John Bonfadini, of Christmas decoration fame in Sudley also writes for the NOVEC magazine, Cooperative Living. John has sat on the co-op board for years and was a professor at GMU. His kids have all gone through Prince William County Schools.
I occassionally glance at the Co-op Living Magazine. It often has some good articles and the classifieds are great. This month John had a great article under his Food for Thought column. I hope you enjoy.
A Real American: Are You One?
by Dr. John E. Bonfadini, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus, George Mason UniversityJohn Bonfadini
Recently, I received an e-mail with an attached letter. It was one of the many political commentaries floating around on the Internet these days.
The letter, written by a teacher, expresses her concern for the direction America is heading. She used the term “real American,” implying that some Americans are real and others counterfeit. She obviously believes that her position is that of a real, and not a counterfeit, American. I thought about her use of the term real American and wondered if I am one; so I sought out a definition.
Webster’s dictionary defines American as such: Adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of the United States of America, its people, culture, government, or history; 2. Of, in, or pertaining to North or South America or the Western Hemisphere; 3. Of or pertaining to Indians inhabiting America; 4. Indigenous to North or South American — American elm, American elk, etc.
Webster’s also offers the following definition of the word “real”: Adj. 1. Not imaginary, fictional, pretended; actual;
2. Authentic or genuine; 3. Essential, basic; 4. Being no less than what is stated; worthy of the name; 5. Serious, not taken lightly; and others.
The definitions show that Americans can come from two continents. They may be native, such as the American Indian. They may also be individuals who come from other parts of the world who are willing to aspire to a certain belief or culture. I suspect the e-mail letter-writer was referring to her own narrowly defined way of thinking, one that excludes many citizens of this nation.
I’ve always felt that the only true Americans are those of American Indian ancestry. The rest of us believe in a philosophy that’s framed in the Constitution of the United States. Americans live under this framework. Two fundamental beliefs outlined in the Constitution are freedom of speech and religion.
My e-mail letter-writer had a limited view relating to freedom of religion. Her definition of a real religion seems as narrow as her definition of a real American. She implied that real Americans are Christian. Our forefathers recognized the need to respect and give equal dignity to the religions of all people, even those who choose to have none. For years, we have given lip service to the freedom-of-religion concept. I can think of no other topic that is as emotionally charged as religion. It’s possible to give the topic justice in a small essay such as Food for Thought, but we as a society must continually examine in our own minds what is meant by the phrase, “freedom of religion,” and to what degree each of us is willing to accept the concept in its purest form.
I attended church in Tampa the weekend of July 4th. The priest gave a homily on what it means to be Catholic in America. He discussed how being accepted as American was difficult for early Catholic immigrants, and how many had to set up their own schools and support systems because they weren’t welcomed in the system that already existed. Many religions have experienced the same growth process. Our Constitution states one thing, but our hearts sometimes say another. If real Americans believe in the fundamental concept of freedom of religion, then we must somehow learn to implement the idea in our everyday actions. The e-mail letter-writer can’t pretend any longer and call herself a real American just because she is of a specific faith. Just as I have the freedom to write this column, I respect her right to send me her e-mail letter. But I don’t have to agree with her definition of a real American.
There seems to be plenty of free speech going around, with people trying to define what real Americans should do and believe. The proliferation of television and radio “talk shows” underscores our acceptance of and fascination with free speech. Today we have continuous conservative and liberal talk-show programming, with show hosts trying to sell their philosophy, much in the way churches try to promote their religions as the true one. In my opinion, real Americans don’t necessarily promote the “left” or the “right,” but rather learn to successfully work in either environment to promote democracy.
The 15th Amendment to the Constitution speaks to the topic of race. The e-mail letter I got also spoke in general terms about race. From her tone, it was obvious that the writer was not looking at the America I see on the streets or represented in the media. The United States is truly becoming a melting pot for the world. This is the way the country is headed, so the letter-writer would be well advised to learn to adapt. Her occupation, teacher, is the one occupation that should be most tolerant of diverse views.
The term real American should be defined in the broadest way — it should include all citizens, regardless of race, color, religion or philosophical base, as long as respect is given to the Constitution and the concepts it embodies.
Real Americans, in my view, believe in a constantly evolving form of government that serves the will of all its citizens without any footnotes. Am I one? I’m working hard at it, but I must admit that I too at times have a counterfeit side.
How real are you?
Great letter. I had the honor of taking a course from Professor Bonfadini years ago. Glad to hear that this is his point of view.
Moon, you need to call this man and ask him to run for PWC BOCS. How nice would it be to have someone like this serving us in the future?
He did run for supervisor back in 1983. He ran against Don White.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19830613&id=Ge0QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GIwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1316,2685024
I thought he had actually held public office but I cannot find out as what and I can’t remember.
What an excellent letter. Too often these days many people think that Americans have to be white and Christian. That is not the case at all. One does not have to be white and Christian to be American.
