Quote:
Originally Posted by Reba
"Editorial" by Reba:
I've noticed that most second generation immigrants (such as from India or Japan, for example) become very "Amercanized" in a short time. The children of immigrants want to become Americans, want to "melt" into the pot, so to speak.
I've seen the photos of Megahed's dad. Dad dresses "American", and is clean shaven in the "American" style. One would expect his son to be even more "Americanized."
However, both "students" are wearing beards, and look less "Americanized" then the immigrant father. It's like they are relating more to Arab culture (and perspective?) than to American culture (and perspective).
Just a curious observation.
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That's an overly broad generalization. I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't become integrated with American culture quickly. "Most" makes it sound like almost every second-gen immigant desires it - but I would argue that it's far more granular than that -- there are many aspects of America that many immigrants and even Americans dislike and don't want to integrate into their lives. For example, partying, sexual promiscuity, sports, swearing, wearing "hip" clothes, having "hip" hairstyles, watching TV, dating.
So where do you draw the line at "wanting to be American?" Is it when you accept one thing different from your native culture? Some things? Many things? All things, and shun your native culture?
How would you classify an Indian woman who believes in all traditional Indian things except for arranged marriages? Or an Islamic woman who believes in the ultra-hardline interpretation of covering oneself completely, but still believes in Women's lib and the right to choose the kind of work she does?
I don't think appearance has a dang thing to do with classifying someone as identifying more with any culture. It's EASY to think so, but I think if you rely on that to decide, "Yeah, that guy has to be a terrorist -- look at the way he dresses!" then you're really letting the terrorists win.