What is America? G.K. Chesterson

Now in a much vaguer and more revolutionary fashion, there is something of the same idea at the back of the great American experiment; the experiment of democracy of diverse races which has been compared to a melting-pot. But even that metaphor itself implies that the pot itself is of a certain shape and a certain substance; a pretty solid substance. The melting-pot must not melt. The original shape was traced on the lines of Jeffersonian democracy; and it will remain in that shape until it becomes shapeless. America invites all men to become citizens; but it implies the dogma that there is such a thing as citizenship.

The author means that America is an inviting nation, where people from different races are welcomed in the country. Viewed as a positive element to society as opposed to what other may think that it would affect such in a negative way. This creates beauty and unity, as to the melting-pot, all these immigrants and citizens all placed in the "pot" once it begins to "melt" the outcome would be an accepting one. Everyone is welcomed to become citizens, and the equal rights to all. Although they are inviting to all immigrants there is still controversy on what it is to be a citizen, where contradictions exist and rights are not always so equal.

I choose this quote in the reading simply because I agree that a melting-pot is a wonderful aspect to a country. Diversity is a key aspect to a working nation, different views and beliefs will bring discussion, but it will also allow people to be open-minded and see things in a different way. Yes, I agree with the melting-pot, yet I strongly agree with the contradiction that there is when it comes to being a citizen. The message that is being sent out is equal rights of all citizens and non-citizens in America. This is in complete opposite of what the truth is, what has been preached is not exactly true. The talk about equal opportunity to all people who live here is not as such, there are certain rights that are only given to teh citizen of this country. For example the right to vote is only given to citizens, there are certain jobs that are only allowed to be issued to citizens, as well as certain legal matters affect those immigrants greatly as opposed to citizens. There are certain benefits that only citiznens can have. The contardiction is there and the fact the the rights are not equal exist, so there is such a thing as being a citizen and many benefits that come with it.