Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
When people say someone is or isn't assimilated, what are these qualities that are inherently American that you want to see? And please don't say, "if you don't know, you aren't it." I have my own ideas, but I'm curious about what YOU think. And give some background around which part of the US you live in, and any other info that you think contributed to your ideas.
Since when did we stop valuing being the great melting pot? When did America become the Borg?
I usually see nuns in scarf/headcovers, and many times Mormon women in public in their traditional attire. Do you think they wear "Western clothing"?
Fascinating! I've got to ask, though, what is the Mormon "traditional attire"? After nearly 69 years as a Mormon woman, it's probably time I got with the program.
When people say someone is or isn't assimilated, what are these qualities that are inherently American that you want to see? And please don't say, "if you don't know, you aren't it." I have my own ideas, but I'm curious about what YOU think. And give some background around which part of the US you live in, and any other info that you think contributed to your ideas.
What a great question! Even if I don't know the answer.
When we speak of a person being "assimilated" I think we're usually thinking of externals, and not necessarily American ones, but western ones. We expect someone to wear western clothes, not a burqa or a sari. In most of America, we don't expect major religious symbols, only perhaps a small piece of jewelry, but nothing major like a Sikh turban or a saffron robe. We hope for people not demanding exceptions to suit them. Like any country, we hope for a fluency in our language.
However, more importantly, we hope that people will assimilate the basic traditions and ideals of America. Off the top of my head, that would include a certain social openness and willingness to associate with people who are entirely different, a respect for the basic idea of democracy, a commitment to a rational society and the rule of law, a hope of treating people as equals, a belief in the importance of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, an appreciation of diversity, and so on.
Unfortunately, much of that is undermined these days, but that's the general idea. It used to also include honesty (look at Washington and Lincoln) and a commitment for the common good, but that seems to have gone by the wayside.
Fascinating! I've got to ask, though, what is the Mormon "traditional attire"? After nearly 69 years as a Mormon woman, it's probably time I got with the program.
I usually see them in the Midwest, they usually cover their bodies with long skirts (blue/teal) and/or other modest clothing, and they don't seem to be too much enthusiastic about wearing what some call "slutty clothes". I think Amish women also dress up along the same lines, modesty - I may be wrong though.
I think the bigger question however is, is it Western Clothing?
When people say someone is or isn't assimilated, what are these qualities that are inherently American that you want to see? And please don't say, "if you don't know, you aren't it." I have my own ideas, but I'm curious about what YOU think. And give some background around which part of the US you live in, and any other info that you think contributed to your ideas.
Uphold the constitution
Obey the law
Pursuit of happiness thru legal channels
Freedom of vote
Stand united against opression
Work hard, work smart, work with honesty, and bring innovative ideas that help the humanity
Be a good Neighbour and a good citizen
When people say someone is or isn't assimilated, what are these qualities that are inherently American that you want to see? And please don't say, "if you don't know, you aren't it." I have my own ideas, but I'm curious about what YOU think. And give some background around which part of the US you live in, and any other info that you think contributed to your ideas.
(Part of) American culture to me is about reality television, being overweight, constantly complaining and blaming someone else for your problems in life. I'm not sure who would emigrate to this country and wish to emulate a culture like ours. However, these same emigrants often start their own business and hire Americans, so they know the real meaning of America, unlike so many people born in this country. It is a land of opportunity.
I usually see them in the Midwest, they usually cover their bodies with long skirts (blue/teal) and/or other modest clothing, and they don't seem to be too much enthusiastic about wearing what some call "slutty clothes". I think Amish women also dress up along the same lines, modesty - I may be wrong though.
I think the bigger question however is, is it Western Clothing?
You're wrong. Those are Apostolic Christians in the midwest.
I can't speak for that poster, but for me, it depends on what you are trying to change. I'm glad past generations changed the country for the sake of equality. Anyone who believes in the constitution should be glad about that. It is the people who want to change the fundamental principles of the country that I don't like. There are plenty of socialist countries around the world that one can move to if they want to live that way. In my opinion, the US is one of a kind. It works well for so many people. Why keep trying to change it to be more like every socialistic country around the world? Those immigrants who came here and succeeded, the ones you are talking about, they were able to do so because this is America. America rewards hard working people. If you want a country that rewards lazy people, move to Denmark.
Where in Denmark did you live- and for how long?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
