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Thanks for writing. I live in Bullhead City, AZ. (Right across the Colorado River from the casino town of Laughlin, Nevada.) The small (historic) town of Needles, CA is about 26 miles south of us.
This is how I feel: Your ideas about people getting along and living in peace and harmony are wonderful. I wish things could be this way too! And you're right, it's best when we welcome diversity....and try to learn from each other, etc.
But "trouble brews" when one group tries to control everyone else...And when one group tries to force their "will" onto others.
And, some people just don't want to assimilate and become absorbed by other cultures, etc. They tend to view this as a "loss"....and not really a "gain" for them.
I agree, we do learn from exposure to other cultures. I've always been an "armchair sociologist" all thru my life. But the thing is, everyone isn't just like you...or me.
As I mentioned in my other post, I had some wonderful experiences growing up in CA in the 50's. At that time, people moved to CA from many different states for a "brand new start!" Everyone was on their "best behavior" and showed respect for each other. But, this type of "ideal situation" isn't always the case today. Some people move into new areas and act like nothing "existed" before they got there....And long-time residents don't always want to have an influx of new residents in their area from other cultures. (Newcomers who want to change everything!) Also, they resent the fact that they have to put up with increased traffic, etc.
There are lots of different feelings on "all sides" that need to be acknowleged, understood and examined, etc. (This is how I feel anyway.) It never works to tell people how they "should feel." I think it's always best to ask people "how they really feel, and why they feel they way they do, etc." This way, their feelings can be factored into the equation when it comes to working out possible compromises...Compromises that might give everyone a little "more of what they want" in the long run....How do you feel about it? More soon and thanks again for writing and listening, Claire
I understand what you're saying. There are imperfections to a completely multicultural society. It IS frustrating to be told what you should feel. I hope you don't think I tried to impose my opinions on you.
Thanks for writing and understanding. Life can be so complicated at times...and complex!
My former hometown in CA seems like a foreign country today because so many immigrants from Asian countries moved into the area thru the years.
My husband's former hometown in CA is referred to as "Little Saigon" because most of the people who live in the town and area today are from Vietnam.
My son's former hometown in CA has become a haven for people from the Middle-East. (To the point that my son moved away....because he just didn't feel at home there anymore.)
It's hard for us to even go back to visit our former hometowns today because it makes us so sad. Things have changed so drastically thru the years....All we have are memories of what our hometowns used to be like.....before the newcomers from other countries "took over."
Have lots more to say about this topic. Please write more too. Thanks, Claire
I moved to Orlando, Fl a few months ago. It was a total culture shock for me since I had never lived in a place where so many people didn't know how to speak English. At first I found it totally annoying. I decided to make it work for me by learning Spanish instead. Now, when I meet someone (daily) who doesn't speak English, I use it as an advantage to practice my newly learned Spanish.
I said all that to say this....we can either chose to be disgruntled over the international cultures which have moved into our country or we can embrace it by figuring a way to make it work for us and help us grow as individuals.
Good idea about learning Spanish. I'm glad things worked out so well for you. Good that you tried to blend into the culture yourself. This sure helps!
Some people really don't want to "mix" and "mingle" and "blend." (This applies to newcomers as well as old-timers.) We ran into friendly people from other countries in CA, and others who basically had "no use for us"....and many who acted superior to us, etc. After awhile, this didn't lead to good feelings at all. We ended up moving away in the end. Claire
I have to be honest and say that I and most pof my friends who have talked about this all agree that we are much more confortable in being around people with similar interest and culture. We got in adiscussion after seeing a study that showed that conutries without mnuch diversity were much happier. Seems that if you lookm multi cultural areas also have much more controversies really.
I moved to Orlando, Fl a few months ago. It was a total culture shock for me since I had never lived in a place where so many people didn't know how to speak English. At first I found it totally annoying. I decided to make it work for me by learning Spanish instead. Now, when I meet someone (daily) who doesn't speak English, I use it as an advantage to practice my newly learned Spanish.
I said all that to say this....we can either chose to be disgruntled over the international cultures which have moved into our country or we can embrace it by figuring a way to make it work for us and help us grow as individuals.
You have an awesome attitude about life. I wish I could be that resilient. I was thinking about learning some Spanish too. It would definitely help me to keep growing and learning, and changing jobs if I have to.
I constantly remind myself that everyone is NOT "just like me!" This way, I won't be tempted to "wear blinders" or become "set in my ways!!" My worst fear in life is becoming narcissistic!
Some people seem to enjoy "bridging the gap" between their culture and other cultures. But, other people don't seem to have any use for people from other cultures...or any real interest in learning more about other cultures. Have you noticed this?
I have friends from all "walks of life." Some of my friends have "very little"...and some of my friends have a "great deal!" But, we all have one thing in common....We base "who we are" on the person who sits inside of us.....versus measuring "who we are" by what we "have" or "don't have" in the way of material possessions. Same goes for the color of our skin, our gender, where we went to college, our so-called position at work, etc. None of these things really matter. What matters the most is a willingness to open up our hearts and minds to each other....in brand new ways!! Don't you think? Thanks, Claire
Sometimes different cultures just clash with each other and don't compliment the other. There's nothing wrong with that and it isn't racist or a sign of prejudice.
I see a division of two different ethnic cultures in my area. There's a language barrier which increases the problem. The one has their own distinct culture and interests, the newer ones have theirs. There isn't much in common between the two and there isn't much sharing. So what could be good for both, shared cultural events supported by both, doesn't happen. Local traditions and events continue ignored by the newcomers for the most part, and the newcomers have their events and festivals which get ignored by the old timers. Its unfortunate but understandable and there's nothing wrong with it.
I'm not Irish, but I enjoy St. Patricks day events. I'm not mexican but I enjoy mexican food. I'm not chinese but enjoy chinese food and their cultural events. I'm not jewish but I love their deli food. I'm not into greek or polish food or russian or swedish or puerto rican, african or caribbean food. German food and events are awesome, so are italian. To each their own.
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