Oh, El Paisa...?
We got a talk at work about DEI and the speaker (Gina-Ann Garcia, she's fab) talked about the difficulty we have reaching BIPOC communities and how we can do that through systemic change in the structures that guide our work. Also, about the importance of decolonizing our point of view to get a more intersectional approach to marginalized communities.
Maintaining one's cultural roots is crucial, especially for the children of immigrants in America, who often find themselves caught in a challenging situation. For second and third-generation kids, holding onto traditions can feel like an uphill battle. The American landscape tends to favor uniformity and often dismisses anything deemed 'ethnic' or 'foreign,' leading to scrutiny from those who resist diversity.
This creates a unique pressure for those straddling two cultures; they grapple with the desire to fit in while simultaneously feeling drawn to the familiar aspects of their heritage.
Perhaps this is why I found the short film so appealing. Of course, it also helps that the main characters are quite attractive. You know my taste!
XOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteThis was a very sweet story. I agree it is very difficult to maintain cultural roots for new arrivals to the US. As you mentioned, there’s the push to assimilate as soon as possible, learn the language, navigate services, get a job!
Many times people end up in enclaves of their native community. And that is also true for other types of communities (see Chicago’s Boystown). Though I’m of German/Polish heritage, I really don’t have any traditions that I follow linked to those communities. My sister-in-law who is of Croatian heritage, has a stronger link to the old country, and they try to continue many of their traditions, which mostly center around holidays.
I feel it’s important to hold onto those traditions and pass them on. And community, whether native or adopted, is important to our development and happiness.
And yes, the leads are very appealing. But then I’ve found Latin men very attractive for a long time. Especially one in particular.
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
And that's a pity, babes.
DeleteThose traditions were probably lost during the second or third generation. I think more and more traditions are lost because of assimilation/ disinterest. I guess many people keep links to the 'old country', depending on the length of their stay in the US.
Haha oh yes. Those Latin men...
XOXO
Yes, a delightful short film! I watched it a little while ago on PBS's streaming site.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes!
DeletePBS always has the BEST short films!
XOXO
I deal with a large community of Asians and while the first generation tries to maintain their culture, the younger ones, 2nd generation Americans are choosing American culture in a big way.
ReplyDeleteOh, Asians assimilate differently.
DeleteThere's different kinds of pressures on them. Younger generations struggle with gender roles and with expectancies regarding marriage. I don't think if they are choosing American culture as much as they adapt to the educational and economic success they achieve.
Also, 'Asian' is a huge umbrella term...
XOXO
Big says,
ReplyDeleteAssimilating into an adopted country's culture is important. One of the reasons people around the globe hate Americans is our expectation that everything should be like the U.S., insistence that they cater to *us*, speak English, etc. No, folks. That's not the way it should work. Remember the adage: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
That's not so say that one cannot or should not maintain ties to their own ancestral culture.
XOXO
Hahaha
DeleteOh yes. The Ugly American. I think much more people are aware and understand American culture, though, so the culture shock is not as big as when Americans go abroad...
XOXO
I have noticed with the Hispanic community that the adults tend to want to live in their old country ways and speak their own language while their kids seem to adapt better. That's partially because American English is quite difficult to learn and kids are better at it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy other cultures, their languages and traditions and love when they are shared with me.
xoxo
Oh, second generation immigrants always adapt more easily.
DeleteThe problem comes when they don't feel they 'belong' to any of the two cultures. There's a rift between adapting/conforming and creating their own identity.
XOXO
I find mainstream culture so mundane and crass. The CarCrashians leap to mind. Designer label culture? Ugh. This country suffers from... oh, where to begin. That's why, and, oddly, portions of the media are responsible for this, as are certain politicians, a desire to claim and identify our cultural roots. 1950's America was all about passing, fitting in, going with the status quo. It created a bland melting pot. Things are getting a bit more spicy now that people are returning to and celebrating their roots. I find it fascinating. America SHOULD be a crazy quilt of cultures... not simply beige. I mean, really? Who wants to be beige?
ReplyDeleteIt is mundane and crass, I agree.
DeleteAnd yes! America should be more of what it actually appears to be: a crazy quilt of cultures. White nationalism is entrenched in the culture, though...
XOXO