I'm an American. We've translated democracy and brotherhood and equality into enterprise and opportunity and success - and that's getting Americanised.

In this quote, Susan Glaspell reflects on how American ideals such as democracy, brotherhood, and equality have been transformed or "translated" into concepts that are more aligned with the American entrepreneurial spirit. By referencing enterprise, opportunity, and success, Glaspell suggests that the core values of American society have been reinterpreted through a lens of capitalism and individual achievement, where personal success is often prioritized over collective social ideals. This process of "getting Americanized" highlights how cultural values evolve and become commercialized over time, with an emphasis on individualism.

Glaspell’s statement underscores a critical view of how capitalism and the pursuit of success have shaped the American identity. The transformation of ideals like equality and brotherhood into economic goals reflects a shift in societal focus from community and collective well-being to personal gain and economic mobility. In this view, democracy and brotherhood are no longer purely about social justice or collective well-being but are increasingly seen through the lens of market opportunities and personal entrepreneurship.

The idea of Americanization in the quote refers to the way in which the values and ideals of democracy have been adapted to fit the American economic system. In a society where success is often defined by financial achievement and personal accomplishment, these broader concepts of equality and brotherhood have sometimes been reduced to individual pursuits. Glaspell may be critiquing how American society tends to prioritize economic success over the more communal or collective aspects of democracy and equality.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Glaspell’s reflections on the early 20th-century American society, particularly during a time when the U.S. was becoming increasingly focused on industrialization and capitalism. As a writer and social commentator, Glaspell often explored themes of social justice and the ways in which gender and economic structures shaped people's lives. In this case, she’s noting how American ideals, which once revolved around liberty and brotherhood, have been reframed within the context of economic success and competition.