dbackjon wrote:89Hen wrote:
Yes and no. My parents were both first generation Americans. Where they grew up, there were (and still are) "social clubs" that are just for persons of that nationality. They spoke German, Polish, Russian, etc... at the clubs. However, they all did learn English and didn't demand that stores post signs in their native tongue.
I think it's important that people coming to this country hold on to their heritage, but they need to learn English damn it.
And I would say most immigrants do attempt to learn English.
It is tougher to learn a new language as you get older, but I haven't met anyone that absolutely refuses to attempt to learn.
You should visit my immigrant visa window sometime and listen to a 40 year old guy who has lived in the US for 15 years and speaks no English. That's about 50% of Salvadorans who come back for IV interviews.
There are always immigrants who assimilate, and we need them- but at least it is my perception that an increasing number immigrate solely for the economic benefit and have no intention of assimilating. We have native born Americans of Mexican descent who openly talk "reconquista" and boo at our national anthem when the US plays Mexico in soccer. Singly, those are small things. But they are indicative of the growing phenomenon that coming to America to become an American is no longer the prime motivation.
Plus, we create some of this problem with our own collective self loathing and criticism. Creating aggrieved classes of people is our national sport, and identity politics far outstrip domestic or foreign policy concerns in both the government and the media. It is no small wonder that many ethnic groups coming to America set foot here in an immediate aggrieved status.
I don't know whether or not these issues will adversely affect the US in the long run. However I am skeptical of those who claim against all evidence to the contrary that heterogenous societies are inherently stronger. There are many thriving homogenous cultures out there that are doing just fine. And when I say heterogenous I do not necessarily mean racial of ethnic heterogeneity. I mean heterogenous in terms of common cause, belonging, citizenship.... considering oneself an American at heart and not just the holder of a prestigious passport.
