In October 1908 an important play by a British literary celebrity premiered in Washington in front of an audience that included the president of the United States. The Melting Pot, written by the Zionist Israel Zangwill, tells of the aftermath of a pogrom in Russia in which the entire family of the protagonist has been murdered. He flees to America and composes a symphony, idealistically hymning the virtues of a post-ethnic society in which all differences would be set aside.
Zangwill was an optimist about integration. The play has a happy ending and, according to lore, Teddy Roosevelt cheered his approval when the curtain fell.
Looking at the row in this country over protest marches taking place disrespectfully on Remembrance weekend, seeing a war memorial
