Comments interspersed below. Kenneth Waller
----- Original Message ----- From: "Brendan MacRae" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: PESO - American Fence > --- 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. Agreed. > 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. My issue is mainly with those who don't try to assimilate. > The customs and traditions of other cultures have > strengthened the fabric of America, not weakened it. Agreed again, but that is mainly in the past I fear. Things are a whole lot different now. > And I've never felt compelled by any group of people > to adapt to their ways and culture in America. I guess that's where we disagree. > >> 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... I grew up in New Jersey in the metro NYC area late 40's to early 60's. I've lived happily with all the nationalities that were there then. No problems. Sure broken English was spoken but I always felt it was just a matter of time as their english improved. Loved the food variety BTW. > > 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 While I'm not a great follower of any specific culture, I have no issue with most, but I believe if someone goes to another country one should try to adapt to the local customs - When in Rome..... I'll agree to disagree. Kenneth Waller > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > [email protected] > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
