If they left their home country for a reason, and came here for presumably better opportunities - why do they insist on doing everything 'the way it was there' - if it was supposedly worse living there?
2007-01-31 14:19:57 · 16 answers · asked by radiancia 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
I have no problem with people wanting to hang on to their heritage. That is one of the most important things in a persons life. However, when you leave your homeland and are in search of something better then you also better be willing to learn the culture and language of the country that you are going to. Don't expect the "citizens" of that country to come to you. You made the choice to come here. If I went to France then I would learn French because that is the only way that I will assimilate myself in that country. Immigrants can keep their heritage in their own privacy, but don't try to force it down the throat of the people that live in the new place of residence.
2007-01-31 14:53:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess that just because there was an overiding economic or political reason that made it necessary for people to leave their homeland, doesn't mean they have to overhaul their preferences and traditions to adapt to a new homeland. Their maybe things that were really cool and that they miss from back home that they like to celebrate .
Learning the language of the nation that you have emigrated to is key though, even if one holds on to many other traditions and continues to speak the native language in the home.
Sometimes clinging gets annoying though. When the U.S. plays Mexico in Soccer, we see these news reports and TV clips of Texans and Californians (American Citizens and Illegal Aliens alike) waving
Mexican flags and chanting Mexican National Team slogans, it makes me cringe a bit.
I am a Hungarian American as well as Jewish American with a lot of ties to Israel (my brother and his family live there). However if the U.S. Team was playing Hungary or Israel, I would root for Team USA to kick their butts without a second thought.
To see a 50 year old Mexican American who has been in the U.S . more that half his life root for Mexico it makes me feel sad and think that folks don't seem as interested anymore in contributing to American society anymore and that it's just about employment opportunities and economic conditions as basis for being here but seemingly not to become assimilated into the American Experience.
Just a thought. Pretty general, but I beleive it happens a lot this way.
2007-01-31 22:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by stymie1970 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's probably hard to get rid of the customs you grew up with. They liked their country, just not the rulers or the poverty. Plus, they think our society's a bit messed up. The only thing that bugs me is that we have to print everything in other languages so immigrants can understand. They're in this country, they should learn a few words.
2007-01-31 23:00:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. Why don't you go ask the Chinese down in Chinatown who have been here for years and years or the Italians down in Little Italy? Why don't you go into a Jewish section of town and ask them why they still celebrate their heritage? How about the Irish on St. Patricks Day? I assume you are referring to the Hispanics who still value their heritage & traditions & want to preserve them just as our ancestors did for us. What makes it so wrong now to want to do the same? That was their home. Even though they left to find a better life they shouldn't have to sacrifice everything they know & love just to do it. We certainly haven't done that.
2007-02-01 00:08:03 · answer #4 · answered by Pamela 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What people do within their own homes, and families is their business. But, this is America.. learn to speak English, and take pride of this country, as well as your 'roots.' My grandparents would not let us speak anything but English outside the home! They followed the ways of the United States, with great pride. The hats of the men came off when the US anthem was sung - in ENGLISH! Their hands were placed over their hearts when they said the pledge of allegiance - in ENGLISH. They had tears in their eyes!! They sat in Ellis Island, waiting their turn to become citizens of this country, LEGALLY, and were so proud. Yet, we had our traditions, that we've kept over the years.. but we fly the United States flag, celebrate the 4th of July as our Independence Day. I suggest America get it's head out of the sand, and take back what is hers!
2007-01-31 23:23:05 · answer #5 · answered by sassy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i left my home country solely to be with my husband, plus he said he could not take the cold and rain where I come from lol
I try to observe the holidays such as they are......not quite got the hang of thanksgiving yet but am at least trying, I also sort of cling to a few of them from my own country........for instance I really MISS bonfire night, and without fail also have the day after Christmas is called and celebrated as boxing day........
I would like to see more of where people bring the best of their home country and enjoy that of their new country or at least shut up if they dont like it.............
Where I come from Remembrance Sunday [veterans day] is a HUGE day of remembrance and honouring both the fallen men and women and the ones that still lay down their lives, NOT a day of beer and burgers
2007-01-31 22:34:59 · answer #6 · answered by candy g 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. That's just an excuse they were living worse there.
They come here to recolonize the United States and plant their flag and their seed. They tell us if America doesn't like it we can leave on the Mayflower.
2007-01-31 22:40:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it's natural. americans do the same thing even on short vacations! i don't think it's anything to really worry about...as time goes on, people realize what they like about the US and naturally change. the only reason why it appears to not change to us, is that when old people adapt, new people come in and the process starts over.
i teach new immigrants, and they adapt in patterns. first their schedule, then clothing, holidays, political opinions, ....and finally much later food choices and social behavior. these things take time to learn and change.
2007-01-31 22:28:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All immigrants "cling to their homeland". That is why Americans eat pizza and celebrate St Patrick's day.
2007-01-31 22:25:18 · answer #9 · answered by October 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Living conditions could have been worse, however, if you give up who you are and where you come from then there would be no diversification among "AMERICANS". And remember the only ones that are not "Immigrants" to this country are the American Indians, and look what we did to them.
2007-01-31 23:04:51 · answer #10 · answered by john g 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