It was written in 1992, but its description of the history of immigration in the United States is still very much relevant. I haven’t read it yet, but Brimelow, himself an immigrant, states that the United States never intended to be a multiculturalist society. He also writes about the trend in multiculturalism and bilingual education in the schools. After reading about Gramsci, my interest has peaked even more about these educational methods. As a former teacher, (I am now a full-time housewife), I was personally affected by this trend. My European students were forced to leave their former culture behind, but the Mexican students had Spanish speaking teachers, Spanish letters, Spanish parent teacher meetings, and literature about Mexicans or Hispanic culture. When I complained and said asked why the Russian students did not have translators, assistants, and translated letters, I was told that it was not my business. I happened to speak a little Russian, but used it to only help the newly arrived students. I think a student who has been in America after 5 years should not need a translator!! I will note that my most successful students were Korean. They needed a little help here or there (I admit I used my Korean only after making many attempts to communicate in English)but usually were ready to pass out of ESOL within one year. Mexicans usually took 5 years. No exaggeration! That does not mean Mexicans are not as smart as Koreans. It is just that the expectations on them are lower. I have had two Mexican students pass in one year because their parents put that expectation on them. Are Mexican immigrants purposely being dumbed down to keep them as a subordinate class? That is a shame. These are the people whose ancestors who were expert mathematicians!
I admit, I used to be a multiculturalist. However, once I entered the real world, I realized multiculturalism was hurting rather than helping Americans to achieve success and the American dream. I still cook Korean and Indian food, I guess during those multiculturalist years I got so used to eating spicey food that I can’t taste American food anymore, but I make sure to teach my children the values of hard work, education, meritocracy, patriotism, and religion. It will only help, rather than hurt them. (I believe Anglo-Saxons aren’t the only ones to have those values by the way!!)
I hope to find this book soon.
Culture War 