11th AP Language and Composition 09 December 2012 Adapting to a New Culture
As an immigrant, we are faced with the fear of forgetting our culture, its values, and the root of our origins. We have to deal with the guilt of leaving our beloved land of birth behind and emerging in a new homestead with all of its uncertainties and cultural changes. Empathy invading us as we fail to comprehend if these adjustments in our life will transform our identities as we strive to adapt and conquer this new journey.
As an immigrant, it is important to be prepared for cultural shock and the diversities that come with migrating to a new country. Embracing this new experience is beneficial and can make the transition easier. Bharati Mukherjee, a Hindu immigrant from Calcutta, shares her perspective in her article “American Dreamer,” viewing arrival to a new country as a gain rather than a loss.
Adapting to a new ethnicity can be challenging, but if we persist, we can gain an additional citizenship without losing our original nationality. Acquiring this new status does not mean we abandon our heritage; it only makes us stronger. It is not an easy journey, as immigrants encounter numerous difficulties in a country with its own customs and standards that are unfamiliar to us. Even something as basic as our name can pose a hindrance when we migrate to America, whereas in our homeland it held significance.
Firoozeh Dumas, an immigrant who came to the United States with her family at a young age, experienced difficulties related to her name while growing up. She faced constant humiliation as her name was often mispronounced or changed for comedic purposes, causing lasting emotional scars (1). However, the attitude towards ethnic names and diverse cultures has changed in America today. In order to achieve success and pursue the American dream, immigrants must adapt to the new culture and gain knowledge about it. This includes following the rules and standards of the country, learning the language, and embracing the differences in manners and behaviors that may initially seem disrespectful or rude. It is important to analyze and understand these differences rather than simply criticizing them as discrimination. This idea is evident in the article “The Arab World.”
We must adapt to and appreciate the new culture we live in, understanding that its norms may be different from what we are used to, but still accepting them. Some individuals are angered by the idea of losing our original culture and want to be immigrants in America without embracing change. They insist on preserving their traditions and values, believing that altering our identities will make us something we are not. They reject the notion of being accepted by the coalition in this new culture due to racial stereotypes, refusing to seek approval.
According to Vine Deloria Jr, racial minorities and immigrants were both subjected to exclusion and ridicule of their English language upon arriving in the United States (Deloria 1). Many people believe that stereotypes, racism, and discrimination continue to persist in contemporary society. This issue was discussed on the show We Talk, You Listen, where it was noted that immigrants are often hesitant to embrace new opportunities out of fear that they would be adopting the oppressive behaviors that they have experienced for centuries. Some argue that attempting to adapt to the culture of their new home as immigrants is seen as betraying their own nationality.
Many immigrating cultures view adaptation unfavorably, as they desire to reside in America without needing to adapt. The feeling of shame is a significant factor in this dishonor, as some individuals are even willing to tolerate blasphemy in order to counter the ignorance of those who perceive them as forsaking their heritage and ancestors. The belief that minority groups can overcome rhetorical obstacles by nurturing a shared sense of community persists, although there is disbelief that such a society can truly exist. The resulting bewilderment leads to long-lasting consequences that are not easily discarded.
Acclimation is the act of adapting to a new situation or condition, such as when we immigrate to another country and strive to assimilate into its culture. As immigrants, we can hold onto our authentic cultural values while recognizing that their outward expression may alter, making us similar to others. We continue to cherish our origins while embracing our adopted homeland.
