Shouldn't all immigrants assimilate to OUR culture...?

Question

instead of trying to force their customs upon us?

After all, it does not speak of good manners for guests to insult their hosts

Answer 1

You mean the culture we've cobbled together from a little over two centuries of immigrant settlers from countries around the world? The culture that, by its very definition, is a "melting pot" of every other culture? Sure. Why the hell not.

Answer 2

They should. Yes. But I believe some of their culture helps make the whole American experience a little richer. It's nice to be able to go to China town, or little Tijauana, or little Italy. But when it comes to people in America having to learn a different language just to keep a job that deals with the public, I have to say that immigrants need to learn the language. It is like that everywhere. I would never go to live in Russia and expect everyone there to learn English if they don't already speak it, or France, or Italy, or even Mexico.

Answer 3

You are correct in a manner of speaking. Immigrants should assimilate to a degree, with regard to language and not trying to force customs upon us - but America wouldn't be the incredible and diverse country it was without the massive impacts of a thousand cultures throughout the course of our history.

Answer 4

These are my thoughts:
What culture is ours? I see what is happening in the world today, much like in the 1920's. . .the Bolshevik revolution in part created the 'Red Scare,' and many Americans soon stereotyped immigrants as dishonest and having radical beliefs. The Klu Klux Klan fought to preserve the "pure Americanism" and it was believed that immigrants somehow caused erosion in old-fashioned American values. The mainstream gave sympathy to the KKK.
We must remember how our country was founded. . .people from all over Europe immigrated into this land, home of the Indians. People from all places came to have freedom in religion and to flee from poverty. The United States were formed out of rebellion to the monarchy of Great Britain. The Americans wanted democracy and not have their lives controlled. Our country is home to people of all nationalities, and I don't see any set 'culture.' We have the freedom to seek happiness in whatever form.
Don't allow xenophobia to influence your thoughts. No one should force customs upon anyone . . . natives to immigrants or vice-versa. There is no set culture in America. Even between natives there are 'culture wars.' Every one is an individual.

I know this may not be the most popular belief, but I do not see anything wrong with people immigrating to live in other countries and not learning the language. It would be helpful to the immigrants themselves, but not necessary.
I know many people move from the United States to a foreign land, and make no attempt to learn the language.
I often see some people here in the US irritated by the illegal immigrants, and show this irritation to legal immigrants.

Answer 5

You will be assimilated, resistance if futile! (Sorry, I couldn't resist)
I do believe that immigrants should learn the language, and definitely some portions of our culture, but (and that is a HUGE but) I don't think they have to give up their language or culture in order to do so. Differences in culture are what makes America so alive and interesting. (As long as you aren't forced to listen to loud music you don't like all day long, but then, many born and bred Americans are guilty of that)

Answer 6

Yes, but only after due legal formalities have been observed. But certainly not, as "alien illegal immigrants." They may be granted, "appropriately dignified legal status," in the country, of their preference, if they qualify "at least" the minimal government requirements, of the desired host country. They will accordingly, get more facilities, and duly authorized employment, too! (Dependent, of course, on the available vacancies)

Answer 7

I agree with you completely. I think the rest of the answerers are misunderstanding your question. I don't know of anyone who want to force immigrants to forget all about their original culture. However, if they want to be a part of our culture, they should a) speak the language, and b) refrain from unacceptable behavior in public. Ex: Calling western women "uncovered meat" and saying they should get attacked because they don't wear head to toe black tents.

Answer 8

In a way, yes, but also a big fat NO. They should respect our culture and try to understand it. Depending on how long they stay they are likely to soak it up subconsciously anyway. But if you're asking whether or not they should try and be just like us, then no. I think its very important for anyone to be proud of their heritage and if they want to live a lifestyle that is reminiscent of where they came from then power to them. We must all hold strong to who we are and not change it just to please other people. Its true that they shouldn't force their culture onto us, but we should show the same respect. Diversity and education are never bad things. To each his own. If we are respectful then we just might learn something, to live and let live in peace.

Answer 9

Mosaic is a better idea than a melting pot. American culture is inherently a globalized culture. We are unique, but a huge part of our culture is the fact that we do come from all parts of the globe. Instead of trying to assimilate to "white culture", oh sorry - "American culture", we should be a society where all of our differences come together to make a cohesive country.

And please, ifyou want to talk about forcing things on other nations, and you can't see the incredible hypocrisy of that statement, than you really don't know what your talking about.

Answer 10

They should assimilate as well as they can, keeping in mind ones culture is deeply rooted. Diverse cultures are interesting if one is willing to learn them. Our immigrants are welcome as long as they become "Legal." Speak English as best they can and obey our laws, that's all it takes.