Not "A Nation of Immigrants"

In her provocative new book, historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz challenges the widely-held belief that the United States is a proud nation of immigrants, arguing that this narrative obscures the country's deep roots in settler colonialism, genocide, and structural inequality. She asserts that this simplistic ideology not only diminishes the truth of America’s violent founding but also serves the interests of the ruling class, distracting from ongoing struggles for justice and reparations. Dunbar-Ortiz encourages readers to confront a more complex and honest history, recognizing the diverse experiences of those who have shaped the nation, including both settlers and those forcibly brought to its shores.