A sensitive question about Arab immigrants

[grinningghost]

I don't want to start a big thing, but I'm curious.

I know a Yemenite family who moved here recently. They prefer to do everything as it is done in Yemen. Eating only Yemen food, speaking Arabic, dressing Arabic, pretty much everything.

Why then, would they want to live here? I understand there are work opportunities, but aside from that, they seem to shun all American type behaviors. I would think it would be a miserable existence to live here?

Any ideas?

 

[ducklite]

I think that many immigrants, regardless of their country of origin try to hold on to some of their roots.

Why would you expect them to change the food they eat, buy all new clothes when the ones they own are perfectly fine, celebrate holidays that have little or no meaning to them?

Give them time, they will begin to feel more comfortable in their adopted home and as they do, they will participate in more "American" ways. And if they choose not to, what harm is being done?

Anne

 

[grinningghost]

No harm done. I really don't care what they eat or do, I just wonder why, if they are so content with their Arab way of life, would they want to come here? I know I wouldn't move to another country if I didn't want to assimilate.

Like I said, not to start a big thing - just curious is all.

 

[peachgirl]

I would imagine that no matter why they left their country, they still love it and miss it. There are many people in this country who left their homeland not because they hated it, but because of what was happening there, felt they could not stay. Some of them live for the day when they can return home.

Maybe continuing the traditions they have always had gives them some comfort and security in what must be a terribly strange place for them.



Whatever their reasons, I think they're in America and free to live however they choose. Maybe that's why they came here.

 

[RobinMarie]

I think most immigrants cling to their culture because it provides comfort to them. I also think it's great they come to this country and feel free to do so.

This country is defined by immigrants. My Irish relatives ate many types of potatoes at Thanksgiving, My Italian side shudders when people order 'cheese' pizza and don't specify mozarella - eventually they adopted new customs with each generation.

It's what makes us a great people - diversity and freedom of expression!

 

[oogieboogie]

I'd like to offer my perspective as an immigrant myself. I came to this country to study like many others foreign students. There are many times I felt homesick and I just want things that are familiar to me like my native foods, native songs, or even just to hear my natural language being spoken.

Do I want to go back to my country someday? Would I like my kids to be able to know their heritage? Yes, I do. But the current political/economical/social climate isn't the greatest at the moment and I worry about whether I would be in danger if I go back.

So in the meantime, I listen to my native country's language and the radio over the internet, I visit the forums where I can chat with my fellow friends. I teach my kids their heritage because I'm proud of it, and although I love this country, I also want them to know who they are and where their mother comes from.

I look at it in the same way as Americans having celebrations like the Irish festival or the Italian American festival or other ethnic celebrations. It's a way of preserving and honoring one's ethnicity and heritage.

JMO.

 

[grinningghost]

That was a terrific explanation oogie. I do hope that someday you are able to return to your home country if things get better over there.

I just feel a little sorry for the Yemen family's kids in that they are going to be so different. They aren't allowed to celebrate birthdays for one thing. I think every American kid should have a birthday - even new Americans.

 

[missypie]

Whether they like it or not, their kids will be "American." It's amazing how quickly kids assimilate. But I can't say that it won't be heartbreaking to the parents. Think about if you moved to Vietnam and then had a baby. Would you give your child an American first name, or a Vietnamese 1st name? Would you stop celebrating Christmas? Halloween?

Economic opportunites are very limited for those who don't speak the dominant language of the country in which they live. If I moved to France or South Korea and didn't speak French or Korean and refused to learn, what job could I get? Maybe bussing tables or cleaning hotel rooms.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

grinningghost, there are some Americans who do not celebrate birthdays because of their religious beliefs. I love that we are such a diverse country. I actually feel sad that the customs and traditions of my Lebanese and Mexican grandparents have died away inmy family. There are many reasons why they may have moved here, and for now, it's probably important to them that they hold on to their customs and traditions. Over time I am sure they will incorporate more of the USA's traditions and customs.

 

[grinningghost]

Without question, it must be very hard to move clear across the world.

 

[CEDmom]

I don't think most people come here because they don't like their native customs etc but because they are not free/safe in their homeland. They also want to provide a better life for their children and themselves.

Think about it this way, did the pilgrims get off the Mayflower and put on animal skins and live in teepees (sp?) like Native Americans? No, they stuck with what they were familar with and slowly adapted to their new home.

 

[JimB.]

I agree with the sentiment here..................

Just think, I f we as Americans relocated to another country/culture, I think it would be natural for us to hold on to the way we live here as much as possible.

It's also a "comfort zone" thing, IMHO. When in strange surroundings, one does what feels familiar & "safe".

 

[diznygirl]

I think you need to put yourself in their shoes - what if you went to live in another country (for who knows what reason). Would you want to give up the music you like, the foods you like, the tv shows you like? Would you give up celebrating Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving?

I know I moved from CT to CA and just almost died without Yodels!!!

And they just got here - they may not know HOW to act like an American yet. Give them time - they will start to wear blue jeans and listen to rock music soon!

Ya know - I don't even know what music is popular these days - except for the Wiggles!

 

[caitycaity]

my grandpa is a 1st generation american. we still celebrat a lot of traditions from the "old country."

 

[missypie]

You might want to encourage them to bring "their" food to a neighborhood event...everyone might love it. Some Americans may not be the most racially or ethnically open or sensitive, but you've got to hand it to us...we readily embrace just about any ethnic food that tastes yummy to us. I was thinking about this in line at the food court at the State Fair on Monday: there was German, Greek, Cajun, East Texas African American (no idea if it has an official name, but terrific fried green tomatoes and pork chops!), Barbeque, Mexican, etc, etc. People of all races and origins were in all the lines.