I was always taught that people
By mysticmaggie
@mysticmaggie (2498)
United States
December 19, 2010 8:20am CST
wanted to come to America because it offered opportunities not available in their own countries. I find that is true with most legal immigrants. They not only keep many of their own values, but are happy to embrace our traditions as well.
So, frankly, I'm confused at the current trend of this country giving in to the few who want our traditions changed.
A town in Oregon decided to cancel the Fourth of July celebration and to celebrate Cinco de Mayo instead. One or two Somalians decide they are offended by Santa Claus, so every child in the school is denied another American tradition.
Frankly, I'm getting more than a little tired of the PC that is taking away American traditions, while celebrating those from other countries. How can we celebrate another country's independence while denying celebration of our own?
If our traditions are so abhorrent, then why does anyone come here? We offer freedom, a chance to make something of their lives, and, it seems even if they are here illegally, we offer them the moon. Yet, Muslims who have made America their home suddenly want Sharia Law to apply to them and the American legal system be set aside. Mexicans want their holidays - but run from their own country. Somalians don't celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus so everyone else has to suffer.
Yet, the Chinese in Chinatown celebrate their Chinese New Year while respecting the fact that we have our own in a different month.
My suggestion, if you come to this country, respect OUR traditions. You can have your own, but don't tread on ours. That is showing total disrespect to a country that will take you in when you run from the terrors of your own country.
2 people like this
4 responses
@Auntiescarf (842)
•
19 Dec 10
We have the same problem here in the UK, Im not someone who thinks that nobody should come to this country, I think if you can come here and work and make a life for yourself then by all means join us. But please dont try to make us change. Some schools have banned children from wearing a necklace with a cross, as it may offend. I have done a bit of travelling and always went with the mind that I would respect the local culture and rules as I am a visitor in their country, I think some people forget to do that when coming here.
1 person likes this
@mysticmaggie (2498)
• United States
20 Dec 10
Making children stop wearing crosses was one of the first things done to get rid of God in schools, business and even prayers at ball games. Don't let it go any further in your country.
In our classrooms, our children can learn about all religions except Christianity because it might indoctrinate them. It seems to me if one religion will indoctrinate, then so will all others. Personally, I think ALL religions should be discussed without bias on the instructors' part.
1 person likes this
@Auntiescarf (842)
•
20 Dec 10
When I was in school religious studies taught us about all different religions, I remember having to do a presentation on all different religions, with their places of worship and their holy books. I think this was a good idea as there were some people in class with different religions. Im not religious at all but I respect people for their beliefs and I think that class at school helped me have respect.
I do think its good that we have become a multi-cultured society, I think it will make future generations more accepting and more understanding of different religions and cultures, but I dont think that other cultures should be considered before our our. Our culture is one of the reasons why people want to come here but we are in danger of losing it.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
19 Dec 10
I really think that when you come to this country, you are the citizens of this country, therefore you should follow our traditions first and foremost. If you want to follow your own traditions, then that's fine, but do not try and thumb your nose at American traditions. I think that you should respect the fact that you are allowed to be in this country. I'm all about tolerance but the road should work for us, as well as other people. Therefore the country should not take a backseat.
1 person likes this
@mysticmaggie (2498)
• United States
19 Dec 10
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm also tired of being told that people who do not come in through the front door and go through the full process for becoming citizens is just wrong...that's why they are called illegal. They have not gone through the legal steps to become a citizen.
I'm sorry for the children who have been brought here illegally or who's parents crossed over to have their children here, but I do not consider their parents citizens if they have not completed the paperwork, gone through the lessons about our country, bothered to learn the language, and been legally brought in through the ceremony declaring them citizens.
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@megamatt (14292)
• United States
30 Dec 10
Yes I agree with that point as well about illegals. No matter how bad your situation is, the law is the long. There are many things that the citizens of this country have to do because they were required by law. If we're caught, then we get punished. Why should you be any different?
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
hello mystic,
Here in our country,we always respect every tradition and culture from different races that choose to lived here.
The Chinese community were celebrating their occasions and events freely and even our government are giving them some days of holiday to that some citizens here in our country can join and witness the Chinese traditions.
Same as well with Muslims,they are also free to celebrate their religious rites without discrimination.
And now the Indian community is slowly rising here in our country as well,and slowly our country is accepting their traditions and also trying their trends as well.
You are right...it is a matter of respect,everyone should be given their freedom to lived with their tradition and culture as long as they never disgrace our own traditions and cultures.
Happy Holiday
@ptower76 (1616)
• United States
20 Dec 10
I agree with you completely. This trend you speak about also bothers me. As a second generation immigrant, my parents made it a point to keep me connected to their traditions and culture while allowing me to enjoy my American tradition and culture. I believe that celebration is relative to those that celebrate. And so, if an entire town is in agreement to cancel a tradition or a celebration of a tradition, its their choice as long as they are not breaking any laws. Many of the immigrants i know enjoy the mixture of the cultures and the traditions shared. In my house, we celebrate thanksgiving for example with food from my parents native culture. It enhances the celebration. The 4th of July should be celebrated any way one wants as long as they don't break the law or eliminate the paid holiday. Yes I believe that treading on our traditions is a total disrespect. But bottom line, they are free to do what they want. Its the American way.
1 person likes this
@mysticmaggie (2498)
• United States
20 Dec 10
People are definitely celebrate or not celebrate American holidays. They should not, however, be able to keep citizens of this country from following the traditions of this country and that is what is happening. Political correctness has become a way of shutting down the American people and making them subservient to those who want to dismiss American culture.
It's wonderful to hear from immigrants and second and third generations. They have a deep and abiding love for this country and her traditions. Thank you so much for answering this post.
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