What kind of an American are you?

As the first draftees appeared at their inductions in 1917, the nation’s lyricists were already questioning the loyalty of the immigrants. “What Kind of An American Are You?” starts with a conciliatory tone, but turns brazen and demanding. “This land of the free,” we and they are assured, “is for you and for me. / Or for anyone at all who is seeking liberty. / We welcome every stranger and we help him all we can.” The open hand of friendship and aid is not a new ploy for these writers and, of course, there is a “gotcha.” “And now that we’re in danger,” the trap begins to close, “we depend on every man.” The same demand for loyalty and gratitude that is the prevailing oeuvre of these songs, comes to the fore again. “The Stars and Stripes are calling you to lend a helping hand,” as one good deed demands reciprocation, and “If you’re true blue, it’s up to you to show just where you stand.” Loyalty, unlike faith, depends on acts and appearances—especially under the Espionage Act. The refrain is a “Put up or shut up” and “Love it or leave it” all concentrated in one passage.

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