After returning to the United States in 1904, Henry James recorded his observations and feelings in the coastal cities of the East, and published the book "American Scenery" in 1907. This book differs from his earlier travelogues in both form and content, with a more obscure writing style that covers social and cultural issues such as immigration, gender, and consumer culture. James' discussion on immigration has attracted the attention of critics, some of whom believe that he has anti Semitic tendencies and betrays the American democratic system, while others argue that he exhibits a "continuum" of subjectivity, constantly switching roles between self and others, homeland and foreign land. Ross Persunok believes that James' analytical approach is similar to Walter Benjamin's, avoiding falling into binary opposition. This article aims to explore James' dual anxiety about American immigration and ethnic cultural identity, as well as his cultural concerns about the gradual deviation of American democratic ideals from their original intentions under political and economic development.

The immigration wave in the eyes of urban wanderers

Henry James explored immigration issues as an "urban wanderer" in "American Scenery," which allowed him to maintain a dynamic mindset and open mind towards modern urban life. He expresses his aesthetic concern and humanistic care for the immigration wave through his own observations and impressions, rather than relying on newspapers and reports. James witnessed firsthand the unprecedented wave of immigration during the social transformation period in early 20th century America, especially the "new immigrants" from Southeast Europe and Jewish areas. He witnessed the challenges brought by the immigration boom to American identity on Ellis Island and felt anxious about the future of American national identity. In the Jewish community of the Lower East Side of New York, James felt the impact of immigration on American social life, housing, work, and other aspects. He likened the immigration issue to a "skeleton at a banquet," implying that it is a social problem that cannot be ignored. James believes that establishing the cultural identity of immigrants and reconstructing the national cultural identity of the United States are common challenges faced by immigrants and American society.

The immigration situation in early 20th century America

At the beginning of the 20th century, the US government showed a strong trend of assimilating immigrants in both domestic and foreign affairs, promoting Anglo Saxon racial superiority through external expansion, and prevailing materialism with a lack of cultural awareness domestically. Immigrants are influenced by political and economic policies and are required to accept "Americanization", which refers to the core culture of Anglo Saxon culture, resulting in the suppression or forgetting of their mother country's culture. Henry James focuses on the crisis of immigrant culture in "The American Scene," particularly the changes in Italian immigrants in the United States who have lost their warm and friendly national characteristics and have been assimilated by commercial culture. James observed the living conditions of Jewish immigrants in great detail and sympathized with their difficult struggles under the monopoly mechanism of trusts. The assimilation of immigrants in American society is not only reflected in the economic aspect, but also in cultural infiltration. James is concerned that immigrants are gradually losing their cultural discernment and creativity under the influence of American popular culture. He hopes that immigrants can bring highlights of their respective native cultures and enrich the cultural connotations of their host countries. James believes that the United States should promote the spirit of democracy, treat immigrant cultures equally, and provide them with space for survival and development, rather than assimilating them and eliminating their traditional culture through political and economic integration.

James' Immigration Concerns and Cultural Countermeasures

Henry James expressed profound concerns and cultural strategies regarding the phenomenon of immigration in the United States in "The American Scene". He believes that the United States should accept diverse ethnic identities and actively build multicultural coexistence, rather than assimilating immigrants. James emphasized that American society should actively accept immigrants and make them a part of culture, achieving cultural complementarity. He is concerned about the impact of the US environment on immigrants and believes that immigrants should maintain good traditions as an antidote to American business culture. James' ideal is for everyone to be a contributor to excellent culture, without losing their original beautiful traits through mutual influence. His concern for the pursuit of a single value in American society reflected criticism of American politicians at the time. James' idea of cultural integration contrasts sharply with Roosevelt's expansionism, advocating that true national identity should be complex and diverse. James advocates for multiculturalism, which is different from cultural relativism. He inherits the cultural criticism view of British cultural critic Matthew Arnold, emphasizing that American society should weaken its pursuit of materialism, attach importance to the cultivation of true culture, and focus on the cultivation of beauty and taste.

4 Conclusion

James observed the immigrant landscape in early 20th century America from the perspective of an urban wanderer in "American Scenery," examining the impact of immigrants on American culture and expressing concerns about immigrant assimilation. He believes that the assimilation of immigrants in the United States' domestic and foreign affairs deviates from the ideals of freedom and democracy, and that the immigration wave provides opportunities for multiculturalism in the United States. James emphasized the recognition that immigration is the ethical foundation of cultural dialogue and an inexhaustible driving force for the development of American culture. The American Scene "is James' analysis and exploration of American democratic ideals from a cultural perspective.