Act like an American
by John S. Pinto
|
The posting on an online bulletin board screamed 'GET OVER IT.' 'You are in
America, act like an American.' According to a newspaper article, the anger was
directed at Somalian immigrants in Minneapolis. The Somalians had declared certain
jobs offensive to their Muslim faith. Many Somalian cab drivers refuse to transport
passengers who carry alcohol. Some Somalian cashiers refuse to handle products
containing pork. To the immigrants, it is a question of religious freedom. In America,
you are free to practice your faith. But, are you free to inconvenience others because of
it? This is a question that is becoming more and more important as new immigrants,
especially from non-European countries, emigrate to the United States.
Asians immigrants are not a homogenous group. We come from different
backgrounds, different cultures and have different religious beliefs. In our day-to-day
activities, there are bound to be clashes because of our differences. If there is a clash,
who will prevail? If it is non-religious difference of opinion, we can settle our differences
in the courts. If it is a true religious difference of opinion, how are we going to resolve
it? If one's religion clashes with civil law, which will prevail? These are some of the
questions that we must ponder as we assimilate into American society.
In previous generations, people emigrated to flee from wars, persecution or for
economic reasons. Our reasons for emigrating will influence how we assimilate into
the broader society. It is a human trait that we want to preserve and pass on the things
that we feel are valuable. I would venture to guess that we think that our heritage is
worth passing on to our children. Our experience will probably be like that of previous
immigrant groups. The immigrant generation will hold on to the 'old ways' and try to
pass them on to the children. Some will be successful, while others will not. As the
generations progress -- with intermarriage and mobility -- our cultures will blend into
the larger society. The United States has welcomed new cultures and adopted many
cultural traditions of its new citizens. I would say that our cultures will also be preserved
and passed on. They will exist in the larger society, but also distinct from it. As for some
of the other questions, we will probably see new laws that reflect some of our religious
beliefs. However, we will not see laws that cater to any particular religion.
David W. Miller is executive director of the Center for Faith and Culture at Yale
University. He is author of the book "God at Work." His opinion is that the laws of this
country will trump religious tradition. In conclusion, I would say that in 50 years our
descendents will be 'Acting Like Americans!'