crash"
- Xenophobia & Nativism in the film "L.A. Crash"
- Nativism, Racism and Xenophobia
- Summary and Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the relationship between xenophobia and nativism, demonstrating how xenophobic fears contribute to nativistic attitudes and policies. It uses the United States as a case study to analyze the impact of these phenomena on cultural development and social interactions. The film "L.A. Crash" serves as a tool to illustrate these dynamics in a contemporary context.
- The definition and mechanisms of xenophobia and its connection to nativism.
- The impact of xenophobia and nativism on the cultural development of a nation, specifically the United States.
- The influence of xenophobia and nativism on social interactions at the individual and societal levels.
- The role of historical amnesia in shaping American national identity and its relationship to immigration policies.
- The portrayal of xenophobia and nativism in the film "L.A. Crash".
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central thesis—that xenophobic fears underpin nativistic attitudes and behaviors in America, despite its self-image as a welcoming nation of immigrants. It highlights the contradiction between America's history of immigration and its selective inclusion policies, referencing Steven Vincent Benét and Ali Behdad’s concept of “historical amnesia.” The paper outlines its approach: defining xenophobia and nativism, exploring their impact on cultural development and social interactions (using the US and the film “L.A. Crash” as examples).
Definitions: This chapter provides detailed definitions of xenophobia and nativism. Xenophobia is defined as a pathological fear of the foreign, encompassing aversion to differing beliefs, cultures, or appearances. It distinguishes xenophobia from racism and prejudice, emphasizing its anxiety-driven nature. The chapter explores two key forms of xenophobia: fear of unknown cultural elements (illustrated by examples such as language purification movements) and fear of specific social groups (which can escalate to violence). Nativism is defined as favoring established inhabitants over newcomers, stemming from xenophobia and ignorance and resulting in opposition to immigration. The chapter highlights how both xenophobic and nativistic individuals often don't self-identify as such.
Effects on Cultural Development: This section examines the influence of xenophobia and nativism on the cultural development of the United States. It delves into US history, exploring how the narrative of American exceptionalism often overlooks the exploitation of marginalized groups like slaves and Native Americans. The chapter also analyzes the impact of nativistic sentiments on US immigration policies throughout history, showcasing how these policies have reflected and reinforced xenophobic anxieties about maintaining a particular cultural identity.
Effects on Social Interactions: This chapter focuses on the effects of xenophobia and nativism on social interactions. It begins by providing a synopsis of the film "L.A. Crash," positioning it as a case study for analyzing the daily manifestations of xenophobic and nativistic attitudes. The analysis delves into specific scenes and character interactions within the film, demonstrating how these prejudices manifest in interpersonal relationships, ultimately leading to conflict and social division. The chapter then further explores the intersection of nativism, racism, and xenophobia, showing how these ideologies often overlap and reinforce one another.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American nativism, xenophobia, immigration, cultural development, social interactions, film analysis, L.A. Crash, historical amnesia, US immigration policy, prejudice, racism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper explores the relationship between xenophobia and nativism, using the United States as a case study to analyze their impact on cultural development and social interactions. The film "L.A. Crash" is used to illustrate these dynamics in a contemporary context.
What are xenophobia and nativism, and how are they defined in this paper?
Xenophobia is defined as a pathological fear of the foreign, encompassing aversion to differing beliefs, cultures, or appearances. It's distinguished from racism and prejudice, emphasizing its anxiety-driven nature. Nativism is defined as favoring established inhabitants over newcomers, stemming from xenophobia and ignorance, and resulting in opposition to immigration.
How does the paper analyze the impact of xenophobia and nativism?
The paper analyzes the impact of these phenomena in two key areas: cultural development and social interactions. For cultural development, it examines US history and immigration policies, showing how xenophobic anxieties have shaped national identity and policies. For social interactions, it uses the film "L.A. Crash" as a case study to illustrate how these prejudices manifest in interpersonal relationships.
What role does the film "L.A. Crash" play in the paper?
The film "L.A. Crash" serves as a crucial tool for illustrating the daily manifestations of xenophobic and nativistic attitudes. The paper analyzes specific scenes and character interactions to demonstrate how these prejudices lead to conflict and social division.
What is the significance of "historical amnesia" in the paper's analysis?
The concept of "historical amnesia," referencing Steven Vincent Benét and Ali Behdad, highlights how America's narrative of exceptionalism often overlooks the exploitation of marginalized groups, creating a disconnect between its history of immigration and its selective inclusion policies.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and mechanisms of xenophobia and its connection to nativism; the impact on US cultural development; the influence on social interactions; the role of historical amnesia in shaping American national identity and immigration policies; and the portrayal of xenophobia and nativism in "L.A. Crash."
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, chapters defining xenophobia and nativism, analyzing their effects on cultural development and social interactions, and concluding with a summary. Chapter summaries are provided in the preview.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: American nativism, xenophobia, immigration, cultural development, social interactions, film analysis, L.A. Crash, historical amnesia, US immigration policy, prejudice, racism.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper (as previewed)?
The paper aims to demonstrate how xenophobic fears underpin nativistic attitudes and behaviors in America, highlighting the contradiction between its history of immigration and its selective inclusion policies.
- Quote paper
- Oezguer Dindar (Author), 2009, American Nativism and its Representation in the Film "L. A. Crash", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/157707
