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Oldglory, I believe whogo is correct. Hispanics assimilate within a generation, pretty much at the same rate as everyone else. Almost all of the unassimilated hispanics in the big cities are first generation illegals.
There's been instances of 2nd generation Mexicans entering school not knowing English in one school district where I've taught.
I was quite surprised to hear that. Apparently in some Hispanic homes English is not spoken, at all, ever.
Now I have had neighbors in Austin where none but the kids spoke English and there were 3 generations living in the home.
Oldglory, I believe whogo is correct. Hispanics assimilate within a generation, pretty much at the same rate as everyone else. Almost all of the unassimilated hispanics in the big cities are first generation illegals.
Of course we don't have a common culture: it isn't possible in a nation where the media and educational system constantly trumpet that "Diversity is wonderful," that everyone should vote whether they understand the issues or not (and whether they pay taxes or not), that the taxpayer should pay for the raising of any children born to parents who don't earn enough to pay for them.
You are in serious denial if you don't think that we have a mainstream culture that identifies us as a nation. Are we identified as a Hispanic nation? Are we identified as an Asian nation, etc.? Of course not! We have immigrants from those nations but they do not represent the mainstream culture. They are minority cultures.
There's been instances of 2nd generation Mexicans entering school not knowing English in one school district where I've taught.
I was quite surprised to hear that. Apparently in some Hispanic homes English is not spoken, at all, ever.
Now I have had neighbors in Austin where none but the kids spoke English and there were 3 generations living in the home.
Exactly! Even many of those who do learn English refuse to use it as their primary language ever! That is non-assimilation to me.
There's been instances of 2nd generation Mexicans entering school not knowing English in one school district where I've taught.
I was quite surprised to hear that. Apparently in some Hispanic homes English is not spoken, at all, ever.
Well, sure, if the parents immigrated as adults, especially if as guest workers or illegals, they most likely will keep to their language. The next generation will be assimilated (if not deported).
Full disclosure: I have friends who are, in fact, illegals. The parents are in their 30s. The husband speaks some broken English, his wife speaks very little, and their three children speak English perfectly. This is a hard working, church-going family. When the father isn't working for his regular employer, on the night shift, he's buying fruit from local growers and selling it on the roadside. They've been here almost ten years. When he told me about his status, I told him that he should get it sorted out legally. He said that wasn't possible and the subject never came up again. But he's still found the time to be a good neighbor to us in many ways. His children are great and will be good citizens.
The problem with illegal immigration is that it doesn't distinguish between families like this one and the criminal element.
Well, sure, if the parents immigrated as adults, especially if as guest workers or illegals, they most likely will keep to their language. The next generation will be assimilated (if not deported).
Full disclosure: I have friends who are, in fact, illegals. The parents are in their 30s. The husband speaks some broken English, his wife speaks very little, and their three children speak English perfectly. This is a hard working, church-going family. When the father isn't working for his regular employer, on the night shift, he's buying fruit from local growers and selling it on the roadside. They've been here almost ten years. When he told me about his status, I told him that he should get it sorted out legally. He said that wasn't possible and the subject never came up again. But he's still found the time to be a good neighbor to us in many ways. His children are great and will be good citizens.
The problem with illegal immigration is that it doesn't distinguish between families like this one and the criminal element.
I'm sure it's possible; I'd just venture to guess that he can't afford to hire an immigration attorney.
From:
U.S. Hispanics Lose Spanish over Time, Study Finds[
PHOENIX (By Yvonne Wingett and Matt Dempsey, Arizona Republic) October 6, 2006
What y'all confuse is the effects of recent massive immigration as lack of assimilation. There are a lot of 1st and 2nd generation hispanics who have not fully assimilated, a trait shared with every immigrant group before them. Hispanics are actually assimilating quicker than most immigrant groups before them.. [/SIZE]
Why the need for bilingual & Spanish verbiage everywhere?
Thats not assimilation.
Well, sure, if the parents immigrated as adults, especially if as guest workers or illegals, they most likely will keep to their language. The next generation will be assimilated (if not deported).
Full disclosure: I have friends who are, in fact, illegals. The parents are in their 30s. The husband speaks some broken English, his wife speaks very little, and their three children speak English perfectly. This is a hard working, church-going family. When the father isn't working for his regular employer, on the night shift, he's buying fruit from local growers and selling it on the roadside. They've been here almost ten years. When he told me about his status, I told him that he should get it sorted out legally. He said that wasn't possible and the subject never came up again. But he's still found the time to be a good neighbor to us in many ways. His children are great and will be good citizens.
The problem with illegal immigration is that it doesn't distinguish between families like this one and the criminal element.
The same can be said of tax evaders, shop lifter, embezzlers. They don't mind breaking the laws of this country but might be fine people otherwise -- like someone who shoplifts so their children can have expensive and nice shoes.
How long someone breaks the laws shouldn't be a factor in how they are viewed. If someone has been shoplifting for 10 years, they aren't better than the one who just started 3 months ago.
From:
U.S. Hispanics Lose Spanish over Time, Study Finds[
PHOENIX (By Yvonne Wingett and Matt Dempsey, Arizona Republic) October 6, 2006
What y'all confuse is the effects of recent massive immigration as lack of assimilation. There are a lot of 1st and 2nd generation hispanics who have not fully assimilated, a trait shared with every immigrant group before them. Hispanics are actually assimilating quicker than most immigrant groups before them.. [/SIZE]
Learning the language isn't the only assimilation must be done.
For example, how many people of German descent insist that there must be unlimited immigration and no immigration laws for people from Germany? How many people with Italian ancestroy insist the same unrestricted and unlimited immigration from Italy or Europe?
That's a very good clue that someone is unassimilated, when they believe that for their ethnic group or race, special rights exist and laws don't apply to them.
That's because they don't give a damn about the American people, their entire identity is wrapped in their country of origin. They don't give a damn about better wages for Americans or even jobs for the American people. When it's all viva la raza, there is not assimilation.
If you've ever picked up a sociology book (Lipset, Huntington) you would know that American culture is largely based on an Anglo Saxon Protestant heritage. Whether or not that is beginning to dissipate remains yet to be seen.
Lol, what does that mean to you in practical terms? You think the African slaves that we here were based in a anglo Saxon protestant heritage? What about all the Catholics? What about Japanese, and Chinese immigrants, What about native Americans?
I think if one wants to focus narrowly on one group of people, then you get this narrow view of American culture. It never existed not in the way that you imagine.
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