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Submitted by Thomas Antkow –
Becoming a citizen of the United States also means developing patriotism for America. It does not erase your national origin. Individuals should never be asked to relinquish their “cultural heritage” when they gain citizenship. Nor should they have to. I do believe however, how you present your beliefs in your newly adopted nation should eliminate any confusion as to where your priorities lay. In my opinion citizenship should take the lead over nationality.
For example. When I’m asked what my “nationality” is I reply. I am an American of Polish and Ukrainian ancestry. I’m a first-generation American. For me I don’t think Polish American or Asian, Hispanic or African American designation will do.
It is quite possible to add the American “cultural heritage” to one’s own. It is also imperative to assimilate or blend into the traditional American society. That’s why our country has always been known as a “melting pot” of cultures. Assimilation naturally increases cultural diversity. No laws or rules are needed. Working hard to learn what American cultural heritage is all about takes time, dedication, sincere desire and an effort to do so. It’s the hope and expectation of many natural born American citizens.
All people seeking refuge in the United States should be expected to assimilate into American history and heritage which probably differs significantly from their own. No one is asking you to replace it. Prioritizing the privilege inherent with earning the title of American Citizen also carries with it a certain amount of pride. The title also carries great responsibility.
Let’s examine what it takes to become a “legalized” American citizen.
To begin. Most freedom seekers are mandated to attend classes. Once enrolled they study American government structure, civics and history. Then undertake a final exam of twenty questions (out of a civics pool of 128). They must answer at least twelve correctly to move on. Also included is a cursory medical examination and background vetting. Upon completion of the fundamentals all applicants must take a solemn oath and “swear” allegiance to the “American Flag, Country and our Constitution”. Then the difficult road begins. Settling into your new country.
It is my opinion that this is where many problems begin. We must first examine some fundamental questions. What is missing in the American educational system? How do we incorporate ALL citizens whether natural, documented or undocumented into the mix responsibly.
Today it seems that America’s cultural heritage and history are being purposely transformed in the education of our youth. I graduated from high school in 1970. Reading, writing, math and being proficient in American and World history were mandatory. In the last forty years several courses of study have been relegated to being only electives in far too many K through twelve and college curiculums.
What is being taught in their place? It’s quite difficult to say. Basic civics instruction has gone out of style. Fact based American history studies are now just cliff notes. Increases in the use of AI and computers are impacting social skills. Curiculums are also even being trimmed in K through twelve institutions to accommodate DEI studies. Declines are prevalent in math, reading comprehension, writing skills and social skills. Graduation numbers are tanking.
Many accounts report that in the last several decades the world view of the American educational system has dropped like a rock. Have educators intentionally ceased educating their students on critical, factual history and cultural heritage out of fear of dismissing those of foreign and natural born students? Or is to replace existing society with a socialist concept? Another theory is that they are purposely replacing historical facts with non-traditional and sometimes theoretical information.
One example. It is a fact that our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values and principles. Why then are we excluding these principles from our schools and even workplaces? We cherish our speech and freedom to worship and believe what we wish. Of course. But with all things being equal it appears that that is not always the case. Who is accommodating who?
Finally, with the political and economic state of our education system today, there is panic on the streets and in many classrooms. Immigrants are left on a rudderless ship to navigate the American cultural heritage waters. Thousands depend on their own heritage out of necessity. Segregation is creeping back due to the “birds of a feather” concept. Do we really need more undocumented or legal immigration right now? Can we save our own citizens?
THOMAS ANTKOW is currently a freelance writer and produced and hosted his own daily radio show on KCSF AM 1300 and co-hosted talk shows for KVOR AM 740 for Cumulus Broadcasting in Colorado Springs. He can be reached at taradio863@gmail.com. You can subscribe to Tom’s FREE newsletter at: Antkow.substack.com
