I'm An American -- Louis Adamic

Recorded Sound | Digitized | RG Number: RG-91.0033

Overview

Description: On August 10, 1940, Louis Adamic spoke with Mr. Shawnessy, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Service about his hopes for immigrants coming to America. The passionate political writer believes that many newcomers arrive with a common purpose of freedom and opportunity; therefore they possess the American spirit long before they arrive. Adamic goes on to define and explain “Americanism”. He believes immigration to America has drained Europe of those “who had the will to defend freedom in their homelands.” The author also warns it is not enough to be appalled by the actions of Hitler and the Nazi Party. He suggests that Americans summon emotion and take action. Adamic shares his plan to revive the American Dream. He suggests self-awareness, genuine interest in immigrants and avoidance of suspicion.

Louis Adamic (b. Alojz Adamič) was born on March 23, 1898 in Praproče pri Grosupljem (present day Slovenia), Austria-Hungary to a middle class family. His interest and participation in political activities caused him to be expelled from grade school in Ljubljana. In 1913, 15-year-old Adamic emigrated to New York. He joined the U.S. Army three years later and became a naturalized citizen during his service. After leaving the military, Adamic settled in California. He became nationally known as a journalist and writer who advocated for American minorities, especially immigrants. Adamic wrote about the failed American melting pot in Laughing in the Jungle (1932); as well as autobiography in My America (1937). From 1940 to 1942, he served as the founding editor of Common Ground, a pro-immigrant quarterly. Adamic died in 1951 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Some wonder, however, if he was murdered because of his political views.
Date: Broadcast: 1940 August 10
Format: WAV

Physical Details

Language: English
Genre/Form: Radio broadcasts.

Rights & Restrictions

Conditions on Access: This archival media can only be accessed in a Museum reading room or other on-campus viewing stations.
Copyright: NBC Universal
Conditions on Use: Contact NBC Universal at www.nbcuniarchives.com for permission to duplicate and use this film or sound recording.

Keywords & Subjects

Topical Term: American Dream. Democracy--United States. Immigrants--Cultural assimilation--United States. Immigrants--Interviews. Immigrants--United States. National characteristics, American. World War, 1939-1945--Participation, American.
Geographic Name: United States--Foreign relations--1933-1945. United States.
Personal Name: Adamic, Louis, 1899-1951.

Administrative Notes

Legal Status: In process
Recorded Sound Provenance: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum purchased digital copies of these sound recordings from the Library of Congress in March 2018.
Recorded Sound Notes: More information about Louis Adamic:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Adamic
http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Louis_Adamic/

More information about I’M AN AMERICAN:
https://www.uscis.gov/history-and-genealogy/our-history/historians-mailbox/im-american
https://www.npr.org/2017/10/16/557338355/im-an-american-radio-show-promoted-inclusion-before-world-war-ii
Recorded Sound Source: Library of Congress - Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division (MBRS)

Record last modified:: 2024-02-21 07:27:19
This page:: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn620780

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Also in "I'm An American" NBC radio broadcasts

I’M AN AMERICAN premiered in 1940 on the eve of WWII. The NBC radio broadcast was spearheaded by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the U.S. Department of Labor to foster a “deeper consciousness of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship and more tolerance for fellow american of all birthplaces”. The weekly program featured distinguished foreign-born citizens discussing their naturalization process, the meaning of “democracy” and reminding all Americans of the value/privilege of U.S. citizenship. Sound recordings of I’M AN AMERICAN are available from the NBC Radio Collection in the Library of Congress.

Date: 1940-1944

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I'm An American -- Louis Adamic

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