The main character, featured in Bruno Lessing's short story, " The Americanization of Shadrach Cohen", may have just set foot in the United States of America but he was not ready to be Americanized just yet.
Unlike his sons who had neglected many of their Russian Jewish traditions since their arrival few years ago, Cohen would love to see his sons preserve their heritage while adapting to the American culture. His sons wanted to lead an American life, while Cohen still held strong to his own customs. All these differences formed a wall between Cohen and his sons. Eventually, when compromise is reached, they have realized the true meaning of preserving original customs whilst being in an alien culture.
Shadrach Cohen migrated to America following invitations by his sons. He was annoyed by the way his sons were Americanized. At the same time, his sons denounced him as they were so proud to be Americanized and could not accept the fact that their father was still so Jewish. It then led to conflicts between the father and sons.
The unfavorable situation sustained until Cohen took over the business once managed by his sons. He taught them the key to success. The prosperity of the business helped changed his sons' impression on him. They began to respect and look up to their father. And as the business grew, the sons felt the pressure and increased responsibility. Soon they turned back to their tenets and religion for consolation.
On the other hand, it was also a long process to make Cohen gradually realize the charm of American life, that of liberty and of democracy. After his interactions with more American businessmen, he learned many things, especially the faculty of adaptability. He changed to a more flexible man. He became a more broad-minded and tolerant person.
It was seen that even until the end of the story, Cohen still remained his Russian Jewish ways, cladding the long gaberdine and ringlets of hair that fell over the ears. Prayers after meal were still continued but these old ways did not annoy the sons anymore. They had learned the true meaning of preserving their own culture while adapting the good values of a new culture.
