Kari Fuchs Fuchs 1
Professor D. Micer
English 102.006
April 28, 2011
The Ways of Life
The United States was found by Christopher Columbus, or so that’s what’s taught in schools. Little do many people know, but there were already some eighty million people there. Little is mentioned of them, other than that they were ‘buffalo-chasing savages’. Christopher Columbus got the credit that he didn’t really deserve and changes should have been made earlier. Since this, the world has kept up with similar actions and now is almost accepted following assimilation. Assimilation is the process in which one group takes on the cultural traits of a larger group and in an article by Elizabeth Martinez, she focuses largely on how people are seen in today’s society. With the way people are in our society today, many are having troubles with assimilation. They either want to follow it or don’t. The people that do not may get insulted, but who says that they can’t make their own choices. I feel that is it very important for people to resist assimilation and not have to be just like everyone wants them to be.
The article that I read contained information that helped to make my decision on my thoughts on assimilation. Martinez started by analyzing the Dick and Jane stories. I have never looked in depth into these stories, but now I feel that they are very wrong and could sometimes be hurtful. This story shows the ideal family with the white picket fence and seems too good to be true for many people. This is almost like a slap in some people’s faces. Assimilation is playing a major role in the way families are portrayed anymore. With Martinez saying this, I feel that
Fuchs 2
she wants people to almost take a double take. With this whole topic being mentioned, many stories seem to follow the Dick and Jane books. I mean who ever said that the true American family had to have the dad that works while the mom stays home and tends to the house? Who said that the ideal middle class family has a dog and two children, and who said that they had to be white? The ideal middleclass family could be of any race and still be considered American. It’s sad to think that something as little as a kid’s storybook can have such a large impact. I cannot see how every family can be just like the one from the book and if that’s what is wanted, it will never happen. Another problem with this is that there would be no variety in the world. How would it feel to know that everyone was exactly like you and you couldn’t really be yourself? Everyone needs that little thing that separates them from the rest. And Hispanics should stick to their heritage in order to make a country.
Assimilation, can sometimes be necessary but no one should have to completely change to fit the standards of another. It is sad when you hear people comment on how someone should have to be just like them if they want to live in America. Most people don’t realize how easy we have it and what’s wrong with someone wanting to live here. Many may complain about language differences and the looks of people but English was not the first language ever created. I do feel that people should be able to communicate effectively if they move to the states from somewhere else though. I’m not saying that they should make English their first language by any means, but if you are going to a store or somewhere else most people are only going to speak English, so you would have to work around them. Another thing that some
Fuchs 3
people get all riled up about would be people just visiting. Some probably just assume that they live here when there are just here to visit the U.S. Just like anyone else that goes to a different country, they have to pay dearly traveling and they’re going there to enjoy a new culture. When Americans go to Mexico and Cancun for spring break, are they going to take the time to learn the language when they are only spending a week or two there? I really highly doubt it. Now days, many teens are the cause of the problems with language because they are working in all these malls and retail stores where foreigners go to visit and they are having to deal with the language differences. I really find that it is not necessary to learn the language to visit for a short while, but if you plan to stay long term or even move to the U.S. please learn the language. Another article that’s discusses some aspects this topic is the one by Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz.
In the article, titled Hispanic in America: Starting Points, discusses what or who really makes up the Hispanic race in America. She specifically says, “Our willingness to jump into the melting pot; our insistence on maintaining our own language; our ongoing links with our countries of origin…” When she uses the term ‘our’ she is referring to herself and the other Hispanics in America. With her saying this, she shows that she is not worried about what others will say and wants people to know that she is proud of her heritage. I feel that any person that comes into the country needs to realize that they are important and their variety is needed in the world. Also in the article, it is sad to read that people are judged so much. Back to the whole language aspect of it, people that are coming into the country are made to feel like they
Fuchs 4
are required to learn the language and sometimes they aren’t able to. If they are born into a family that speaks only one language, who is going to teach them proper English? The television is of no help because people now a days use slang and improper English, and sometimes a class meant to teach the language is not available or is too expensive. It was also disappointing to read in the article that, “it is only within our own culture that Hispanics can acquire a sense of belonging, of security, of dignity, and of participation”. Did we as Americans do this do them? Did we make them feel unwanted? How do Americans feel okay with themselves after doing this; they are people and deserve the same rights as anyone? I feel that this needs to change, but I know that it will take more work than people are willing to put forth.
When the word assimilation is discussed, does it make you mad or are you okay with it? Assimilation is so prevalent in today’s American society and I feel that people need to resist it and be themselves. Too many people feel like they have to be like everyone else to fit in and be liked. Peoples heritage seems to be slipping away from them and many aren’t able to get a grasp back on it. A person, I feel needs to hang tight to what they are and be proud. Many years from now, many traditions will be lost and new one gained but if people try to make a difference, they can.
