The Czechoslovak Review/Volume 3/Americanization–Our Problem
Americanization—Our Problem
The gratifying accounts of the steward ship in the March issue of the Czechoslovak Review, rendered by the two major organizations engaged in alleviating the sufferings of Bohemians, illustrate very strikingly what an organization of forces with a purpose can accomplish. They are but slight evidences of what must still be accomplished. The ends contemplated are not foreign relief, but practical assistance to our Czech and Slovak people in this country.
Autocracy breeds contempt, if not open revolt, for organized governmental authority. The complete state of chaos now prevailing in Russia and Germany is but a striking illustration of the inevitable resulting reaction. Freedom of the individual, and his consequent liberty of action, makes for respect of the duly constituted governmental agencies. But it must not be assumed that freedom and liberty mean the totally unrestrained sphere of action, but, on the contrary, contemplate the unrestricted exercise of the rights, to the full measure, guaranteed by our laws, but within the bounds of the constitutional limitations. That is the cardinal underlying principle of liberty and freedom.
The United States is the haven for many Czechs and Slovaks who migrated to improve their material, political, religious or cultural conditions. In the realization of their hopes or the fulfillment of their expectations they were not disappointed.
Before, during and after the war, the Czechs and Slovaks demonstrated that they were loyal to the United States; invariably law abiding. The most of them have become citizens of the world’s greatest democracy. What is our duty to those who have failed to take advantage of the opportunities to become an integral part of the republic?
Recently the country has been swamped by a mighty wave of public opinion, insisting that all foreigners be Americanized. This applies to Czechs and Slovaks, who are aliens, those who have not accepted the responsibilities of American citizenship; and those who have become citizens, have accepted the protection of the United States, but who fail to take any active interest in our institutions, in short, the passive citizens. The terrible war is over. With the heroic struggle of our blood brothers as an example, with the superhuman sacrifices and heroisms of France, England, Italy and the United States spread before us, is it not our bounden duty, a most imperative duty, to aid these less fortunate men and women to enter properly into the spirit of America?
To a citizen of the United States there must be but one thought, one ambition and one ideal—America. We may pride ourselves upon the fact that no Czech or Slovak was guilty of a hyphenated allegiance—and indeed there is no record of such a case.
But what is expected of us all is to consecrate ourselves unreservedly to the purposes of this republic. That is Americanism. To become good Americans is our solemn, peremptory and just obligation to the United States. Those who need aid urgently are the persons who do not speak the English language, who are strangers to our scheme of government who fail to grasp our ways, who do not understand our customs and those who are ignorant of our laws. To bring to them a clear knowledge, understanding, appreciation and love of these matters is the task which we cannot shirk. We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to the land which gave us birth, and we owe it to the greatest democracy of all ages. We must not fail!
It is not intended to advocate the disuse of the Bohemian language, or to forget Bohemian history, or to stop the reading of Bohemian literature. On the contrary, we should encourage study of the achievements of the land of our fathers, a land possessed of unrivalled history, unmatchable language and an immense wealth of literature. You may inquire why? The answer is simple. Throughout the entire record of the country and its people there are outstanding, clear-cut ambitions and determination—liberty and freedom. A nation’s history that can point to such a record of accomplishments deserves study as an example of unselfish, determined and loyal patriotism.
Recently a letter was received by the writer from a friend of the school days, now to the Pacific Coast, in the course of which she remarks, “my parents were very firm about teaching us their language. I, too, try to have my boys speak Bohemian.” What is her purpose? She is as patriotic, loyal and true American as any, yet she speaks the Bohemian language, reads Bohemian books, teaches her children the Bohemian language, because she is familiar with the works of the Bohemian masters, and realizes that through every line run the sentiments and thoughts of Liberty and Freedom.
The social workers must reecive the credit due them for the work they do among the foreigners. They reach in their limited way a certain portion of those people, but they do not get the heart of the majority. That is to be expected. A Czech can gain a Czech’s confidence much easier than a stranger. Similarly with the Slovaks. Therefore the work must be done by persons of Czech and Slovak origin, among their own people.
Czechs and Slovaks alike, have proved their devotion to the “homelands” and to the country of their adoption. The sacrifices of the larger number were far beyond their meagre means. Why these acts of self-denial? Because the children of Hus and Comenius are a liberty loving people, why believe, with Samuel Adams, that freedom is every man’s birthright. Individuals imbued with such spirit and beliefs are the very best material for the citizenry of a democracy.
In the successful completion of the given tasks, the example of cohesive co-operation between the heretofore apparently irreconcilable factions, nobly demonstrates the true character of these people.
The definite objectives of the two principal Czechoslovak organizations in America, the Bohemian National Alliance and the Slovak League, are practically attained. Should these well balanced, well functioning structures cease to operate? This is the question uppermost in the minds of many. With the excellent record of their achievements before us, the suggestion presents itself, that they should continue their existence and minister to the Czechs and Slovaks, who need guidance, assistance and advice.
A tentative program simple of execution is herewith presented. First, to instill our people with the correct fundamental principles of our democracy. Second, assist them to master the English language. Third, cultivate the intensive study of Bohemian history, language and literature. The resulting improvements will benefit not only the Czechs and Slovaks, but the United States as well.
By teaching the basic principles of our democracy to our people, they will be made to understand the real system of our government and become better citizens. Mastery of the English language is essential and will benefit materially these people. A ready command of the language of the country will make their lot easier—it will fit them for better and more responsible positions in the economic life of the country.
The study of Bohemian history, language and literature can have but salient effects—intensified desires for, and consequent appreciation of liberty and freedom. Not only will the Czechs and Slovaks benefit, but the English speaking world as well will be the gainer. A ready knowledge of these matters will enable our people to place before the world a better understanding and appreciation of Bohemia and her people.
It is realized that the suggestions herein indicated are not of immediate and ready execution, yet, on the other hand, the difficulties are not insurmountable. The program can be carried out—in justice to the United States it must be carried out. The Bohemian people must not be permitted to remain any longer in blissful ignorance or at the mercy of unscrupulous exploiters. They must become good Americans.
The burden of responsibility is ours, we cannot shift it—even if we would. Let us all join hands in the accomplishment of the given task; if each contributes a mite, the burden will be more evenly distributed. The results will amply repay our efforts. We must not fail!
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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