--- Kenneth Waller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The U.S. became great by the work of many pulling > together to make thing > better for the whole. Now it seems we have groups of > immigrants, among > others, that come to the U.S. but bring along their > customs & traditions > from their home land and expect the rest of us to > adapt to them. Well, that's a breathless simplification, IMHO. What made and continues to make America great is its very diversity. It is incalculable how the customs, thought, and points of view of immigrants have transformed American society for the better. Those who focus on the frustration of having to repeat oneself to a clerk in a gas station need only put themselves in that person's shoes for moment. "Assimilation" is not an easy thing. I've heard many say that immigrants no longer even try. Many probably do not. And while I agree that institutions should not coddle those who are completely unwilling to assimilate in any way, I think that trying to find the dividing line between what is American and what is not is virtually impossible. At one time it may have been more obvious; a certain kind of dress, a certain level of income, a particular mode of work, etc. But does this exist today? I would hate to be the one to decide what assimilation really means. And, if language is the ultimate litmus test, well, I can tell you from personal experience that language is less than the perfect barometer of assimilation. The customs and traditions of other cultures have strengthened the fabric of America, not weakened it. And I've never felt compelled by any group of people to adapt to their ways and culture in America. > I don't hate foreigners, but I detest their efforts > to bring their country > with them. > > Kenneth Waller > Hum, so "American Food" is all you eat? You don't like tacos? How about spaghetti? I wonder how New York would have been built without Irish and Italian immigrants? So much for the Brooklyn Bridge... Well, I have always greatly admired other cultures and I find them fascinating and wonderful. I've always thought the Japanese are an amazing people. Their command of technology is amazing. BTW, their cameras are incredible! -Brendan __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
