Yeah thats the point I was trying to get with it. But I also found it an interesting bit of historical marketing…

Doubt anyone could achieve that kind of result nowadays…

First, 100% at anything is spectacular, but I suspect you’re right in that they were “cherry picked”. I beleive Tom makes reasonable point regarding basic rights, but not contextually based upon the period. Essentially and correctly, all non-natives were, in fact, foreigners/immigrants. However, the distinct difference between then and now is that their adaptation of America as their homeland made them “American Blooded”. Without making this a rant, we could use some more of that today. I summize the greater point to be taken here is your percentages will always be greater if you know your target market and speak to them correctly.

Interesting point you raise. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it was racist. The letter was written back in 1925 and I guess patriotism had a much deeper meaning than it does today. Essentially all non natives in America are foreigners but where do we draw the line? If they were born there then surely they are American.

I think that Barton was merely playing on the heart strings of the wealthy Americans of the day. They will have been proud people having made a success for themselves and would not want to be shown not having the compassion to help those less fortunate.

It surely is a great salesletter. But as a foreigner to the U.S.A. I don’t like Bruce Barton’s emphasis on 100% American blood: doesn’t every human being on earth have the same basic rights? These racist thoughts are even less understandable due to the fact that already back in those days North American population was almost entirely composed of immigrants or their offspring… so what really IS North American blood???