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Your opinion on Coke's version of America The Beautiful? [W:1014]

Do You like this version of "America The Beautiful?"

  • Total voters
    104
Superfly said:
Honestly, it's hypocritical that people are OK with some immigrants, but not others. If we are going to allow for certain nationalities, we have to allow for all of them. I am not pointing a finger at you, Chris - most people who are anti-immigration are actually anti-Mexican immigration, or anti-Cuban immigration.
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Why shouldn't I prefer one immigrant over another? Are we really pretending that all immigrants bring the same level of skill, education, and views with them? Would you tell a french man he was a bigot because he was against the idea of importing american well-fare queens or a bunch of backwards klansmen from the south, but ok with Indian doctors?
 
Grant said:
I'm more familiar with 'Hispanic' standing on its own than calling anyone a 'Black' , 'Brown' or 'White' Hispanic. Do they use those terms were you live?
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What does the term "white hispanic" mean to you? Caucasian?
 
Gathomas88 said:
"Americentric?" :lol:

It's an American commcerial, singing a patriotic American song, broadcast during the largest American sporting event of the year, dealing with an American socio-political issue. What the Hell else could it possibly be, but "Americentric?"

Some of us happen to believe that this nation should be run primarily with the interests of its citizenry in mind, rather than "good intentions" and magic pixie dust. I apologize if you find the idea offensive. :roll:
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What exactly does it take to be considered an American from your perspective? No one is required to speak english to become a citizen and once they do become a citizen they have just as much right to sing that song in any tongue they choose and they are every bit the American as you are.

I would think, as an American, you would take pride in what was on display through that rendition of the song. Inclusiveness, tolerance, freedom.

Seems like you are reading an awful lot into something pretty innocent and actually pretty lovely.
 
opendebate said:
What exactly does it take to be considered an American from your perspective?
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Making an actual effort to behave like one, and become a contributing member of our society.

If a person moves to a foreign country, but continues to behave exactly as they did in their old homeland (even to the point of failing to learn the local language), they are clearly doing something wrong. It is basically an indicator showing that they have no real interest in becoming a member of their new nation's community, but are rather simply there for their own selfish gain.

Unless they have something else we need (money, knowledge, valuable skills, etca), those kinds of people simply are not the type we need around.

No one is required to speak english to become a citizen and once they do become a citizen they have just as much right to sing that song in any tongue they choose and they are every bit the American as you are.
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Some degree of proficiency in the English language should absolutely be required for citizenship. Immigrants who cannot communicate in the language used by roughly 99% of a given nation's population are of no use to anyone, and will likely only be a burden.

I would think, as an American, you would take pride in what was on display through that rendition of the song. Inclusiveness, tolerance, freedom.

Seems like you are reading an awful lot into something pretty innocent and actually pretty lovely.
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I've got no problem with diversity. I've also already stated that I did not find the commercial to be wholly objectionable.

It's heart was in the right place. It's "multicultural" ideological focus was simply fundamentally flawed.

The simple fact of the matter is that "Americaness" should trump all other ethnic considerations when a person chooses to settle in our country. If a person is not willing to make this sacrifice, they really have no business being here in the first place.

That position clearly was not the idea the commercial was advocating in its message. Rather, it was suggesting that common culture and identity did not matter, so long as some loose sense of patriotism was maintained.

This idea is counter-productive, unrealistic, and ultimately destructive. That is exactly why I was uncomfortable with the ad in question.
 
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disneydude said:
What does the term "white hispanic" mean to you? Caucasian?
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Why not send a letter too the editor of the NYTimes asking them what they mean by this? They used the term, not me. Or are you being deliberately thick here?
 
Higgins86 said:
came in Americas most important era and was the gateway to America for millions of immigrants who helped build, create and secure America.
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So your story is still that America's Founders came here through Ellis and you're sticking to it?
 
opendebate said:
What exactly does it take to be considered an American from your perspective? No one is required to speak english to become a citizen and once they do become a citizen they have just as much right to sing that song in any tongue they choose and they are every bit the American as you are.

I would think, as an American, you would take pride in what was on display through that rendition of the song. Inclusiveness, tolerance, freedom.

Seems like you are reading an awful lot into something pretty innocent and actually pretty lovely.
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As an American he may or may not take pride in something. That is part of the freedom of being an American. Whatever you may think of the song is irrelevant to someone else's free opinion.
 
