Cultural Differences In National Identity In America
Many people in different countries seek a better life by moving to America. But a huge ongoing debate is whether immigrants who have moved to America should maintain their cultural identity from the area in which they lived before, take on a national identity in America, or blend both identities. Most American citizens living here for their whole life believe that immigrants should assimilate a national identity. Assimilation a national identity means forgetting about all your customs from the last place you lived, which is a sensitive task to do. Blending both communities would be the most reasonable outcome for immigrants because not only do they get to keep their customs, but they get to acquire new customs in a new place.
Being an immigrant and knowing little to nothing about America and its language is a hard thing to do. Being an American is not speaking English or celebrating American holidays, being an American citizen is being treated with respect, having freedom, and being loyal to your country. For example, Source 2 says, “Culture can give people a connection to certain social values, beliefs, religions, and customs.” This quote illustrates that different cultures can bring different people together. Everyone feels a connection with their cultural beliefs and heritage, so why do people consider throwing these things out the door when moving to America? America is filled with people that Believe in different things, celebrate different holidays, and have different customs. In different places you can find different people that celebrate different things and have different beliefs. Source 2 exclaimes, “There are large communities based around certain cultural heritage is, including Irish, Italian, Asian and others.” The benefit of moving to America is the diversity in people. But having your own customs does not mean you should not expand your horizon and try new, American things. Blending your cultural identity with your national identity is important to most Americans.
Most people in United States speak English. Language can be a barrier in certain states of America, but that doesn’t mean that you are not an American. Source 1 says, “The idea that language binds a nation together isn’t surprising.” This quote says that most people believe that language is what holds a nation together. “Two people will struggle to find anything in common if they can’t exchange information easily”. This quote is explaining the hardship it will be to live in the United States and did not speak English. Although, there are many American citizens that do not speak English. Speaking in English does not define your national identity or your cultural identity.
Being a citizen in the United States is giving you the right of freedom. You can keep your customs, obtain different customs, and blend both of these customs together. The united states is filled with diversity, many people have different customs and beliefs. People feel connected to others when they have the same beliefs and culture as another, and the United States is filled with people who are diverse.
