American citizens Quote by Bernhard Schlink
“I certainly know German colleagues in the US who try to be Americans, try to melt into Americanism, even before they get married and become American citizens. But I've never tried that.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink, 1995
The speaker observes that German colleagues in the US resist assimilating fully, preferring to retain their identity rather than become “American.”
In simple terms: They keep their German identity instead of fully assimilating.
Key Takeaway
Respect cultural identity.
Themes
identity
assimilation
immigration
Mood
thoughtful
neutral
Type
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- working in multicultural teams
- social policy debates
Key Concepts
cultural preservation
integration challenges
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance cultural heritage with new society?
- What benefits arise from maintaining distinct identities?
A Different Perspective
Assimilation pressure can cause loss of heritage.
