Question

My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants.

We were strangers once, too. And whether our forebears were strangers
who crossed the Atlantic, or the Pacific, or the Rio Grande, we are here
only because this country welcomed them in, and taught them that to be
an American is about something more than what we look like, or what our
last names are, or how we worship. What makes us Americans is our
shared commitment to an ideal-that all of us are created equal, and all
of us have the chance to make of our lives what we will
-Barack Obama, November 20, 2014
What is the main point of this passage?

A. Cultural diversity makes the country strong.
B. Immigrants to the United States should learn English.
C. Certain shared values help unite all Americans.
D. All Americans should believe the same things.

Answer 1

The passage from Barack Obama's speech highlights that being American is defined by a shared commitment to ideals like equality and opportunity, not by superficial traits.

This reflects the concept of the American Dream and the idea that the U.S. is united by common principles despite its diverse immigrant origins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main point of the passage from Barack Obama's speech on November 20, 2014, is centered on the idea that Americans are unified not by superficial attributes such as appearance or ancestry, but by a shared commitment to ideals of equality and opportunity, indicative of the American Dream. This commitment transcends cultural and ethnic differences and is what truly makes one an American. It recognizes the country's diverse immigrant roots, acknowledges their contributions, and emphasizes common aspirations and the opportunity for upward social mobility through hard work and embracing of common ideals.

Historically, the United States has been a nation shaped by waves of immigration, with people from all over the world coming in search of economic opportunities and subsequently assimilating to contribute to the concept of the United States as a cultural melting pot. The assimilation process often included learning English and adapting to societal norms while contributing to the dynamic and multicultural fabric of American society.

Over time, despite instances of prejudice and discrimination that some immigrant groups faced, the principle that America was a land where anyone could achieve success through diligence and adherence to democratic values persisted. This is emblematic of the deeply held belief in the American Dream. Thus, the unity of the nation arises from a collective embrace of core principles such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, ideals enshrined in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.