In this age of hyphenated Americans I’m not so sure that we are becoming a nation of Americans any longer. Everyone wants to obsess about the country they came from, and less about the land that has provided them the wealth of opportunity for which they came. Therefore you are right, it is difficult to define a real American in this day and time, but one thing is for certain if you profess to be a real American, then drop the hyphen!
Or ignore the hyphen (my approach). Of course, I’m a wild-eyed racist! (no, Moon, not you)
If you want to find the real America, then spend a few days in Williamsburg. This country started as a British colony don’t forget! So much for your diversity indoctrination. No used tire signs written in Spanish back then ; )
If you want to find a “real American”, go to a VFW or an American Legion club and take your pick. You’ll find every race, religion, ethnic Origen, etc. there… and they all signed up willing to to risk their lives for their (our) Country. The best of the best “real Americans” didn’t make it home. They are the reason we may have these conversations.
Opinion, well said!! I would also, like to add to your list the Vietnam War Wall and the WWII Memorial downtown.
Moon, excellent call on the Don White race here in Gainesville.
For those of not familar with the Christmas display. Here’s a great video of the display made last Christmas. This was a joy for many years for those us that grew up in western PW. What a joy each year to go by and see what the new addition was. I remember as a child my parents took me by every Christmas Eve for a good look. I would bug the crap out them to drive me by numerous other times. I now take my kids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TpIKobkYfk
Thank you Dr. B, for bringing joy to so many people during the Christmas season over the years.
I’m with slow on this one. I too ignore the hyphen. It’s simple either you are an American, or you are NOT.
I do wonder if the woman was a “real teacher” or homeschooler. 😉
Hmmmmmm, Second Alamo, seems to be something of a contradiction there.
When I read that the email blurb was being sent around by a teacher, my heart dropped. Is this the way she perceives her students? Is this the way she perceives her students’ parents? Is this the way she teaches history? Does she demand to have only white Christian students in her class? The letter is not only offensive, it is a reflection of her approach to her vocation. If my child had a teacher like that, I would request a change of teachers immediately.
He’s got my vote.
Looking for the real America?
May want to visit the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas this weekend.
– Sat. features the Annual Chili Cook-Off and the Back Porch Band 11-3.
– Sunday offers the 8th Annual Latino Festival 11-3.
Parts of our rich mosaic.
Thanks to Poor Richard for being ever vigilant about keeping us informed of City of Manassas activities. Only a couple of you all are city folks and if it weren’t for you, Ivan, Cindy B, we wouldn’t know half of the activities. Thanks again!
Is the Latino festival a food festival, music festival or all of the above?
I think there are some cases where a person might be a hyphenated American. One might be an Irish-American if they were a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Otherwise, I think it is simply a transitional phrase for people with one foot somewhere else and one foot on American shores. By second generation, I would think most people might just want to be American.
M-H, my understanding is it will be both – like the previous ones.
@Moon-howler
I think some people are just proud to be both “American” and their own ethnicity or other identities. Hence, African-Americans or Italian- Americans or “southerners” or “northerners.” I don’t see much difference in those self-given descriptives. It’s about pride and identity, and some people love all parts of their identities.
The beauty of this Country is its ok to be hyphenated… or not. Any one person’s opinion on the matter… really doesn’t matter (although they are certainly welcome to their opinion).
Prince Williamite-American or Virginian-American? Hmmm..I just can’t decide. 😉
People can say whatever they want to be. I would feel like a real jerk going around saying I was an English American or an Irish American–my ancestors have been here a long time. I am also a hybrid. That makes it dicier.
@Chris
HAHAHAHAH!
A “Real American” doesn’t trumpet his nation’s shortcomings on the world stage. A “Real American” understands the difference between his friends and his enemies, and doesn’t betray his friends because of his eagerness to be liked by fraudulently-elected holocaust deniers who would like to see his friends completely destroyed.
Why was Netanyahu the only world leader with the balls to take on the elephant in the room at the UN this week? Why did our President remain silent, tacitly giving Ahmadinejad legitimacy?
I watched, and I was deeply ashamed. And saddened.
Emma, do you have a link to an article on this episode?
Emma, you expect the worst and you only view behavior through those eyes.
Step back a moment and look at how America was viewed during the Clinton years vs the Bush years. Clinton attempted to talk to people first. The Bush policy often involved carrying a big stick.
Obama said all along he wanted to try diplomacy first, rather than relying on the old ways that haven’t worked. I believe he is suggesting that if we continue to do things the same way, why would we expect a different outcome?
Did you watch the UN proceedings this week, Moon? I’m thinking not, since your comment is purely speculative. Did you disagree with Netanyahu’s words?
I had to leave in the middle of his speech. I am assuming I heard half. I have read excerpts from the rest of it. I can’t answer a yes or a no. I don’t think those who stayed are shameful; for pretty much the same reason I don’t think that my listening to Hannity is shameful.
Different people/different countries handle things in different ways. Netanyah obviously has a different perspective than the United States.
Iran should not have nuclear weapons. Ahmadinejad is a ridiculous insane puke. Should everyone have walked out? That is up to them. I felt the same way when he spoke in NY a year or so ago.
