An American Tail Enters Trump America: A Look into the Impact and Relevance

An American Tail, a beloved animated film from the 1980s, tells the story of a young immigrant mouse named Fievel Mousekewitz and his family's journey from Russia to America. While the film is over three decades old, it is interesting to explore its themes and messages in the context of modern-day America, particularly during the era of former president Donald Trump. This article dives into the impact and relevance of An American Tail against the backdrop of Trump's America.

The Immigrant Experience

One of the key themes of An American Tail is the immigrant experience and the pursuit of the American Dream. Fievel and his family represent the millions of immigrants who have come to the United States in search of a better life. The film portrays the challenges and hardships faced by immigrants, ranging from Fievel getting separated from his family to the discrimination they encounter upon arrival.

During Trump's presidency, immigration policies and rhetoric became a heated topic of debate. The article analyzes how the film's depiction of the immigrant experience resonated with the discussions around immigration reform, border security, and the treatment of immigrants during Trump's tenure.

There Were No Cats in America: "An American Tail" Enters Trump’s America

by Ruth Wallis Herndon (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	932 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Resilience and Hope

An American Tail also emphasizes resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Despite the obstacles Fievel faces, he remains determined and optimistic, showcasing the resilience of immigrants in pursuing a better future. The film's iconic song, "Somewhere Out There," is a testament to the enduring hope and dreams of individuals.

In the midst of political turmoil, many Americans sought hope and inspiration. This article delves into the parallels between the film's message of resilience and hope and the sentiments felt by individuals during Trump's America.

Political Commentary

Although An American Tail is primarily an animated film for children, it contains subtle political commentary. The character of Warren T. Rat, an exploitative businessman who profits from the dreams of immigrants, reflects certain political ideologies. The article explores the relevance of this character and how it can be interpreted in the context of Trump's America and the discussion surrounding corporate influence.

Cultural Diversity and Acceptance

The film celebrates the cultural diversity that immigrants bring to America. As Fievel meets various characters from different backgrounds, it highlights the importance of acceptance and unity. This theme resonates in an increasingly diverse America.

The article discusses how An American Tail's portrayal of cultural diversity and acceptance relates to the cultural and racial tensions that arose during Trump's presidency, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

An American Tail, despite being an animated film from the 1980s, remains relevant and impactful, even in the context of Trump's America. Its exploration of the immigrant experience, resilience, hope, political commentary, and cultural diversity offers valuable insights into the social and political landscape of modern-day America. As we reflect on the past, we can use An American Tail as a lens to understand and engage with important societal discussions.

There Were No Cats in America: "An American Tail" Enters Trump’s America

by Ruth Wallis Herndon (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	932 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Using the 1986 animated film “An American Tail” as a framing device, this work explores the immigrant experience of émigrés who lived in the United States during the Gilded Age. While the film itself celebrates the arrival of the furry, lovable, Mousekewitz family to the U.S., this essay comments on the evolution of U.S. immigration policy from the late 19th to early 21st centuries, with special attention paid to the National Origins Act, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and to President Trump’s 2017 “Muslim bans.” Major push and pull factors associated with immigration are examined as well; a comparison between the socioeconomic conditions of the Gilded Age and modern era follow.

In this essay, the author argues that the Trump administration’s views on immigration are similar to those of the 19th century’s exclusionary Nativists and their supporters. The author shows that all of this essay’s highlighted immigration policies are steeped in xenophobia, are intentionally designed not to solve the problems lawmakers claim they address, and are antithetical to the values that the U.S.—a nation of immigrants—claims as a deep part of its identity.

In “An American Tail,” the film’s main heel, Warren T. Rat, tries to convince the marginalized mice-inhabitants of his world that one of his lies is truthful. Even as his story conspicuously unwinds around him, he reasserts himself by asking, “Who are you going to believe? Me, or your own eyes?” After reading this essay, the author hopes you will be able to trust your own eyes. You will be equipped with enough historic knowledge and context to think critically about President Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and refugees, decide if this is something you wish to resist, and do so while still trusting in the basic goodness of the American people, the majority of whom did not vote for Trump in the 2016 presidential election. The author intends this essay to be a small, personal contribution to today’s dialogue on immigration in America.