Why are people so proud of their "heritage" and try to force their ways on others, when the places they came

Question

from obviously weren't too good (either economically, socially, politically, etc.). If things were so great in these other places, why do so many seek to leave them. Why do people try to create a government, political institutions, life-style, etc. similar to what they led previously in other places when it was obvious those ways didn't seem to work for them in other places? Why do so many come to the US and try to change so much about it when the US developed into a superpower while so many have immigrated here from places that are anything but? Just my rant for today- any thoughts one way or the other?

Yep- very polarizing question indeed and some good points made by all "sides." Hard not to be proud of ones culture/heritage when going elsewhere because it defines one so much and is the only way/tradition they have known. I'm so far removed from any of my European roots that I only identify with my American-ness. For those thinking this is an "attack" on Mexicans or Hispanics- this question wasn't directed at you in particular; I do enjoy much about Mexican and Costa Rican culture (along with any other foreign place I've been in Europe and the Caribbean) from my times there. The US is also the "Melting Pot" for the diversity that helped make it the great nation it is today. True noone can "force" their culture on another per se, however, people can refuse to join the main-stream culture of their new "home" and try to transplant as many traditions with them, for better or worse, as possible while shunning American culture-to the detriment of both sides which is happening more now.

Answer 1

I think its the need to feel as if you are at home. People want all the perks of living the US but don't want to give up their beliefs of habits. The fact of the matter is that if they move to a country they have to blend in in some way shape or form and if they don't like the way the country is then they shouldnt go there.

Answer 2

Nobody can "force" their heritage on anyone. Who is saying that people think that there countries were so great, but decided to leave anyway. They may feel good or proud were they are from, just like we would feel proud of our State or high school , etc. Who is trying to create a different government here? How are they trying to do that? You get a custom to a certain lifestyle and if you a lower in come family you try not to live beyond your means. Sometimes coming or going to a new country you look for things that are familiar that you can understand and relate to. I think we wold all feel the same way if we were on the other spectrum of things. I do admire you willingness to be open minded enough to hear other views and opinions.

Answer 3

Good that you note that the "US developed into a superpower while so many have immigrated here for places that are anything but."

Because they came from such places, they understand and appreciate what this country is and stands for. It's the people who have been here since colonial days who don't understand and appreciate this country enough.

No immigrant to this country is trying to "create a government" or "political institutions" and so on. Your remarks indicate that you fear immigrants and have no tolerance for differences between and amongst people.

And you? You don't like your "heritage" and are not proud of it? Or do you think that other people should not be proud of their heritage because it is different than yours? Or maybe, you think that other heritages are shameful, inferior, unworthy?

This rant of yours is not insightful - you seem not to realize what you are saying. People come here because they hold the same values that people here have and cannot get them where they came from. The rest of the world has a history that is entirely different than the US and has lots of baggage that is very hard to get rid of. It is not so easy as you seem to think to develop the political-economic system of the Western World. And it is the US and western liberal democracy that has inspired people.

These same things were said of the Irish, the Italians, the Chinese, the You Name It when they were the immigrant groups. But they are here, and they have contributed and they are Americans, and the US not only survived, but it prospered, in part BECAUSE of them.

Answer 4

I think the rationality for people immigrating to the U.S. and then imposing many of their customs or political philosophies on the rest of us, is that they see the U.S. as only good for one thing, and that is to make money. They don’t necessarily appreciate, or even perceive greater freedom in this country or any of the other host of benefits that this nation affords its people. So they seek to have the best of both worlds; the economic benefits of the United States and the cultural values of their native land.

What differentiates many immigrants today from immigrants of the past, is that many immigrants of the past came here for more than material betterment, they came to this country to flee repressive societies and for ideological reasons. Hence, they truly were grateful for all the ways in which America was different from their homeland, and did not seek to change America, but allowed America to change them. Since most of the immigrants coming today are, for the most part, only seeking monetary gain they refuse to assimilate into our culture, almost as if it was an anathema to do so. It would explain why immigrants today are far more resistant to learning our language than immigrants of the past.

