Accordian Crimes

Political Implications of “Accordion Crimes” E. Annie Proulx’s, “Accordion Crimes” takes an in-depth look at many various immigrant families’ social, cultural, religious and ideological contributions to the American society and political system. Proulx details each ethnic groups’ struggle to maintain their own unique identity. However, each groups’ attempts at remaining unique actually patterns the other. In doing so, these groups actually contribute to form a new “American” polity. This formation of a new polity …

…was so invaluable for the first generations of immigrants becomes muddled for the latter. The concept of being a foreigner in a new land transcends through generations whom associate themselves as Americans. There’s no longer an Italian-American or German-American identity. Now, there becomes an American identity. Ironically, no matter what background these immigrants came from, they all pursue justice. It is this foundation of justice which becomes the center for the new “American” polity.