We must assimilate to be an American?

Question

I noticed that some people (whether on this site or in the real world) feel that we must all be the same in order to be considered an American. Now don't get me wrong, I don't object to getting an education, having a succesful career, and being a (just-) law abiding citizen, but on the same side, we should not discriminate against others who feel that this is not the way of life they wish to choose (providing, of course, that the way of life they choose is not harmful to themselves or anyone else).

I see alot of you are getting quite hostile in answering this question. Everyone knows that there must be a certain degree of assimilation to servive in America, as well as other countries. What I'm asking is how far should that assimilation go. Should we just drop our beliefs and cultures all together in order to go along and get along?

I re-read my question and can see how some of you thought I was taking a stance on immigration and are attacking me for this supposed stance. Well, fine. I can not change your minds and opinions, especailly since I can see none of you in person to express what I am truly trying to say in a way that you could better understand it....but hey, at least I'm getting the answer to another question I was going to post.

Answer 1

To some degree. One has to deal with the common ethos -- work, study, family, tolerance, et cetera, in order to fit in. But that does not in the least mean that one should abjure one's original culture: the art, music, clothing, and other cultural features of many lands enhance the American cultural landscape, to the benefit of us all.

Answer 2

It seems like its not really a question it looks like a guise for your contempt for some whom you dont agree with. Just come out with it if you feel you need to say something...no one can even see you. I will answer a question you already know the answer to. No we must not all be alike, its an insane requirement.... Assimilation has come to mean many things by way of various experts in sociology and psychology but how many people in United States that have assimilated actually follow it the exact definition? I can bet very few if any. No American can follow it to the letter because it means forgetting your history and again....the makeup of the United States has a lot to do with what lies outside its borders. Any country that has even a half assed working system requires that the people have commonalities. With that being said.....A country should definitely protect its interests if the visitors who visit the household dont wipe their feet before they come in.

Answer 3

Yes.If one's culture and heritage is of paramount importance,that person should go back to that country and enjoy it.We all know what we are speaking about here.All people have mixed background and will take pride in the music or art or some such thing from their past ancestors.But wearing it on your sleeve,and waving foreign flags,and rejecting the language and culture you are living in will ultimately destroy that culture.Asking this question tells me you do not know history.I could care less about how much education you have.If you knew your history you would know nations crumbled time and again when it became multihued and lost the main attributes that catapulted it onto the world scene.

Answer 4

There is a certain amount of assimilation that a person who wishes to live and work in this (or any other country) should have. Any immigrant should be able to communicate in the common language of the country they live (English in the US), should follow the laws and ordinances of the area (immigrate legally, limit people living in one house per local statute, etc.) and not expect employers and others to follow their customs (holidays). Assimilation does not include changing the immigrants beliefs or customs unless they are illegal (forced marriages, wife as property).

Answer 5

Then what the hell are you doing here? Yes, you must assimilate. Otherwise this probably isnt the country for you to be living in.

Your either with us or againt us...Choose

Answer 6

I don't think that's the issue, whether immigrants must assimilate. The issue is don't demand your own little world in this society, and accept your fate if you refuse assimilation.

Answer 7

If someone doesnt want to be a part of america...then why are they staying here...if you want to be here you should assimilate...thats how it is in most contries

Answer 8

If you think of yourself as an African-American, Mexican-American, Asian-American & Arab-American etc.Then you aren't a REAL-American yet.

Answer 9

If you were born in america you're an american. Does that help you.

Answer 10

why are you bringing this up in order to start smoothing, don't you have other better things to do.