Why do minorities have to be white washed in order to be treated as equals by white Americans?

Question

It seems like when person of a minority group in the US holds on to their culture like speaking their language, eating their traditional food, dressing in their traditional clothes, they are not accepted by white Americans. For example, I have seen Indian and Arab people who wear their traditional clothes get treated badly. I have seen Hispanic people who are treated badly because they speak their language and take pride in their culture. My mother came to the US from the Philippines 19 years ago and she has worked hard to perfect her English but she still uses broken English. (white) People have talked down to her and treated her like she is stupid because of it. It seems like if people have pride in their heritage or cant speak perfect English they are looked down upon like they are less than American. America is a country of immigrants and is supposed to be a melting pot. So why do minorities have to abandon their culture to fit in. It makes some of us resent white Americans.

My mother speaks English. It is just not PERFECT. But people think it is o.k. when they are pissed off at someone to make fun of how they speak or their nationality. For instance, I remember a few years ago we had a fender bender and my mom and the driver was bitching about who was at fault. They insisted on mimicking her English. Crap like that happens alot. I'm sure that when English speakers learn another language it is not perfect either. My mother has been here for 19 years and she is a citizen and I was born here. We pay taxes just like every other American.

Aaron I know you are supposed to learn the language. I never said I have a problem with that. English is commonly spoken in my mother's home country too and my mother speaks English it is just an accent!!! I am talking about how immigrants and minorities are treated for not speaking perfectly or for holding their heritage.

Answer 1

Tough question. However, the basic premise of moving into a foreign country is to adapt yourself into the country. If you want to keep your culture values then that it is fine. Yet, this is America and not the country of the immigrant. An immigrant is supposed to integrate into society not hold himself/herself outside of it.

For example, I'm studying abroad in Germany and while I hold on to my cultural values, I do not enforce them on the Germans. I keep them to myself unless I'm asked about the culture here in America. I don't go into a store and talk in English unless they hear my accent and speak back in English (happens a lot). I respect the culture here and I don't want to try and change it.

Answer 2

First I'd like to say that your sentiments are valid and it would be great for you to get involved in some advocacy work in your community.

Second I'd like to offer this:
English is NOT the Native language of this country and therefore all those who argue that say someone should learn the language of the country might as well go learn some tribal languages themself.

Third I'd like to define two terms for your education:
-Melting Pot- This means that people should be seen not for their cultural differences but that we are all equal despite these differences. (what you are arguing against)
-Salad Bowl- This means that we all have differences including different cultures and that they should all be equally respected.

Fourth to answer your question:
This country was "founded" on a notion of assimilation. In fact numerous people and cultures were killed off because they didn't adapt. That is why this is still happening, it never stopped. People like you who believe this is wrong and are willing to get educated and teach other people are the ones who will make a difference. So good going!!

Answer 3

I'm sorry your mother and others have been subjected to this treatment.
Personally as a white American, I sometimes feel intimidated by the strong traditions of other countries, and occasionally envious because they have such strong bonds with their family and their culture. Of course, this does not give me reason to treat people badly, but sometimes my shyness or distance may come across as rude.
These are certainly not things to be ashamed of, and the Americans who can't at least respect the fact that you continue your cultural traditions, no matter where you live, are ignorant and should be disregarded.
I hope with my job specialization in International Studies I can help to bridge the gap of understanding between Americans and other cultures and solve the uneasiness on both sides of the spectrum.

Answer 4

It's human nature (and quite rude and disrespectful) to be mean to people who are 'beneath' us. It's not right, but happens often. Each person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect as a human being, regardless of race, gender, or English proficiency.

BTW, lumping all white Americans into the same 'neanderthal' category is racism. Not all of us judge by skin first. Just something to think about.

Answer 5

You can keep your culture. No one is saying you can't. How have you seen the Arabs and and Indians treated badly by whites? Because just yesterday a group of black kids were making fun of a muslim kid on campus. People make fun of people and it's not right. I don't know why everyone wants to always blame white people. I have never made fun of anyone.

Answer 6

Aaron, blacks and Latinos make up less than 20% of the US population...thus they are a minority.

I wonder if Germans and Swedes get the same treatment as your mom for their bad/broken English. I doubt it. AND if your mom spoke perfect English because she was 8th generation American they'd still say: You speak so well. Like she's not suppose to!!!

Welcome to America.

Answer 7

it's because most white americans dont know what it's like to be an immigrant because most are at least 3rd generation and dont realize how hard it is to conform to one culture but try to hold on to your own so that your children will know where their ancestors came from. i do agree that being american should be its own culture in a way and that people should be loyal to this country just as they would any other, but not knowing a lot about my own background, i understand why people want to preserve thiers. its mostly ignorance, but i believe that in a few years when minorities outnumber white that that problem will be eliminated.

Answer 8

Anytime you migrate to a new country, you should make an attempt to assimilate into the new society and culture you migrate to. If you do that, then the people will accept you. If you can't do that, then you shouldn't leave your home country. Besides, why would you want to migrate some place if you don't like their culture and society. No one is forcing you to.

Answer 9

In a predominently English-speaking country, why would you "not" speak English? If I moved to Mexico or Denmark, I would at least make an attempt to learn their national language. Why should anyone show pitty on someone that's lived here over 10 years and STILL can't speak English? What's the excuse? That lazy to learn it? It isn't about pride for your culture, it's about communicating with other human beings in a predominently English-speaking country. And you don't have to "act white" to be "accepted" or heard, you just have to speak English to be heard. You don't need to play the race card either.

Answer 10

The majority of white Americans don't accept the fact that racism is rampant among their people,it would make them look less superior. .In order for a white person to feel superior they must make another race feel less,lost or lacking.once they embrace the fact that many of them need rehabilitation in race relations,then we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.If we are a minority they are the majority,The majority must get it together in order for the minorities to see a difference.The race card is only used when it is appropriate