As an aside, thoughts on people that preface their family's longer tenure in America (ie 'my great-great-great grandparents have been in America...") when making an argument with someone that is 1st-generation born American or naturalized immigrant-now-citizen.
Interestingly, this situation came up in the workplace when a co-worker said he's been at the company for seven years vs other person for 1-year and essentially saying his opinion is more valid. Got me thinking about how that relays to being American and what's right for this country.
Is there a concept of "I'm more American than you" and how does that affect one's validity?
I wouldn't buy into the idea of trying to rate how "American" someone is, it seems completely counterproductive with no discernible benefit.
I would say the folks who had to leave or flea the country they were born in to come to the US and start a new life, learn a new language, find a way to make a living, etc have a special place in my heart because thats not something I or anyone who was born here has had to do but someone in our family did travel this road for us, giving us a serious leg up in life.
They certainly dont deserve any scorn, the folks I've talked to over the years have often left professions in their country of origin, like being a professor, to now driving a cab. There are fascinating stories littered all over this country of how people got here, what they often escaped, etc which is why I love it when I get a chance to meet someone and hear their story.
I wonder what kind a world it will be when there's no longer an America to escape to?
I hope I never have to find out
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