I have to say reading these threads make me believe there aren't many positives about California (Westminster: foods, office)

[ndfmnlf]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

It's true, compared with other countries the US bends over backwards to accommodate immigrants. Yes, I will admit there was prejudice many years ago that was severe enough to lead to Little Italys and Chinatowns but today there is nothing close to that level. If anything, as a nation we've gone extreme in the opposite direction and no longer expect immigrants to assimilate. I'm from relatively recent immigrant stock on one side (grandparents on that side both born aboard) and I have to say, were they still alive they'd be amazed at the current mentality. My grandfather barely had an accent by the time I was born. He had library shelves filled with books in English.

Except when immigrants do attempt to assimiliate, whites flee the area. Why is it that Cupertino which is an affluent city with great schools, whites still flee the area? It can't be because of the high crime rate or the crumbling schools, both of which are not problems in Cupertino. Is it because Asians have moved in and have become a strong presence in the city? The Asians that have moved in are highly educated professionals, and their kids excel in the schools. Isn't this what assimilation is all about? Why the white flight?

You can't really accuse immigrants of not assimilating when they are rejected in their efforts to do so by white society, can you?

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Now that's almost funny. Let me see, lived in mainland China for almost two years. Japan for two and a half years. Korea for almost two years.

I've not only been to numerous Asian cities but lived in many for significant periods of time. Add having "been to" Hawaii before it became a state, Canada, Mexico (several cities) and Thailand and I think I have some perspective -- not to mention having lived in multiple cities in seven other states.

And you?

I envy you. I haven't seen sh**. Although I never claimed so. I like your posts!

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Let's start with Westminster. Then let's look at huge swaths of large cities such as LA, SF and Sacto, and some not so huge.

I've lived in three foreign countries and in none of them did the populace, the businesses nor the government roll-over to provide me with signage, literature or information in English, nor did I expect them to. I learned their languages and customs. Had I become a citizen I wouldn't have expected voting ballots in my native language or anyone else's either but for the mother tongue.

Presumably, in order to become a citizen and gain the right to vote you have to have a working knowledge of the "native" language. It really comes in handy while driving, don't you think?

Oh, and City Boy, you're from Oakland. Isn't that the city that wanted to teach Ebonics in its schools? How about that city?

That's what is unique about the US. I am thankful to live in a country that attracts so many different people from around the world. If you don't like it, then maybe you are not an American?

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by ndfmnlf

Except when immigrants do attempt to assimiliate, whites flee the area. Why is it that Cupertino which is an affluent city with great schools, whites still flee the area? It can't be because of the high crime rate or the crumbling schools, both of which are not problems in Cupertino. Is it because Asians have moved in and have become a strong presence in the city? The Asians that have moved in are highly educated professionals, and their kids excel in the schools. Isn't this what assimilation is all about? Why the white flight?

You can't really accuse immigrants of not assimilating when they are rejected in their efforts to do so by white society, can you?

Cupertino is not an example of assimilation. It's an example of colonization. Assimilation is when you end up with someone like me, who is culturally Anglo Saxon without a single drop of Anglo Saxon blood.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Interestingly, ethnic groups in certain communities on the Peninsula seem to be assimilating more than colonizing. Witness places like San Carlos and Belmont.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Mach50

If you don't like it, then maybe you are not an American?

Gosh, darn! I wish they'd told me that before I put on a uniform and fought for this country. I could have saved myself a lot of grief and made money instead. Guess I'm just a dummy.

And you?

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Gosh, darn! I wish they'd told me that before I put on a uniform and fought for this country. I could have saved myself a lot of grief and made money instead. Guess I'm just a dummy.

And you?

6 years a Naval Officer, veteran of Persian Gulf War (JFK, Diego Garcia, Pax River, MD)...traveled the entire world, lived in countries that would love to have our desire for other cultures, that attracts so many immigrants.

I am also the child of Irish and Mexican immigrants whom would have never met if it wasn't for the love America has for its immigrants.

You are very ungrateful for what you have here, I have no idea of what you think an "American" should be. But when I think of America (US) I think melting pot (e.g., NYC, California).

[D-Towner]

I think people can agree that California has its good and bad.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Mach50

6 years a Naval Officer, veteran of Persian Gulf War (JFK, Diego Garcia, Pax River, MD)...traveled the entire world, lived in countries that would love to have our desire for other cultures, that attracts so many immigrants.

I am also the child of Irish and Mexican immigrants whom would have never met if it wasn't for the love America has for its immigrants.

You are very ungrateful for what you have here, I have no idea of what you think an "American" should be. But when I think of America (US) I think melting pot (e.g., NYC, California).

Good for you! You're also full of crap about me being ungrateful.

Twelve years an Army EM and officer -- E2 to O4 -- (Ft. Bliss, TX, Ft. Ord, CA, Ft. Benning, GA, Korean DMZ, Vietnam, Ft. Knox, KY, the Pentagon, Ft. Hood, TX). Scottish, Dutch, French and Polish lineage going back as far as the 1600s.

Combat veteran and the father, son, grandson and nephew of combat veterans with a legacy that goes back to the Civil War, and maybe further.

When I think of America I also think of a melting pot but it's become a salad bowl instead.

Don't you dare presume to question my loyalty, patriotism or gratitude.

[jzt83]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

NO! Good old fashioned pride in America at its finest. If you want to live in a "China town, japan town, korea town, latin, german, vietnamese, etc." then move. If you want to live in America then be an American regardless of your roots!

There are variations within American culture. Are you against French Bistros with French foods spelled in French with the accents and all? What about the French Quarter in New Orleans? Are you against Polish delis? Jewish delis? Pizza isn't originally American. Are you against pizza? Most of what is considered American is adopted from other nations. Perhaps you are referring to Native American culture that we should all stick to?