Cultural assimilation? (moral, minority, America, experience, moral)

[michel]

In England, as I am sure the same applies in most countries, we have large areas of cities that are mainly populated by one ethnic minority group.

One of the causes of ethnic-related problems can, I think, be put down to cultural differences. Social interraction between children of different cultures seems to result in a gravitation towards a 'same group' mix (in my experience).

With the thread "Should schools teach morality and religion" in mind, would it be a good idea to ensure that the culture and religion of the host country be in the curriculum ?
Do you think this would result in less "Them and us" attitudes, and hopefully resolve inter -racial problems ? Should immigrants be encouraged to try to "comform" to our ways ?

[Fluffy]

I am in two minds about cultural diversity. Many people seem to feel it is worth protecting. It is a feeling I do not share. I feel that culture is a significant contribution towards the "Us vs Them" factor. I don't see any advantage of my own culture over anybody elses but then again I don't attribute a large amount of identity with it either. It would be certainly easier if everyone conformed to the same culture.

[Terrywoodenpic]

I would say yes.
in the UK we have freedom of Religion. But I can see nothing wrong in encouraging minorities to learn about our customs, culture, social and legal systems.
After all Our culture developed over many hundreds of years by taking the best from Invaders, Immigrants and cultures we have come into contact with.
In the past it has enabled us to assimilate very many differing peoples, with only minor setbacks.
It must be right for this process to continue.

Terry
_____________________________________-
Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.

[Fire Empire]

This is interesting. We live in California where illegal immigration from Mexico is a major problem. The U.S. and Mexico have very different cultural mores, and as a result, the newcomers don't exactly fit in. It is not a language barrier issue, but more of a "hey, you can't do that here" issue. The Mexican/Central American immigrants take a long time to be assimilated (if they are at all) and part of the reason for this is because Cali schools offer bilingual education and do not try to "impose" our ways on their children. The best solution (over here at least) seems to be one in which American schools push the American/European culture rather than try to cater to everybody.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by Terrywoodenpic

In the past it has enabled us to assimilate very many differing peoples, with only minor setbacks. It must be right for this process to continue.

I certainly hope this was an attempt at subtle humor ...

[Terrywoodenpic]

Originally Posted by Fire Empire

This is interesting. We live in California where illegal immigration from Mexico is a major problem. The U.S. and Mexico have very different cultural mores, and as a result, the newcomers don't exactly fit in. It is not a language barrier issue, but more of a "hey, you can't do that here" issue. The Mexican/Central American immigrants take a long time to be assimilated (if they are at all) and part of the reason for this is because Cali schools offer bilingual education and do not try to "impose" our ways on their children. The best solution (over here at least) seems to be one in which American schools push the American/European culture rather than try to cater to everybody.

If you assume the American culture and way a of life has been an amalgum of many differing cultures. It must be right that your immigrants both add to that pot and become part of it.

Terry
____________________________
Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.

[Darkdale]

I would say no. Some cultures cannot mix very well and people should not be coerced into cultural submission, which is essentially what you guys are talking about. While I think citizens of the same country should speak the same language, I think that is the only assimilation that need take place.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Originally Posted by Deut. 32.8

I certainly hope this was an attempt at subtle humor ...

No humor .
No British person is pure anything.
In the past assimilation has been bloody. but the majority has always assimilated the new commer.
Whilst the Empire days extended our contacts and conquests, untill recently those people became full British citizens and were assimilated.
For instance in the UK there was never segregation of Africans.

Terry
__________________________
Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Originally Posted by Darkdale

I would say no. Some cultures cannot mix very well and people should not be coerced into cultural submission, which is essentially what you guys are talking about. While I think citizens of the same country should speak the same language, I think that is the only assimilation that need take place.

If they feel the can not mix with their fellow Citizens, and become a single peoples, why are they there. The American Declaration indicates they should be one people.

Terry
_________________________-
Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.

[CaptainXeroid]

Originally Posted by michel

...Should immigrants be encouraged to try to "comform" to our ways ?

Forgive me for answering this way.

Originally Posted by cliche

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Yes, I know it's corny, but there's a lot of truth to it. Think of it this way: Would it be fair for me to move to France and demand that they