Today immigration is a red-hot issue in many different countries and has a huge impact on the advancement of societies. This term paper therefore firstly provides an overview of the ‘new immigration’ period in the U.S. Secondly, it will elucidate some of the different repercussions of immigration, including concepts such as ‘nativism’, ‘cultural pluralism’, or ‘melting pot’, which concern a society´s development faced with an enormous number of new immigrants. In order to compare this situation with that in Germany, an analysis of the depiction of the immigration situation in Germany in the online magazine Spiegel Online will be presented. The next paragraph will examine the similarities and disparities in the development and depiction of immigration in Germany and America, and the last paragraph will summarise the most pivotal facts contained in this term paper.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Terms and Definitions
- New Immigration
- Nativism
- Cultural Pluralism
- Melting Pot
- Development in the U.S. concerning the new immigration.
- Discourse on Immigration in Germany and the U.S...
- Exposure of the refugee situation in Germany in the magazine Spiegel Online
- Similarities and disparities of the discourse and development today in Germany and back in the day in the U.S..
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of the discourse on immigration in the United States and Germany. It examines the historical context of the "new immigration" period in the U.S. and explores how different concepts, such as "nativism," "cultural pluralism," and "melting pot," have shaped the development of societies faced with large-scale immigration. The paper then presents an analysis of the portrayal of the immigration situation in Germany, using the online magazine Spiegel Online as a case study. Finally, it compares the similarities and differences in the development and depiction of immigration in both countries.
- The historical context of the "new immigration" period in the U.S.
- The impact of concepts such as "nativism," "cultural pluralism," and "melting pot" on societal development.
- The depiction of the immigration situation in Germany through an analysis of Spiegel Online.
- A comparison of the similarities and disparities in the development and depiction of immigration in the U.S. and Germany.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage by discussing the large-scale arrival of immigrants to the U.S. in the mid-nineteenth century, highlighting the significant role played by Irish immigrants and the subsequent wave of immigrants from Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe in the late nineteenth century. It explores the push and pull factors that drove these immigrants to America and emphasizes the current relevance of immigration as a global issue.
The chapter "Terms and Definitions" delves into the meaning of "new immigration," defining it as the influx of immigrants primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe in the late nineteenth century. It further explores the concept of "nativism," which emerged as a response to this wave of new immigrants, highlighting its historical roots and its association with the Dillingham Commission Report. The chapter also examines the concept of "cultural pluralism" as an alternative to assimilation, emphasizing its advocate Horace Kallen's vision of a diverse and harmonious American society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by the "New Immigration" period in the U.S.?
It refers to the massive influx of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which significantly changed the U.S. demographic landscape.
What is the difference between the "Melting Pot" and "Cultural Pluralism"?
The Melting Pot suggests total assimilation into a unified culture, while Cultural Pluralism (advocated by Horace Kallen) promotes a society where diverse groups coexist while maintaining their distinct traditions.
How does "Nativism" affect immigration discourse?
Nativism is an opposition to immigration based on the fear that "native-born" inhabitants' interests or culture are being threatened, often leading to restrictive policies.
How is the refugee situation in Germany depicted in the media?
The paper analyzes Spiegel Online to show how German media portrays the challenges and societal repercussions of the recent refugee influx compared to historical U.S. waves.
What are the similarities in immigration discourse between Germany and the U.S.?
Both countries face tensions between the need for labor/humanitarian aid and the rise of nativist sentiments, as well as debates over the best model for integration.
- Quote paper
- Ronja O. (Author), 2016, Similarities and Disparities of Discourse of Immigration in Germany and the U.S., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368130
