Why don't Immigrants read the fine print?

Question

Do you feel that the concept of the melting pot is flawed and causes problems for people.

if you take a gold ring and put it in a melting pot it is no longer a ring it just fades and blends in with the rest of the pot's contents....that being said do many people in our country feel that immigrants should blend in and learn our language and customs..etc and live by those guidelines in their day to day lives?

Answer 1

I will just comment on " concept of the melting pot".

In reality the function of the  melting pot is the opposite of the popular connotation.  The melting pot purpose is to separate the slag to obtain the pure metal.

So if the impurities are to be removed from the metal in question, it is subjected to the melting pot.  

Unfortunately, this is one of those sayings used to manipulate thinking and sound appealing to those that are not inclined to investigate the truth of its application.

Now to comment on the remainder of your passage:

While it is customary to assimilate into or imitate the popular dominant culture in order to participate, it is prudent to consider the value of such assimilation and imitation. Some behaviours and customs should not be incorporated into ones Lifestyle.

Unintentional cultural sharing does happen when different culture are in contact with one another over the course of time. Status seekers, or those not wanting to be be perceived as "less than" qualified pr unacceptable, to be participants will accellerate the process due to among other things, physical security, emotional insecurity, financial opportunity, or socio-economic status.  

In a more open and mature society everyone attempts to learn the language and customs of others, so that they can better serve one another. It is like a "potluck" or stone soup, everyone contributes to complete the whole for the betterment of all.

Answer 2

LOL read the fine print on immigrant paper work homie. Immigrants dont always mean dumb dude thats real tak from  

Answer 3

Ironic and transparent..shame.

Answer 4

You assume that there is some basic American culture to which we all adhere.  I was born in Chicago, my father white and my mother Japanese, and I lived the typical suburban lifestyle.  Does this mean my mother has to conform to the same values system and cultural mores as me, or can she just go on being Japanese and American?  I hate you, man.  LOL tho

Answer 5

Well, its a really tough call because what really defines American culture. Some say the true Americans are the Natives who lived here long before the colonists settled. Some white Americans imply that they are the "real Americans" (though we know that isn't true), the media makes it as if America is just black and white (and all asians and latinos are immigrants), others feel America is a free country thats free for anything.

Then you factor in people who just use the country for its money and have no real interest in the people who live here or "being American" (this is the case with many people from India -I know because where I live its about 60% of the population-, and some (oriental) asians, who choose not to associate with anyone outside of their ethnic background). Then you have some latinos who come here and choose not to speak nor bother to learn english, therefore creating separation from the majority of America (people of all races, including fellow latinos who do speak english), who speak english, the most spoken language here.

If everyone just "assimilated" no one knows what we would assimilate to. The white conservatives would love it if we were all christianized and basically at the rich white man's feet, the uber politically correct liberals believe all "minorities" should completely walk on everybody, speak whatever language they want (creating confusion and barriers), and grant special rights and priviledges to some people and not give them to others.

Personally I think American diversity is a failed project. Its not free enough to where you can really be yourself (considering the social norm here is being white/black, conservative and christian), but its also free to the point where there's so many barriers and so little harmony. We can't agree on anything. Not even a government.

So your guess is as good as mine as to whats right and wrong here.  

Answer 6

I do not care if people maintain their culture or not. I draw the line at the LAW of the land. Our founding fathers used ENGLISH to create the documents that make this a country. All of the laws are written in English. Commerce is conducted in English. That means it is up to the immigrant to learn English, not for the citizen to understand the immigrant language!. If I move to a foreign country, do they go out of their way to accommodate ME by doing things in MY language? Your ring analogy only works in that every person can contribute to the general good, but as an individual is mostly insignificant. I have NO sympathy for immigrants, legal or not, who do NOT understand the language that the laws of the land are written in.

Answer 7

     Three of my grandparents have been here for centuries, and one is from Mexico.  My parents raised us as "American"--granted, our ethnic background consists of 8 different original countries, but we have always celebrated being American.  

     The point is this--my Mexican grandmother has taken some time to adopt American culture, and while in the process I have learned something of Mexican culture.  This country is a country of immigrants (except for Native Americans, of course)--and depending upon the time of immigration, people may take some time to adapt to this country and culture--while adding to it as well.

     As most of us were immigrants at one time or another (immigrant ancestors for some) we have also created this American Culture that we all have in common, share, and understand--as Americans. It is our responsibility to welcone and help our new brothers and sisters that immigrate to this land--just as our families have, in hopes of continuing to build a strong nation of free people.  ; )