--- "Helga do R. Gomes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Now that you have commented on the major one (i.e. > should Goan Canadians be Gonadians or plain > Canadians which is what Mario wants you guys to be) > would you care to comment on the minor? > Mario clarifies: > What Mario suggests, with all due respect, is that people who have emigrated irrevocably be clear in their own minds where they are from and where their future lies. In his never humble opinion, carrying around loads of sentimental and emotional baggage that results in a fierce opposition to assimilating into their surroundings, then complaining about not being accepted, is an excercise in self flaggelation. > This does not mean denying or repudiating their heritage. It is important that their progeny understand that heritage and even celebrate it at events like Viva Goa. However, in the new world their descendants will soon be fractions of various other cultures and ethnicities and any residual "Goaness" will have to accept it's proper place within that mix. Then, for example, Viva Goa may have to share in importance with Oktoberfest. > The worst scenario is when those immigrants who are unsure of where they belong IMPOSE their own sentimental baggage on their kids. They may succeed in brainwashing their kids, but the effect is unlikely to last more than a couple of generations, so they are simply kidding themselves. > However, if they have emigrated temporarily then maintaining their "Goaness" not only makes sense, but not to do so would be ridiculous. Their Canadian and American neighbors would know and respect those feelings, and treat them like the guests they are and not like pseudo-Canadians or Americans. There would be no expectation of being "accepted" in this case and far less angst all around. >
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