I also think that another impetus behind this trend has to do with the fact that over the past two to three decades, America is no longer seen as the bastion of freedom and progressive thinking that it once was. From Vietnam to the current quagmire in the Middle East, we have successfully tarnished our wholesome and noble image in the world. We are no longer seen as the beacon of freedom by many parts of the world. As a result, people come here only to reap monetary rewards. They use us like a whore, and when they are done, they discard us.

Answer 5

This is very true. I went into about 20 business specializing in serving the Hispanic people everything in these places was in Spanish nobody spoke a word of English. The information for the business were all in Spanish there were also Mexico flags every where. Yes the "heritage" of Mexico are alive and well. It's discrimination when business refuse to have people who speak english when we in America are forced to press 1-press-2 menus not in english.Why is hispanic discrimination against every other non spanish speaking race o.k. ?

Answer 6

I don't try to force my heritage on nobody. Im sorry you feel that people do that. Maybe its your own ethnocentric attitude that you should look at. Just because I follow some of the customs and beliefs that my parents do, doesnt mean I expect everybody else to. Also just cause I come from a country with a totally F'ed up government doesnt mean I dont miss and love my country of origin. If you got a problem with that, well thats your problem.

Answer 7

Eventhough it is true that there are some immigrants who come to the US and don't want to mingle, and don't want anything to do with America, but it is also true that a lot of immigrants come here to work hard and contribute as much as they can. From what I've seen around me, I think the latter is probably true of most new comers.

I think that you can see from previous postings, that english is not a problem for a lot of immigrants. If fact, from my experiences in school, most of them speak and write english rather well, in fact very often, better than some Americans, born in the USA.

Most immigrants who come to this country, don't do so with the thought of changing it to the image of their old country. They simply want to keep what's left of their country in them, that is their culture. Other than through their appearances, what highlights and distinguishes one person from others is their culture. Culture is what makes "you" interesting. A person without culture is a boring person, a "dead" person. What makes an American american? Is it what clothes they wear? Is it how they walk? Is it what food they eat? Is it what car they drive? Is it what color they are??? ... You get the idea, right? Anybody can wear designer clothes, anybody can walk the cat walk, anybody can drive the fancy cars, but what makes you... "you", is what you believe in, what religion you follow, what your customs are... it is your culture that makes you "you", and interesting.

To ask someone to throw away what makes them them, is almost like asking them to kill themselves. We personally cannot do it, why do we expect other people to do it? Will you accept going through the year without celebrating Christmas, eventhough you live in Tokyo? Will you accept to forgo going to church (if you are a Christian), just because you live in Iraq? Will you stop eating hotdogs just because you live in Africa?... The answer is "no", of course. No decent person would ask that of you. To ask you to do so, or to enforce it on you, would be.... un-american!

Answer 8

Our many heritages are the "vitamins in the melting pot" that makes America unique. Admittedly, the flavor is sometimes pretty spicy. Human nature tends to cling to what's most familiar to us.... especially in new/strange environments.Truth is, that decades of earlier emmigrants from around the world (esp Europe) came here for new opportunities to improve their lives & were willing to WORK FOR IT. Change is a good thing in a free market of competitive ideas. While there are cultural variations, none can claim to be "purebred"--- thankfully.

Answer 9

This is not just happening in the US, this is happening all over Canada and Western Europe as well.

A lot of people JUST can't intergrate into society, therefore they implement their native society onto their new country. In a nut shell, they try to make their new country exactly like their old country. I honestly don't see the point either, like it's good to have culture and keep SOME traditions, but if you can't assimilate to the extent that you are alienating yourself from the rest of society, you need to find a better home that is more alike to your native one, or go back to your native soil.

Answer 10

I am Hispanic and American first. You are wrong if you feel all Latinos feel this way....My father served in the military as a resident to protect freedoms that you enjoy today....

Stop spreading lies and misinformation. As far as heritage, there is nothing wrong with recognizing where you came from. I am Hispanic and proud of my heritage, I don't agree with Mexican govt policies, but I embrace my Hispanic heritage and culture and force it on no one!....