Remember when they called America the melting pot ? I do. That is what was taught in elementary school when I was a child. We were told how people from all over the world immigrated to America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. They all came here seeking the American dream, a better life for themselves and their families. They " yearned " to be Americans. And believe me when I tell you " yearning " is a very strong desire ! That's what they did though, they yearned ! But that doesn't seem to be the case anymore does it. Now these immigrants come " demanding. " Big difference there isn't there ? There are not trying to assimilate, to melt into our society. no they are floating on the top demanding all the cream !
Now I realize I am speaking in generalities. I am also aware that many will start pointing out that not all these immigrants are that way. Yup, that's why I said in general. I do believe the narrative has changed drastically over the last fifty years or so. Yes all the immigrants in the past faced discrimination and were mistreated and taken advantage of. I know, so what's your point there ? Yes, it was wrong to do that. But, for the most part, those same immigrants tried to become as American as they could. Sure they had funny accents, they ate different foods and had strange customs, that's why they were laughed at. They didn't always understand our ways, that's why they got taken advantage of. Oh today we call that being minimalized ! That sounds so much more compassionate doesn't it. Bottom line was they all tried to become Americans and assimilate to the American culture. You could call it blending in.
You see it is cultural differences that divide us. Oh a lot of folks want to holler about the color of our skin as the primary cause but that ain't so. No, it is a cultural difference. Oh but we are not supposed to talk about that at all, no we must all embrace diversity and all cultures. Isn't that the narrative ? Yes it is, whether you want to admit to it or not. It is our culture that makes us who we are. That starts when we are just little children. Where did you grow up and who where your neighbors ? That's the culture you grew up in and most likely the culture you adopt. As the world grew smaller and populations shifted around cultures began to clash. That's still happening today and will continue.
You know it really is a simple thing although man likes to complicate matters. We tend to hang out with folks of the same culture as ours. Shocking isn't it ? We tend to hang out with people that are similar to ourselves ! I know, how racist is that ? We also tend to dislike those that have opposing views from ourselves. Well if that just isn't intolerance I don't know what is. And worst of all, we tend to want others to be just like us ! Well, I'm speechless.
It is a time in America when the pot is being stirred once again. This happens every now and again depending on conditions throughout the world. The Irish came when they suffered the big potato famine. The Chinese came to build the railroads. All manner of Europeans came for the opportunity offered in America. Hard work and persistence would make you successful. Yes, it was a dream but dreams do come true. Now we are in a period of wishing. All these folks wishing for the things that they used to dream about. The difference is now they are demanding their wishes be granted ! Quite the contrast from making your dream come true with your own efforts. But it'll settle down again I just can't say when. Then a new mixture will have formed and all will be well, until the next time. You know the things we want are determined by the " appropriations committee. " Right now, the committee is in shambles.
Now I realize I am speaking in generalities. I am also aware that many will start pointing out that not all these immigrants are that way. Yup, that's why I said in general. I do believe the narrative has changed drastically over the last fifty years or so. Yes all the immigrants in the past faced discrimination and were mistreated and taken advantage of. I know, so what's your point there ? Yes, it was wrong to do that. But, for the most part, those same immigrants tried to become as American as they could. Sure they had funny accents, they ate different foods and had strange customs, that's why they were laughed at. They didn't always understand our ways, that's why they got taken advantage of. Oh today we call that being minimalized ! That sounds so much more compassionate doesn't it. Bottom line was they all tried to become Americans and assimilate to the American culture. You could call it blending in.
You see it is cultural differences that divide us. Oh a lot of folks want to holler about the color of our skin as the primary cause but that ain't so. No, it is a cultural difference. Oh but we are not supposed to talk about that at all, no we must all embrace diversity and all cultures. Isn't that the narrative ? Yes it is, whether you want to admit to it or not. It is our culture that makes us who we are. That starts when we are just little children. Where did you grow up and who where your neighbors ? That's the culture you grew up in and most likely the culture you adopt. As the world grew smaller and populations shifted around cultures began to clash. That's still happening today and will continue.
You know it really is a simple thing although man likes to complicate matters. We tend to hang out with folks of the same culture as ours. Shocking isn't it ? We tend to hang out with people that are similar to ourselves ! I know, how racist is that ? We also tend to dislike those that have opposing views from ourselves. Well if that just isn't intolerance I don't know what is. And worst of all, we tend to want others to be just like us ! Well, I'm speechless.
It is a time in America when the pot is being stirred once again. This happens every now and again depending on conditions throughout the world. The Irish came when they suffered the big potato famine. The Chinese came to build the railroads. All manner of Europeans came for the opportunity offered in America. Hard work and persistence would make you successful. Yes, it was a dream but dreams do come true. Now we are in a period of wishing. All these folks wishing for the things that they used to dream about. The difference is now they are demanding their wishes be granted ! Quite the contrast from making your dream come true with your own efforts. But it'll settle down again I just can't say when. Then a new mixture will have formed and all will be well, until the next time. You know the things we want are determined by the " appropriations committee. " Right now, the committee is in shambles.
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