Has immigration shaped American Culture? Is immigration part of what we know as American Culture?
438837
Yes...Immigration has shaped American culture, but in today's society, it means that now, when you come to this country, you don't have to learn to speak, read or write English, they come over illegally, they use our health care, live off of our welfare system--which was developed to help Americans, key word, "Americans", when they were having financial troubles---\n25 years ago, in order to become an American citizen, you had to learn to read, write and SPEAK English. That's the whole point people! You come to this country for a better life, to get away from severe poverty or oppression----The VERY least you can do...to PLEDGE YOUR ALLEGIANCE to your new country...the country that more than likely has saved your life, is to LEARN THE LANGUAGE! \nNow, I'm NOT telling you to give up your heritage...not at all! But wouldn't it be nice...if we could all as Americans....talk to one another...and, (gasp!) UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER?\nIs this too much to ask? What happened to the old stipulations and rules?\nNow anyone can run across our borders, cut across a rancher's land, and get food stamps.\nIt makes me sick, I tell ya!
1062823
You're right...we can't have regions based on culture. That would suck. We would not be a "melting pot" if we don't create a true "American" culture. Of course, there's going to be different people: liberals, conservatives, blacks, whites, Asians, Hispanics, Middle Eastern, etc. But that's what makes our country....it [the US].\nBut we still have to have places where a culture is a major part of its...I guess character. Something like a Chinatown. Of course, that would be a little too far it we have a "China"town for every culture, but places that "specialize" in said cultures/beliefs/ideals are important so people can have others who agree with them and won't feel like an outcast wherever they are. I'm not saying have an entire city devoted to a culture...more just a place where people can rediscover their own/others' heritages (clubs/neighborhood groups/whatever).
425907
Not at all. We all have periods of self doubt. It doesn't matter if you're American or not. It doesn't make you any less American.
904731
Not necessarily,  most people call it CULTURAL DIVERSITY.\n\n/doc
467502
Yes it is there are many different cultures, languages,traditions, and beliefs in the U.S. the U.S. is a country of which ppl of different race and skin color can be free to believe in wat they want to and don't have to worry about ppl criticizing them about it.
975383
Until 4 years ago, my opinion of Americans was Rude, Loud, Arrogant, Inconsiderate. When I went to Mexico, this was justified.\n\n3 years ago, I visited Upstate New York, and my opinion changed, I have met a lot of good people, not many of them are rude and arrogant, in fact, very few.\n\nOriginally being from England, I have learnt a lot about American upbringing since I have been here. \n\nThere are US flags everywhere, people are proud to be American. \n\nChildren are taught the national anthem at a young age, they are proud, and their nation makes them feel proud.\n\nThey are taught that America is the best country in the world, the Land of the Free.\n\n70% of Americans do not hold a passport, or have never left the continental US. They have never compared their country to another civilised country, so are naive in that respect, and they tend to regard other countries as less civilised, and inferior.\n\nGenerally, they are good people! I live here now, so they can't be that bad!
469848
every bit of culture in the united states is immigrant culture.  (i'm assuming you meant to have an "n" in there)
485786
Yes, provided the basic belief systems have not been dramatically changed by unwelcomed outside influence.  I really don't want to imply that the illegals from Mexico constitute an "invasion", but if enough of them were to take up residence without assimilating and be confined to a relatively small geographical area, those citizens that lived in that area prior to the dramatic influx would have their polical power taken from them if these illegals were to get citizenship.  \n\nThe common understanding in America as I have seen it for a long time is that the hispanic population will grow very large, but this will be composed primarily of hispanics that have lived in the US for several generations.  They're as American as apple pie.  But if we allow a radical amount of Mexicans over who are poor, they and most of the second generation will be, for all intents and purposes, Mexicans and NOT Americans.
662548
We consider ourselves to be a melting pot of cultures. I think it is great that each American citizen may be of a different cultural descent or background. What makes this country great is that we may celebrate our individual cultures and and the same time be members of a country that unites us as one. Americans should celebrate each other's individuality and be proud of where we come from. That's what helps to make us great, the fact that we are all so different, yet so alike.\n\nWhy are you so angry anyway? Go find something else to gripe about. No other country in the world has as many cultures as we do. We are truly one of a kind.
1110614
There is no real way to define an American.  We're a country made of many countries, and our culture is made of many cultures.  If I had to define an American, though, I'd say that he/she is a person who loves their country, cares about their family, and appriciates a free society.
59484
Considering immigration is likely how YOUR ancestors came to America, I'd say YOUR public school is one.\n\nIf you mean "recent" immigration, then the following:\n1) ESL (English as a Second Language)\n2) Multiple language testing\n3) Need for teachers to be bi-lingual
1001474
America is THE country of immigrants.  You are an immigrant, kiddo.  Like it or lump it.
527088
There are so many cultures in the USA. I have even developed a different culture of my married son. We like different foods, we like to do different things and we have different Family activities. \n\nI guess an American culture is doing things the same. we all vote, we celebrate the fouth of july, we celebrate birthdays, we go to baseball games and eat hotdogs. We celebrate our freedom of speech, we enjoy the freedom of religeon, which includes if we want to celebrate the fourth of july. \n\nI think the main word for our cullture is freedom.
803647
I am a immigrant to this country and I think adapting to American culture was very nice and beneficiary! This is my home now and I live this way of life.Thanksgiving is important to me now because we don't have one where I come from! The fourth of July is too! But at the same time, I hold my special heritage close to my heart! You can't blame a person for that. It is who they are and where they come from !
631940
That is correct, there are many diverse ideas, and Spanish and English are widly spoken, and there are many religions and other cultural differences...\n\nWhenever I have asked what is the "American Culture" that people needs to "assimilate" nobody has been able to explain it to me... is it the pop culture? is it the gangsta rap? is it watching American Idol and consumerism? what is it??
196375
Yes, America is the home of immigrants. Not Illegal Immigrants, however.
866518
Some countries identify themselves with their culture. To alter the culture would alter their identity, and this is change that not many societies deal well with. Check out America...we are having an identity crisis right now. Are we a war nation? Are we a peace nation? Are we unified nation? Who knows? \n\nThe most violent places on Earth are where they do not have an identity or history.