Assimilation
Cultural assimilation is a way for
people to adapt and find a place in their new culture. More often
then not if one chooses to assimilate, their old cultural identity
will take a back seat to the new one. People want to feel accepted,
and make friends with groups of people in their new home. To do this
they feel the need to absorb our customs, and emulate them. Some of
the customs might not require much adjustment, where as others are
completely new and exotic.
A prime example of cultural
assimilation has to do with the Native American culture. White
European settlers attempted to assimilate the native people, almost
destroying an entire culture in the process. It was no longer their
land anymore, they had to live by new rules. The European values were
instilled on them, in an attempt to make them “civilized.”
I am planning to study abroad in Span
next year, I am really excited to take this trip. I have never
experienced the culture of another country. I have experienced the
culture of various states from California to New York, but nothing
compared to complete immersion in a new country. I am very excited to
explore a new outlook on how to live life, but I am also a little
intimidated. I have read a few articles on what to expect, and I feel
I can make it work.
I went to Spain last summer for a vacation and the experience was incredible! Everything from the food, streets, cars, interaction within the people of Spain, culture, and obviously the language. I was in Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona, the trip was my favorite trip of all time. You must try the paella if you're going to Spain! Don't feel intimidated because their culture is worth taking in. In regards to your blog, I believe assimilation is key to adapting to a new culture. To keep your own culture and discovering a new cultural identity makes them unique and different from the native-born residents.
ReplyDeleteYour study abroad will be an unforgettable experience! My time in Europe was definitely so, even though I had to cope with culture shock. Assimilation of Native Americans is a sad part of our nation's history, but many cultures were also destroyed or nearly destroyed through the process of immigration. While assimilation can be negative, it is responsible for our national characteristic of being a "melting pot" in which we started out as unique cultures but eventually assimilated our diverse cultures into a distinctly American culture. Assimilation is still an issue in our country as immigration continues and immigration politics become more divisive.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to know some of the lasting effects to a culture after assimilation. With them being domestic refugees there has been some long lasting problems. Some of them here locally. If you are interest you should check out White Cloud, Nebraska and some of the information on ongoing disputes in regards to alcohol laws. Very interesting. Great job!
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