Culture And Identity

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Since the birth of America many cultures came to find freedom and opportunity to accomplish the American Dream. The American Dream is the idea that anyone who comes to America possesses the opportunity to succeed based on their merit. Through this different cultures diffused what America came to be. The influences of immigrant cultures gave America the name the land of the free. Cultural diffusion, migration, immigration, and transnationalism is important in relation to global economy based on the fact that through these countries we are granted many ideas, styles, religions, technologies, and languages from these different cultures. America became a melting pot of various cultures bringing their individuality in a country of many customs. The struggle between culture and identity is conveyed through the writings of Richard Rodriquez and Armstrong Williams to break stereotypes and be proud of who you are. People need to identify with their own culture first before identifying with America because a key American value is individualism and maintaining one’s own culture. America is a melting pot of different cultures making it necessary to remember one’s own culture in the flood of ideas and traditions within America. Through maintaining culture they are simultaneously upholding American beliefs and identifying with America. Society needs to be proud of where they come from because culture is within them. It is a fundamental part of their identity and helps shape the American Dream. Rodriquez expresses to accept culture and to flourish in identity. “I AM MY CULTURE. Culture is not something opposite us, it is rather something we breathe and sweat and live” (14). In “The Chinese in All of Us,” the writer is conveying that society ca... ... middle of paper ... ... nation on. Bringing one’s own traditions they will be fulfilling the virtues that the immigrant founders believed in. Society needs to remember who they are or where they came from. No matter who they are, African American or Mexican American they all share the same historical accomplishments. Society is fortunate to have the opportunity to live in a country where they manifest their own identities. Through manifesting their own identities society underscores American vales and principles, such as Individualism and progress. Society needs to remain tolerant of alien cultures in order to maintain their American identity because America was founded on the principle that everyone is equal and will not be judged based on their culture. Therefore, Americans must utilize their value of Individualism to exemplify to the world that culture allows humanity to flourish.

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