Everyone was free to walk up to him after all the speeches were over, over drinks, and tell him that he is the dumbest son of a bitch they have ever met. I condemn no one for not walking out.
Israel has every right to defend itself. I do not give them cart blanche, however. The settlements…not sure. I don’t think there are black or white answers on that one.
And yes, I did watch some but not all of the UN proceedings.
I have to admit, I wonder why Kaddafi and Ahmadinejad have the right to address the United Nations? Now we know that Iran has TWO sites to develop enriched unranium. THAT is frightening. The Iranian people, I believe the majority of them, want some semblence of real representational government. I thought Netanyahu showed real chutzpah! He was right. However, having said that, Obama needs to figure out how to carry the big stick but walk quietly. There has to be a happy medium between Bush tactics and puppy dog tactics.
I thought Obama would have been better off with a little more of his acceptence speech, the “we will outstreach a hand but if you f%$ck with us, you’ll be sorry approach” , not exaclty verbatem, but you get the gist.
However, onto this brave gentlemens open letter, he did a wonderful thing by talking about this openly. We are a salad bowl, not a melting pot. A wonderful yummy salad and if you only had iceberg lettuce, the salad would be bland and unappetizing!
From the flyer:
8th Annual Latino Festival
for the City of Manassas
Sunday, Sept 27
1:00 – 6:00 pm
Harris Pavilion
Manassas invites you to share your culture
Great Latin American food
Games for kids
Live entertainment
Dancing
& much more
Sponsors: InfoSenter Realty, Virginia Housing Development Authority, El Imparcial Newspaper, NOVEC, PNC Bank
I’ll be at the Unity in the Community booth on Sunday promoting “Words of Compassion” and the Immigration & Human Rights Cinema at George Mason’s Prince William Campus. I’m also recruiting for study circle participants in Georgetown South, along with midwives from Manassas Midwifery & Women’s Health Center (healthy families, healthy neighborhoods) – http://www.pwsc.org.
Today I’m in Richmond for the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference with a contingent of six others from Manassas. Great to hear what neighborhood advocates are doing throughout the state, especially youth. Awards ceremony tomorrow morning – Manassas is up for at least three state awards. Wish us luck!
NOVEC’s Co-op Living Magazine often has good articles –. Mr. Bonfadini has my eternal gratitude, for bringing seasonal enjoyment to my children all these many Christmases.
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Mr. Bonfadini stopped putting up his Christmas show for a few years. His own grandchildren talked him in to it.
Emma shamed me into listening Netanyahu’s entire speech. Excellent speech that reflected Israel’s point of view. I agree with much of what he said but not all. I don’t see the conflict all as one-sided.
Netanyahu quoted Winston Churchill and referenced Great Britain Nazi bombing. Very good parallels to draw from.
Our country has never experienced a continual onslaught from the air. Obama chose to quote FDR. Same time period but definitely a different point of view. Obama spoke of the 21st century. Netanyahu tended to look at there here and now. The problems of Israel are grounded in the 20th century. The county is young. Israel is a modern country still fighting to exist.
That’s just how it hit me.
Both men made gutsy speeches. Israel is a great friend but we need to start treating her like a contemporary rather than our toddler.
Elena, not sure why Kaddafi and Ahmadinejad got to address the UN. However, I am darn glad they did. They remind the world what perfectly ridiculous evil asses they are, lest we forget. They fool themselves into thinking they are relevant. They aren’t really.
Exactly the reason for my anger at the President this week. Ahmadinejad tries to push Obama’s buttons, tries to see how far he can go with his bombast and holocaust denials before Obama finally speaks up. He’s well aware of Obama’s MO and right now knows he can go pretty damned far. I think our President could have stepped up and told him to basically f#@ck himself, that we stand by the Israelis and we will stand together to blow his a$$ off the planet if he ever acts on his threats against them.
Netanyahu’s words yesterday:
I think he stepped over the line accusing people who listened of having no shame or decency. Different people handle situations differently. Is there a list of countries that walked out or who did not attend?
Why hide evil? How far would Hitler have gotten if he spoke before the GA? How might (being speculative again) things be different if Hitler had spoken his insanity for all the world to hear?
It is quite different hearing A. speak his insanity from just reading that he said thus and such.
I am not defending a damn thing he says and does. I am saying it is better off out of the shadows. Now he has spoken his words before the world, he should not be surprised when he gets a patriot missile up his arse. I would think those who heard him would walk away with more sympathy for Israel than before he spoke.
Here is a video of the walk out. I misunderstood part of what was going on. He was speaking at a racism conference. I thought he was giving a general speech to the UN.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8008572.stm
I thought the clapping was for those walking out, not him. He deserved no applause. The text accompanying the video indicated the applause was for him and he said thank you. I guess you had to be there. I thought it was neat when people got up and walked out en mass. I still don’t think that Netanyahu should have condemned those who didn’t quite as strongly as he did. Those who clapped for him should have gotten the condemnation however.