U.S. Immigration - Immigrants Must Adapt
After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim
woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face covered this is
an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper.
He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!
IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT.
I am tired of this nation worrying about
whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist
attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority
of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the
"politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our
patriotism was offending others.
I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is
seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely
made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a
few things that those who have recently come to our country, and
apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America
being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our
sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own
culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been
developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by
millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH in America, not Spanish,
Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language.
Therefore, if you wish to become part of the American society, learn the language!
"In God We Trust" is our national motto.
This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto
because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation,
and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on
the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider
another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then
you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we
really don't care how you did things where you came from.
This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle.
Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and
we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining,
whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way
of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American
freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.
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From: Y.P. - Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Subject: In Regards to U.S. Immigration - Immigrants must adapt article
I recently stumbled across the article, "U.S. Immigration - Immigrants Must Adapt," on your webpage and was interested in it enough to provide some feedback. I recently read a book written by Professor Frank Bean called America's Newcomers. The book focuses on immigration and I thought I could share how I agree and disagree.
Immigrants, not Americans, must adapt - That's exactly what happens most of the time for light skinned immigrants. They follow a straight-line assimilation theory that pretty much ends up in Anglo conformity. However, some ethnic groups have harder times adapting simply because they face more discrimination and social and economic isolation than other groups. You also have to keep in mind that assimilation doesn't happen overnight.
You state that multiculturalism dilutes our national identity. However, you do acknowledge that this is a country founded by immigrants. What exactly is our national identity? Also, do you believe that a country's identity doesn't change over time? Every country's identity is constantly undergoing change as the world as a whole is experiencing increasing globalization. America has a great identity now, but who is to say that a new one won't be better?
Yes we do speak English in America. If an immigrant doesn't, the only person who loses is them, not you. It's very difficult to improve socioeconomic status without knowledge of the English language. I don't think they're many immigrants who come here and don't want to learn English. Many people come here at ages where learning a second language is very difficult (try to learn Chinese now and see how you do) and are often too busy providing for their family and can't attend night school. Their kids will learn it.
Why are you so afraid of change? I'm pretty sure slave owners were pretty set in their ways and were convinced that they were doing things exactly the way they should be done. I think we all need to realize that everyone everywhere can still learn from other people. I learned from reading your article. There is no such thing as a perfect person or nation that would not benefit from improvements.
I'm glad you expressed your opinion and I'm glad you're proud to be American. So am I. I just hope you realize that immigrants in the long run have a positive impact on America. Even illegal immigrants who come here and never learn English have kids who become tax paying citizens. Though local governments take the blunt of it at first, in the end the effect is positive. Most importantly, though, I hope you realize that immigration can improve America culturally. American identity is becoming a multiracial one. The US is the greatest country in the world because we are the most diverse.
Hope you have to time to reply. Thank you.
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Thank you for taking the time to exercise one of the most treasured freedoms in America, the right to free speech.
I also thank you for pointing out some very obvious flaws in the article, "Immigrants Must Adapt".
- America is indeed founded upon immigrants.
- America's multiculturalism exists as a result of freedom, not a dilution of national identity.
- vast majority of immigrants do want to, and do learn english.
- I still have room for improvement. :-)