Superfly said:
How does an actual "American" act? What are the criteria for being a "real American"?
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Communicating with the majority of your fellow Americans, allowing you to participate in the American culture, might be a good start.
 
Superfly said:
How does an actual "American" act? What are the criteria for being a "real American"?
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They speak our language. They obey our laws. They make an effort to ingratiate themselves with the people living here before they arrived and contribute something to the collective whole of our society as a whole.

They don't saunter in like they own the place, and demand that everyone else change to accommodate them. Such people are not behaving like potential citizens, with an interest in becoming a part of our greater culture, but arrogant tourists.

They should be treated as such.
 
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Grant said:
As an American he may or may not take pride in something. That is part of the freedom of being an American. Whatever you may think of the song is irrelevant to someone else's free opinion.
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I agree, but since we are exchanging opinions......
 
Does this quote not apply to America as well:
"There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an "all Canadian" boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate." - Pierre Trudeau
 
Carjosse said:
Does this quote not apply to America as well:
"There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an "all Canadian" boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate." - Pierre Trudeau
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Pierre Trudeau was a schmuck.
 
This reminds me of a promotion that swept the television airwaves a number of years ago.
You couldn't turn a TV on without seeing a paid promotion for the notion that the US Constitution was a "Living Document".
The intention was not to promote the US Constitution as a vibrant document that defined human freedoms for history.
The intention was to promote the interpretation of US Constitution as being whatever the hell you wanted it to mean.

IOW ... that Constitution commercial and the Coke commercial were meant to do the same kind of thing.
I'll leave you to decide what that is for yourself.
 
Arcana XV said:
Not so. Certain immigrants are exempt from that requirement.

Study Materials for the English Test | USCIS
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Intellectually dishonest again. These are SPECIFIC exemptions and not the norm, usually because of a disability. Almost all immigrants upon entrance into the country are required to take and pass the citizenship test.

English Language Exemptions
You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:

Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
OR
Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).


Note:

Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English. If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview. Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language. If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.
For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics
You may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.

To request this exception, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This form must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Continuous Residence Exceptions
If you are engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment you may be eligible for an exception to the continuous residence requirement. For more information visit our Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements for Naturalization page and the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.
.

Disability Accommodations
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we provide accommodations or modifications for applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to complete the naturalization process. Applicants are encouraged to list their needs in the space provided on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.
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Carjosse said:
There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian.
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Why on Earth not?

A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.
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In practice, societies with a greater degree of differentiation between ethnic and cultural groups pretty much always experience greater levels of intolerance, violence, and conflict than those which encourage uniformity.
 
Grant said:
What?? Where did you get that?
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Because, if you don't agree with them, they will try everything in their power to try to make you look like a "bad" person. That is their usual MO, and it should not surprise anyone. Nobody falls for this crap tactic anymore.
 
Gathomas88 said:
They speak our language. They obey our laws. They make an effort to ingratiate themselves with the people already living here and contribute something to the collective whole of our society at large.

They don't saunter in like they own the place, and demand that everyone else change to accommodate them. Such people are not behaving like potential citizens, with an interest in becoming a part of out greater culture, but arrogant tourists.

They should be treated as such.
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You don't see this happening, but a lot of people do. Not all immigrants are illegals. Many are hardworking citizens who pay taxes, go to work, put their kids in school, etc. Not these awful miscreants who are just drains on society.
 
Carjosse said:
Does this quote not apply to America as well:
"There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an "all Canadian" boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate." - Pierre Trudeau
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Again, cultural assimilation and integration isn't a yes/no question. It's one of degrees and no one has endorsed the idea that everyone needs to be uniform.
 
opendebate said:
I agree, but since we are exchanging opinions......
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I would think, as an American, you would take pride in what was on display through that rendition of the song. Inclusiveness, tolerance, freedom.
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I would think, as a free man, that in order to be a better person you should believe what I believe.

You are not American, right?
 
Gathomas88 said:
Why on Earth not?



In practice, societies with a greater degree of differentiation between ethnic and cultural groups pretty much always experience greater levels of intolerance, violence, and conflict than those which encourage uniformity.
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It is impossible to define an what an ideal Canadian is, it many different things to many different people. Canada. "I believe a constitution can permit the co-existence of several cultures and ethnic groups with a single state." -Pierre Trudeau
 
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