Greeks in America - eBooks4Greeks.gr

THE GREEKS IN AMERICA 113Americanization of the children.—Many a simple,illiterate immigrant may turn out to be more loyalto America, than the so called cultivated theoristswho can chatter, parrot-like, good English, but areunsound in morals and unprincipled in action. It isdifficult and in some cases impossible to change thehabits of the adult. It is different with the youngand the children. They are open to impressions,and the future lies with them. They will all getAmericanized through education. The public schoolis the melting pot where children of all races arebeing assimilated. Many Greek children who arebeing educated in American schools, answer theirparents in English who speak to them in Greek.The evening schools are of immense value. Bothmen and women are attending evening classes, inthe public schools, Y. M. C. A. and the various Greeksocieties.Y. M. C. A.—The Y. M. C. A. is bringing manyGreeks into contact with American ways, ideas, customs,and moral and spiritual ideals. A great manyare now joining the Y. M. C. A. in different parts ofthe country. In New York, the 23rd Street Branchis becoming a center for foreign born men. A Greekbranch had 165 Greeks connected with it in 1920 and300 in 1921. Special social gatherings are heldwhere Greeks and Americans meet, get acquaintedand discover unexpected qualities and attractions ineach other.Meetings for Greeks are held, addressedby prominent Greeks and Americans. Eveningclasses of various kinds are held. A Greek musiciangives lessons on the violin, guitar and mandolin.Many are interested by assignment to various subcommittees.A Greek assists the American Secretariesand their program includes helping the immigrantson landing at Ellis Island, finding them lodgingsand employment and helping them in otherways. Some young Greeks room in the Y. M. C. A.