In interviewing college students about their culture. I find that many people are of mixed races or ethnicities in America. For this reason, they do not seem to identify 100 percent with being one culture. Perhaps their parents were another culture, or their children are another culture. So now, they just say, "I am an American." I am still in the process of gathering information and writing about these interviews.
Dear Karen Riely-Brown,
When I was a student in America during seventies, I had a very hard time identifying with the American culture. However, as time went on I came to understand the merits of democratic societies. I found American people very kind and considerate of overseas students. Naturally, in a nation as large as America, you may also meet traces of animosity and hatred of some who hold racist views about foreigners. I profoundly believe that behavior of the people in the new culture plays a significant role in reconciling the native culture with the new culture. The memories of such pleasant and friendly contacts are preserved in my heart and I learnt to be tolerant of socio-ethnic differences. As Saadi, a great Persian poet once said, "We are all sons of Adam, different parts of the same body" - a universal theme which is re-introduced as "spiritual approach" in America.
Best regards,
R. Biria
Hi, Riza Biria - I, too, have embraced the Latino culture. I find that there are many, more kindnesses that I have experienced, especially as a bilingual Spanish/English teacher, working with parents in the community. I also grew up in West Los Angeles in an integrated environment with students from all over the world it seemed. When I was a child, for example, my best friend, Lanny, in 2nd grade, was Chinese.
I'm glad you mentioned reconciling the native culture with the new culture. More research needs to be done in this area.
Some people have a narrow mind when it comes to foreigners, but when we travel, we are all foreigners at one point or another. So, traveling helps to broaden the mind and experience also helps.
In my attached Literature Review Matrix, there may be some authors that touch a little bit on the subject of the old and new culture.
Thank you for your reply.
I am American. I was born here as were the last two generations of my family. However when asked of my family origins (which is done frequently in the US) I identify with the Lithuanian and German heritage of my forefathers. We celebrate both cultures when it is appropriate for us, usually during holidays involving ethnic food from the "old country".
I think, and this is my thoughts alone, that the part of the US that is interesting and unique is that we celebrate America on days appropriate (4th of july , etc...) and our specific "homeland culture" when it is appropriate for us. My family does Christmas as my ancestors did in the old country.
In the US we celebrate "Culture" in our own way when it seems to suit us. For instance, I live in Phoenix. But I do not claim Phoenix as my "Home". When asked where I am from or where my home is, I identify with Chicago, IL. then talk about how and when I moved. But I claim my home city in conversations.
Culture is such an interesting topic to explore. As it is unique for each of us exactly how and when we identify with the non-native culture.
Best,
~rick
Dear Richard,
Thank you for your candid response to identifying with and celebrating various cultures. Sometimes I know it must be hard to celebrate both cultures (German heritage and Lithuanian) however, there must be some similarities that overlap to make it easier.
Food is an excellent way to bring comfort to those who want to share and embrace other cultures. My Japanese friend, Nakatani, always brought me a big box wrapped beautifully every Christmas! The box was light and surprisingly, contained special Japanese noodles!
Best regards,
Karen
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