Embracing Two Cultures: The Life Of Any Human Being ✓ Solved

embracing of Two Cultures The life of any given human being cannot

Ruan, James Ruan Professor, Click English, 2 August 2017

Embracing of Two Cultures

The life of any given human being cannot be separated from what the person believes in and how he or she has been brought up. Culture plays a significant role in making up a community. However, there are people who are faced with a challenge of making sure that they balance between their culture and the culture they tend to adapt. A good example can be seen in the case of Hispanic immigrants as the United States hosts many Hispanic immigrants. Some immigrants cross the border when they are adults, while some come into the United States at a very young age.

This creates a conflict between the cultures of the immigrant. The essay focuses not on a specific individual but on a group of people, broadening the discussion to a larger population. The Hispanic immigrants in the United States are chosen as an example because of documented conflicts between their native cultures and the American culture, highlighting how immigration impacts cultural identity. The goal is to explore how immigrants are affected by the foreign culture once they arrive in a new country, without asserting the superiority of any culture.

When two cultures conflict, individuals often struggle to determine which culture to embrace. Young immigrants, in particular, face the challenge of balancing their original cultural values with those of their new environment. Those who migrate at a younger age usually attend school, where they encounter pressures to assimilate into the host culture, risking erosion of their original cultural practices. Peer influence accelerates this process, often leading to the practice of dual or integrated cultural identities.

Different philosophers offer varying perspectives on cultural preservation and assimilation. Friedrich Nietzsche, for instance, believed that cultural dissimulation and deception are inherent in human nature, as seen in his commentary on living between cultures. Nietzsche's view suggests that embracing other cultures superficially or with deception may be part of human nature, but that genuine cultural identity requires authentic engagement rather than superficial mimicry. Embracing diversity is valuable; however, foreign cultures should not displace one's original culture.

In the United States, this cultural influence is often asymmetric. Americans tend to promote their culture and encourage others to adopt it without sacrificing their own cultural frameworks. Nevertheless, immigrants and minorities often face the dilemma of assimilating while maintaining cultural integrity. Some individuals adopt foreign customs consciously, motivated by reasons such as fitting in, effective communication, or appreciation for the hosting culture. Others may involuntarily lose parts of their original culture due to prolonged exposure and social pressures.

Nietzsche argued that individuals tend to deceive themselves by idealizing foreign cultures or playing roles that outspeak their true cultural identities. His quote highlights that people often act as if they've conquered or surpassed their native culture when, in reality, they are often slaves to the influence of external cultures and internal desires. Such cultural dissonance resembles what Eugène Ionesco described as the "clowning" of oneself in the face of cultural aspirations, leading to a kind of 'cultural slavery'.

Research shows notable differences between young Hispanic immigrants and those who migrate as adults. The younger migrants tend to integrate aspects of both cultures more seamlessly, aided by their developmental stages and social environments. Cultural continuity in youth depends significantly on factors such as rites of passage, language acquisition, and community support, which influence how effectively they preserve their cultural identity amid acculturation.

Children's exposure to multiple cultures is accentuated by their environments, especially when they attend diverse schools or neighborhoods. Children raised in multicultural settings often inadvertently adopt elements of the dominant culture, including language, mannerisms, and social norms, which can lead to a blending or dilution of their original cultural practices. The process occurs subconsciously, making it challenging to distinguish between cultural retention and assimilation.

Living in a foreign environment challenges immigrants to maintain their cultural identity. The challenges are intensified for youth, who must also grapple with language barriers, social acceptance, and peer pressures. English language proficiency becomes a critical factor; limited skills hinder effective communication and accentuate feelings of alienation. These factors contribute to the tendency of young immigrants to adopt the foreign culture faster, often at the expense of their original customs.

Peer acceptance is fundamental to integration. Many young immigrants seek validation by mimicking the behaviors and customs of their peers, leading to a "double life"—respecting their roots privately while outwardly conforming to the host culture. This dual existence is psychologically taxing, creating identity conflicts that sometimes result in adopting an entirely new cultural identity, which may cause them to be viewed as slaves to the foreign culture or as cultural chameleons.

Nietzsche’s perspective suggests that the desire to emulate and internalize foreign cultures can be viewed as a form of cultural slavery, where individuals lose a part of themselves in the process of adaptation. The challenge lies in balancing cultural preservation with adaptation, especially when societal structures or educational systems favor assimilation over multiculturalism. Young immigrants often struggle to retain their cultural practices while trying to fit into a new social fabric.

The process of cultural retention is complicated by the age at which migration occurs. Younger children are more adaptable; their developing brains and social lives facilitate easier integration and preservation of cultural traits. Their native language and traditions can be incorporated into their new identity more effectively. Conversely, older migrants may encounter more resistance to change, as their cultural frameworks are already deeply embedded. Nietzsche likened culture to a tree that, once mature, is resistant to bending; similarly, cultural identity becomes fixed over time, making assimilation more difficult.

Culture rites of passage and socialization processes influence how well individuals can maintain their cultural identity. For instance, traditional ceremonies, language use, and community involvement reinforce cultural continuity among younger members. However, living in a diaspora or multicultural environment often complicates this process, as influences from the host society threaten to override traditional practices.

The issue of cultural erosion also relates to the challenge of avoiding the influence of the dominant foreign culture. It is nearly impossible to completely isolate oneself from external influences, especially when daily interactions revolve around the dominant language, media, and social norms. Nonetheless, with conscious effort, individuals can retain core elements of their culture, such as language, traditional practices, and values, while adapting to their new environment.

Proper guidance, community support, and education are vital in helping young immigrants balance cultural retention and adaptation. Family and community institutions play crucial roles in transmitting cultural knowledge, ensuring that young generations do not lose touch with their roots. Cultural organizations and language schools further support this effort by providing spaces to practice and celebrate heritage traditions. When such cultural reinforcement occurs, young immigrants can develop a bicultural identity, blending their traditional culture with the new norms without feeling enslaved to either.

In conclusion, embracing multiple cultures involves complex psychological, social, and cultural dynamics. The experiences of Hispanic immigrants in the United States exemplify the struggles and opportunities that come with cultural adaptation. While some manage to preserve their original identities, others face erosion or superficial integration. Thoughtful approaches, rooted in cultural awareness and community support, are essential to fostering authentic bicultural identities that respect both the heritage and the host society.

References

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