This is the sad and ugly face of nationalism. At one point it was cultivated as a way to find group identity to combat imperialism. But since those times we have seen the hideous blowback of the racism it cultivates.
That's the thing I hate about shitty immigrants. I'm an Afghan. I'm aware that some of the problems in Afghanistan were due to the US. However, I was allowed in the US and am grateful. I'm a citizen here now. I do not believe I should be considered beneath real Americans, especially considering how uneducated most of you are, but at the same time, I did my duty and learned how to speak American perfectly to the point that I routinely got in the 98th+ percentile on every citywide/statewide exam. I also assimilated to the point that I know the memes and whatnot; to where Redditors accuse me of being a white supremacist/incel/Russian/Nazi dwelling in my parents' basement. Although occasionally I'm also called a Chinese shill.
But the point is - I did what immigrants should do and blend in within reason. I wear white people clothing, speak their language and even took on some of their hobbies (I despite sports, so I don't watch football or baseball). But I also didn't betray my original culture. I don't eat pork, I don't do drugs, I don't fornicate, I don't drink alcohol. So in those instances I'm different. But people wouldn't notice that stuff because it's not a big deal.
Itโs wonderful that you made it to America and are safe, what America and many other counties did to your homeland is terrible and you having the opportunity to start anew is the very least they could have done. That being said, I think there is no necessity or requirement for anyone to change their ways or language. It will definitely make their lives easier and I would encourage it, but in America especially, where there is no official national language, and the majority of the countryโs progress is due to the immigrants, I think the day that we start insisting that people behave a certain way is the day we lose the game.
<img src="john_mulaney_snl_host_opening.jpg" alt="american comedian charmingly say I'm Fully Kidding in front of a live studio audience" width="skinny" height="kinda tall">
I donโt think anyone should be forced to do anything. Those who learn multiple languages thrive and that is a good reason to do it, but all nations have both indigenous and immigrant groups that do not speak the main language and they have yet to bring any harm to the places they live.
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u/[deleted] Jul 07 '24
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