Z. Keremidchieva. (2019). Review: To become an American: immigrants and Americanization campaigns of the early twentieth century. Argumentation & Advocacy, 55(4): 339-340. (original) (raw)

To Become an American by Leslie A. Hahner examines the visual rhetoric and pedagogies of Americanization campaigns in the early twentieth century, particularly during World War I. The book discusses how various civic and governmental organizations sought to instill patriotism among immigrants through aesthetic and performative proofs, exploring themes such as housing reform, public celebrations, and scouting activities. Hahner critiques the enduring myths of Americanization and its implications on cultural identity, emphasizing the need for deeper analysis of the social entrepreneurship produced by these campaigns.