Introduction
In the XXI century, the concept of the American Dream seems to be completely inseparable from the image of the United States (Li, 2010). The idea of North America representing the business empire and the place where even the most daring and reckless ventures turn out to be a success is quite alluring (Wallechinsky, n. d.). However, such a representation of the state has led to the U.S. becoming the Mecca of immigrants (Hanson, 2012). In his op ed, Charles M. Blow addresses the controversial issue of immigration (Blow, 2014).
Article Analysis
The author ends his article with a range of important conclusions regarding the immigration issue in the United States in general and New York in particular. Blow makes it obvious that the current policy, which the U.S. authorities have chosen to address the immigration issue (Brick, 2011), is more than despicable – it is disrespectful to everything that the Constitution of the United States stands for (Lindsay, 2013).
Blow specifies that not only new York, but also the United States were, in fact, founded by immigrants ; more to the point, Blow argues that immigrants have contributed to both the state culture (Ngo, 2008) and its economic progress (Becerra, 2012), yet most of the state ethic and national minorities still do not have the rights that they deserve: “There is a fundamental disconnect here: Many of the groups that are driving the diversification of the country aren’t seizing the electoral power that comes with being here” (Blow, 2014, para. 13). The key reasons for Blow to base his conclusions on concern the census data; to be more particular, the 2010 Census results were provided (2010 Census, 2010). Therefore, Blow’ argument seems very legitimate and worth taking a closer look at.
Article Evaluation
The reasoning provided in the article serves its purpose of supporting the conclusion rather well. However, one must admit that, with a topic as tricky and complicated as the culture issues, it is very hard to prove every single supposition that has been made in the process of the argument (Imman, 2007). As a result, some of the ideas listed in the op ed may have lacked proofs. However, much to his credit, Blow manages to tie every single piece of evidence to his key argument that the ethnic and national minorities must be provided with their irrefutable right to vote.
More importantly, Blow touches upon a variety of related issues, including the increasing rates of multiculturalism in the state, the effects of immigrants on the state politics and economy, as well as the state progress in general, etc. Therefore, Blow manages to stay convincing and appeal to the audience. The article, therefore, appears to be well written and overall very convincing.
General Evaluation
Overall, the argument that Blow makes seems to be very legitimate. Blow uses the data carefully and efficiently enough to convince his audience. Providing an honest and open discussion of the problem, Blow shows that his opinion deserves being heard. Despite some minor issues in his article, Blow knows what point he wants to get across and what tools he should choose to make his argument credible. Well thought out and just as well put together, Blow’s op ed makes a very interesting social commentary on one of the most topical issues in the U.S.
Reference List
2010 Census (2010). Web.
Becerra, D. B. (2012). Fear vs. facts: Examining the economic impact of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Web.
Blow, C. M. (2014). Still a nation of immigrants. New York Times. Web.
Brick, K. (2011). Mexican and Central American immigrants in the United States. Geneva, SW: EU.
Hanson, G. H. (2012). Immigration and economic growth. Web.
Imman, A. G. (2007). Cultural transmission: Influence of contextual factors in Asian Indian immigrant parents’ experiences. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54(1), 93–100.
Li, W. (2010). American dream of American obsession? Business Review, Q3, 20–30. Web.
Lindsay, M. J. (2013). Immigration, sovereignty, and the Constitution of foreignness. Connecticut Law review, 45(3), 743–808.
Ngo, B. (2008). Beyond “culture clash” understandings of immigrant experiences. Web.
Wallechinsky, D. (n. d.). Is the American Dream still possible? Web.