|
| |
VISITING
AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE
JUNE
2007 
The Integration and Assimilation of the Danube Swabians
into American Society
With
the influx of the Danube Swabians after the Second World War into the United
States, a major resettlement of this German, ethnic minority from Yugoslavia,
Romania and Hungary had taken place. Special laws had been enacted in the U.S.
Congress, spearheaded by Senators Langer and Dirksen, for these refugees and
displaced persons, to permit them to leave war-torn Europe in order to make a
new home for themselves.
The majority of those entering the United States after World
War II were sponsored by NCWC, a Catholic War Relieve Organization, as well as
by German American Organizations, such as the American Aid Society of German
Descendants and relatives of those wishing to enter. All of the immigrants had
to be in good health and moral standing, have a job offer and a place to live.
The political climate in the early fifties was not the most favorable one for
German immigrants. Having been defeated in the War, the immigrants were often
looked upon as the enemy and treated in a prejudicial manner.
However, the desire to succeed in the new homeland and the
opportunities to work and make up the loss of all their worldly possession, was
so strong, that they overcame most adversities over the years. They vowed to
become productive citizens of these United States, obeying its laws and enjoying
its freedoms. Many young men had to join the U.S. Army, even though they were
not citizens and serve in Korea or Viet Nam.
The older immigrants went to night school to learn English.
Those that had a trade, established themselves as fine
craftsmen and many opened their own businesses after a few years. The younger
ones were sent to schools and universities. There was a great desire to learn
and much emphasis was placed on higher education. Today, two and three
generations later, the sons and daughters of the immigrants are in leading
positions in universities, they have become successful engineers, doctors and
lawyers, educators and artists.
The assimilation into mainstream American did not take long.
The immigrants bought houses and settled near their work and school. They
integrated into the society and proved to be exemplary citizens, interacting
with their neighbors and coworkers. They also flocked together with their
friends who immigrated from their homeland. Thus, clubs and organizations were
established to meet their social interests and keep some of the traditions and
language, which they brought from their homeland. In this free society, they
were able to express their ethnic interests and culture through song, dance and
cultural activities.
The Society of the Danube Swabians of Chicago is one of those
organizations. Early on in the fifties, it established a weekend school were the
children of the immigrants could keep up their German language and those who did
not know any German, had the opportunity to learn. The youth was gathered
together in song and dance, reaching out to the community by performing at city
festivals, nursing homes and holiday festivals. The earlier immigrants also
created a soccer club in which the youth could participate and later expand into
an independent organization, serving all youths of the region.
Senior citizens have a place to gather and be entertained,
enjoying the much loved cuisine of the Danube Swabians.
Participation in food and pantry drives is now a activity
throughout the year where less fortunate members of the city are being fed and
supported. Needy families in the community are adopted especially during the
holiday season and provided with clothing and necessities they cannot afford.
Visiting senior citizens in nursing homes, bringing them small tokens of joy and
singing and dancing for them are all projects which the different factions of
the organization have carried on to reach out to the community and the region
they live in.
By participating in civic festivities, parades and
city-sponsored social gatherings, members have had an opportunity to reach out
and mingle in friendship and camaraderie.
Thus, the Community of the Danube Swabians has found a new
home in the American way of life and has translated itself into a viable,
productive and active member of this great society.
Annerose
Goerge Editor of the
Nachrichte, Vereinsblatt
Vereinigung der Donauschwaben, Chicago
|
