Cohen’s Americanizing the White Man explores the term ‘Americanizing’ as a means of transforming European immigrants into Americans. Americanizing raises questions on the tradition and culture of the native Americans. For example, the European immigrants adopted traditional American foods from the Indian culture, such as maple syrup, cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco, and corn. Such consideration indicates that the Indians have a strong social and cultural influence on the West. Cohen points out that without the native people, there would be no Americanization since the competitions that existed in Europe had adverse effects on humanity. For instance, the killing of people was more prevalent than the death of animals, birds, or fish (Cohen 177). Europe had become unbearable allowing for migration to North America. Such shift was ideal for Americanizing the white as the immigrants had much to learn and places to settle. In such regard, the Europeans had to embrace the culture through Americanization.
The Europeans had several things to borrow from the North American natives that they integrated into their daily living. Americanizing the Whites was idealistic and Cohen indicated that the European immigrants found the indigenous American tradition to be friendly (178). For instance, the involvement in team sports, the Indian worship of the sun, air, and water, and the Boy Scout movement were peaceful options for the troubled Europeans (Cohen 178). Historically, the cultural exchange between the Indians and the Europeans was unique and vital to the development of America. For such reasons, Americanization encompassed spiritual development and learning. Cohen explained that the European immigrants brought together two civilizations that could teach other various things. For instance, America had distinct cultural features compared to Europe that shaped its national structure and color. Such a process is characteristic of Americanizing of the whites. The author uses the term ‘Americanizing’ to help the readers understand how the European immigrants have inherited the friendly and intelligent culture of the Native Americans. Without the cultural intervention of the Indians, the civilization of the European settlers through Americanization would not be possible.
Moreover, the arrival of the European immigrants on the American shores marked the beginning of the new journey. For instance, diversity increased in North America and they were also obliged to transform into Americans for ease of settlement (Cohen 181). However, challenges associated with adaptation to the new environment were overcome by training immigrants for citizenship in the quest for order in the North American continent. Modernizing America was necessary for appreciating the cultural mix with the Indians and freedom from the unruly West. Few Natives and Europeans agreed that America reflected the Indians’ way of life and not Europe. Through such efforts, Americanization led to the development of a national system, where individual differences were reconciled with hopes for building a planned society. The changes could not take effect without opposition from the Native Americans, who opted to maintain the purity of their cultures. The Europeans had to devise better strategies to be Americanized. For instance, the immigrants had to respect other people’s visions. Such concern marred the socialist revolution that addressed the susceptibility of immigrants towards anti-American propaganda.
The American lifestyle was a challenge to European ideals. For instance, Europeans demonstrated authority and submission in family life, schools, work, love, and governance. Such disparities could be seen from how the immigrants tried stopping the Indians from participating in the non-European ways, such as advocating to stop smoking, bathing, and potato eating, claiming they were unhealthy (Cohen 178). Even though the activities were perceived not to be good for the body, Europeans had to adopt them to americanize. Recently, the Indian habits can still be traced in the present United States (US) despite being discouraged, like sharing food and land with needy neighbors. European civilization appeared not to succeed in America that led to the creation of a New World through the Americanization of the whites (Cohen 170). For instance, the diversity of people and their dreams had long existed in American before the first European, Columbus. In such a case, Indians Americanized the Europeans to assist them in accomplishing the American Dream. The idea of democracy was also borrowed from the Native American language. Such forms of government allowed for the popularization of practical agreements amongst people in the then aristocratic world. The US enjoy mature democracy and shared vision that has been enhanced to the sociohistorical values of the Natives.
Overall, Americanizing the White Man reveals the significant contribution of the Native Americans towards the modern American culture and heritage. The European immigrants had little to offer when they landed in the North American continent, thus getting subjected to Americanization. Through this process, the two civilizations worked in establishing a modern America with founding principles and teachings from the Indians. Such considerations explain why people moving to America today have to Americanize to enhance their sense of belonging in the US. Through such strategies, immigrants in America are likely to transform into productive citizens. Americanization’s purpose to preserve and protect the American identity and sense of history to the world. Thus, the Indians are central to the American way of life.
Work Cited
Cohen, Helix S. “Americanizing the White Man.” The American Scholar, 1952, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 177-191.