Annie Zhu - Q2 Blog #4 - Hamilton: An American Musical, and Immigrants
“America, you great unfinished symphony, you sent for me! You let me make a difference. A place where even orphan immigrants can leave their fingerprints and rise up.”
Besides its revolutionary hip-hop music about a Revolutionary American origin story, Hamilton uses history as a way to reframe the founding fathers beyond idolized mythologies; it shows that behind all the fame and scandals, people like Alexander Hamilton were really just underdogs that worked their way to the top.
In “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down),” Lafayette humorously remarks, “immigrants, we get the job done,” in reference to himself and Hamilton for their contributions on the battlefield during the Revolution. This one line always draws cheers from the crowd not just because it’s funny but also because immigrants feel recognized by it for the unseen work they do every day for their country. In addition to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius lyrics, his choice of a diverse cast helps to show that modern culture and the seemingly distant founding of the U.S. are not as different as they seem.
However, the government system the cast raps and sings about is, ironically, the same system that oppresses foreigners today. The earliest institutions in America were created by immigrants, yet in the modern era, we continue to treat immigrants like the number one enemy: ICE raids, dismantling DEI, and the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Hamilton portrays people who overcame adversity, sought a fresh life in America, and built a legacy: “planting seeds in a garden [they] never [got] to see.” Alexander Hamilton was born in the Caribbean and wrote his way out of poverty, reflecting on countless individuals who have moved to the U.S. in search of new opportunities just like him.
What Hamilton would see today, though, is a society that shuns immigrants. Xenophobia, especially in the United States, is completely unjustified. Many “white” groups like Eastern Europeans or Germans have traditionally been the target of nativist hate, but discrimination against them has decreased since earlier centuries, and some are even seen as “true Americans”—proof that 1) times can change and 2) xenophobia evolves rapidly, so it is simply irrational to villainize immigrants as if they’re disturbing the way things used to be. Society is always changing: that is the nature of this America.
If this country was built by former Europeans who moved here to build a new home, why do the descendants of those people discriminate against today’s immigrants? American values have always included tenets like freedom and democracy, but I think it’s about time we examine immigration as well. Immigrants should not be seen as threats to tradition; they should be ONE of those values. After all, American identity is made up of diverse cultures, and every single one deserves fair representation.
Source: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times/Redux
Hello Annie! I have been waiting all quarter for someone to discuss Hamilton. Even though I have only watched it once, the musical numbers have a reserved area in my long term memory. I really appreciate your inclusion of the musical’s lyrics—I could envision the actors immediately.
ReplyDeleteI like how you took a focus to how at its origins, the United States was founded on the work done by immigrants. Those immigrants don’t necessarily fit the immediate stereotypes that come to mind now when we hear immigrants. Now “immigrants” are non-white, heavy-accented aliens. I’m glad to see on social media that it’s becoming more apparent that everyone in this nation, other than Native Americans, are here through the process of glorious immigration.
I enjoy how you mentioned that xenophobia existed during America’s early development as well, only then it was targeted to other white groups (like the Germans or Irish). The decreased racism towards those groups shows how baseless xenophobia really is. There’s no solid justification for racist behavior. Lastly, I found it interesting that you said that Lin-Manuel Miranda chose a diverse cast to draw parallels to show America as a multi-ethnic nation from its founding. I hadn’t considered that but I think it is really important since it portrays America’s history as relevant and relatable to all Americans; which furthers the fundamental idea that this is everyone’s home, regardless of background or race.
You’ve probably heard this before, and I wouldn’t be surprised if other comments on your blog mention this too, but I have seen much discourse online about the representation of historical events in Hamilton. I have never watched or listened to the musical myself, and probably wouldn’t unless a friend asks me to sit down and watch it with them, but I have witnessed widespread conversation about the protagonists (?) of the musical in comparison to the real people. Namely, the fact that many of the founding fathers owned slaves, and how the omission of that fact (as well as other choices made by Lin Manuel Miranda) serve to disproportionately glorify America and its inception.
ReplyDeleteAmerica has roots in white supremacy and racism, and the country was built on the backs of enslaved people. There is no denying that. But all that aside, it is good to look back on such an influential piece of media which is very firmly pro-immigrant, considering our current political climate. Yet, I can’t help but get hung up on the fact that immigrants who were not white were discriminated against just as much, if not more than, they are now, despite the founding fathers' positive stance on immigration.
Either way, good job with your blog!
Hi Annie, I really enjoyed your blog this week it was a really interesting read! I am a huge fan of Hamilton myself and I like how you connected that throughout your blog and especially the emotional aspect of how he would view xenophobia and the way that America treats immigrants today. The problem of immigration is an every growing and evolving one and while the sentiment regarding immigrants is become more and more negative day by day I think it is important to go back to the roots of where this country was formed and how we were made. America is a country made for immigrants by immigrants. I personally believe that America's ultimate super power is its diversity and the rich cultures that exist within our societies. While I have no idea how to combat xenophobia other than with education (which is also hard as some public school systems are outlawing certain educational practices) I still believe we are not at a point of no return.
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