U.S.A is a relatively new country and many of you have still strong memories of other parts of the world runing trough their system. I bet that many of the proud Americans of today are similar to those who wanted to become (by various reasons) Roman citizens many centuries ago. America is a great dream but still a dream...
2007-07-31 06:19:59 · 8 answers · asked by (ro)Bulldog 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I have not forgotten the reality that, other than the aboriginal inhabitants of our continent, every other resident living here results from immigration.
2007-07-31 06:24:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pride is not a good thing no matter which continent you live on. Here, in America, everyone does have an opportunity to work, earn a living, buy a home and automobile and live fairly well. However, this "dream" as you call it, is not evenly distributed among American citizens. There are here, as in Europe, many rich people who take advantage of the poor and lately there are more and more poor and homeless. The American dream is not really a reality for the poor because they need a hand up in order to "become" successful at this point in time. The problem is too many Americans have the attitude: "I can do it; you can do it." They are not willing to see what is happening to their fellow Americans who have somehow "fallen onto hard times." The Christian ethic is supposed to be strong here. We send billions upon billions of dollars overseas to aid starving and homeless people but we do little to help them here. Oh, we feed them, we allow them to have "tent cities" (sometimes) but we don't make an effort to help them out of their situation. Too many Americans believe that if they got into that situation it was their own choice...that isn't always true, though many of them are on drugs and alcohol. Many just haven't been able to make it for one reason or another. But because of our "pick yourself up by your own bootstraps" mentality we can't see what is happening. Yes, the American dream does exist; it is pervasive here. But for some, more and more every year, it is not a reality and unless something drastic changes in the American mindset, it never will be.
2007-07-31 06:55:55 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would assume you are not an American, and as such, I submit that you don't know what you are talking about. There are a large number of Americans living the "American Dream", and doing well. There are also those that are not, and not because they can't but because they choose not to. The so called "dream" is evolving here, and that is a huge part of what makes this country "great". WE evolve, we change, just look at the changes made in this country since 1950, that much change has not taken place in Europe in almost centuries, even longer in Asia. So, when you speak of the "American Dream," be sure you know just what that is before you say it is "only a dream", for americans, it is a reality.
2007-07-31 06:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody should be proud of their cultural ancestry. But if a person immigrates to another country, they should adopt the language and culture of their country and assimilate into the population of that country, obey it's laws and follow it's customs.
No one is saying to give up your roots, or forget your language and heritage. These are where you come from, but this is not the life you have chosen to live by immigrating to a new country. Have pride in where you come from, adapt to where you are!
Even so-called "native Americans", though they have been here the longest, are the descendants of immigrants. I am sure that there were other, more primitive people that they displaced in their migrations.
How long must a person's ancestors have been here before they are considered "natives?" Personally, I'd say that if you are born here of legal immigrants who came to improve their lives and the lives of their children, then you are a "native." If you consider yourself an American above all else, ahead of previous culture and custom, then you are a "native."
And if you don't care for my definition of a "native," then you can just kiss my rosy-red butt cheeks! Arrgh! Arghh! Arghh!
2007-08-01 13:40:08 · answer #4 · answered by Big Jon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To share a side branch of my family who is 3rd generation American: when this Dutch family moved to the Southern region of the U.S., they refused to let their children learn Dutch so they could more quickly adapt to their new home country. Is that so bad either? Another branch of our family is 2nd generation of French background but they too expected to learn English. They weren't made to forget where they came from, but it seemed to be the respectful thing to do and a matter of more likely becoming a successful citizen.
2007-07-31 10:26:28 · answer #5 · answered by suzi q 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calling us proud is making your country look like it is made up of a bunch of jerks! "did you all proud Americans" learn how to talk too. You are SO rude. I have never insulted another country or race on here! learn some respect for others!
2007-07-31 06:35:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The culture of the forefathers is good for reference - but culture is dynamic and the challenges they faced are in no way related to the ones we face today. This kind of thing does not move me.
2007-07-31 06:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My ancestors have always been in america.
Your racist mind completely forgot those of us native americans.
Perhaps you need to go back to your own country and remember that some of us still live here and always will.
2007-07-31 06:33:56 · answer #8 · answered by otter_woman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