[015a]

As global birthrates decline, as they are, nations which can consistently and willingly integrate immigrants have a huge cultural superpower. America does this better than any nation; we're the only nation on the planet that someone can come to and "become" our nationality. As an American; I can (with difficulty) move to Japan, but I cannot become Japanese; I can't become Australian; I can't become British, German, Chinese, or Indian; but people from those countries may come to America and become, in every sense of the word, American. That's a superpower. It might change over time, but its still true today.

When you combine that superpower with our insane natural resources; our insane oceanic coverage on the west and east borders; and our cultural and governmental bias toward personal freedom; there's simply no alternate reality or predictable-term future where America isn't a global leader.

[RajT88]

Some parts of the country you can "become American". My wife is a naturalized citizen from a former colony nation, and some places we travel people make it clear that they feel she is not a "real American" despite almost no accent and having lived here twice as long as where she was born.

[rayiner]

Ironically, DC makes me feel that way the most, where I routinely have to suffer the indignity explaining to people in professional contexts about my “diverse background” while they “ohh” and “ahh.”

[RajT88]

I've heard that complaint from second gen immigrants. First gen don't seem to mind quite as much. (Just my observation - my wife also holds this view)

Performative interest in diversity is condescending and othering. Well, performative interest period can be condescending and othering, regardless of the topic.

[rayiner]

I’m first gen so I actually think of myself as less American than say my wife, whose ancestors came over before the revolutionary war. So I’m not offended that someone might view me that way. I just don’t see the point of making me discuss that in a professional setting. It’s like “dance for us, foreigner!”

[gcapell]

Australian here: I think anyone can become Australian.

[snapplebobapple]

You're forgetting Canada eh? Noo doobt aboot it, you can become a Canadian just by moving too eh. Only hosers forget Canada eh!