This gave me a good laugh. But I doubt if my German immigrant ancestors found it funny.
Writer Annalisa Merelli's article for Quartz outlines Benjamin Franklin's loathing of Germans. I like this excerpt of Franklin's statements as published in qz.com on 12 Feb 2017:
“Those who come hither are generally of the most ignorant Stupid Sort of their own Nation.”
They were unable to adapt to the local values.
“Not being used to Liberty, they know not how to make a modest use of it.”
They were endangering New England’s whiteness.
“[T]he Spaniards, Italians, French, Russians and Swedes, are generally of what we call a swarthy Complexion; as are the Germans also, the Saxons only excepted.”
________
Old Ben expressed views commonly heard today. Have you noticed that many of the loudest squawkers against refugees seeking asylum are themselves descendants of very recent immigrants?
Several of my pale ancestors fled Europe or King George`s island(s). The Quakers sought religious freedom. The French wanted land they could own. The Acadians were expelled by force. And I imagine the Germans were tired of conscription in the constant wars created by "royals."
Their descendants fought in the Continental Army against those whose goal was to make the Colonies a two-tiered class society. Benjamin Franklin was a strong voice against further subjugation.
I like to think my English ancestors sent to America as indentured servants were among Franklin's many fans.
#ResistanceGenealogy