Interesting read for those interested in the subject of emigration and attachment to the 'old country', in particular from p. 29 on: 'LETTER III. WHAT IS AN AMERICAN. On p. 32, for example, he writes:
"What attachment can a poor European emigrant have for a country where he had nothing? The knowledge of the language, the love of a few kindred as poor as himself, were the only cords that tied him: his country is now that which gives him land, bread, protection, and consequence: Ubi panis ibi patria [where there is bread, there is one's fatherland] is the motto of all emigrants. "
Source: J. Hector St. John Crèvecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer. Edited by W. P. Trent and Ludwig Lewisohn. New York: Duffield, 1904.
Just for consideration (and discussion ...?)
Henryk PO Top Contributor
Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Replies: 313 Location: London ON, Canada
Not true for Polish Americans.
Some examples for Polish Americans:
=creation of Haller's Army with many Polish Americans joining to free Poland.
=formation of Polish National Church when Irish bishops prevented Polish churches and services.
=formation of Polish parochial schools with one half instruction in Polish language.
=multitude of Polish halls maintaining Polish language and culture.
=Polish language newspapers maintaining a community.
=many Polish Americans married Polish Americans .
Ute PO Top Contributor
Joined: 13 Dec 2009 Replies: 597 Location: Germany
Thank you, Henryk. I'm glad it WASN'T true for Polish Americans! Although some may consider it only realistic, I was shocked by the 'coldness' of de Crèvecœur's statement.
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