Assimilation’s benefits and drawbacks

Assimilation of diverse cultures creates a dynamic way of life. Immigrants contribute to America’s vibrant culture, as much as the American culture influences immigrants’ assimilation.

According to Historyplex, cultural assimilation occurs when one ethnic minority sacrifices its culture to integrate into the larger society. The United States is a hub for immigrants from all over the world who endure the assimilation process. However, assimilation does not always lead to a complete cultural sacrifice. Instead, it creates room for a new perception of life. 

The CATO institute reported that immigrants are responsible for innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirits. The Stanford Graduate School of Business also stated that immigrants make up only 16% of inventors but are responsible for 30% of innovations in the U.S.

Mona Reide, a retired Michigan State University administrator who leads the Safe Water Project in Sierra Leone West Africa and provides cultural sensitivity training, shared her expert opinion on cultural assimilation.

“Some form of culture remains, especially for first-generation immigrants,”  Reid said. “Immigrants help businesses to understand various perspectives and bring representation to the table.”

Immigrants that come to the U.S. must learn the American culture to fit in with the rest of society. Some immigrants are forced with the task of learning a new language or dress code while other immigrants must adjust to the difference in food selection and the climate.”

Ogechi Judith Madukwe, a graduate student at Florida A&M University from Nigeria, shared her experiences with American fashion styles and climate.

“When I first came, I was the only one wearing a winter jacket in class, and everyone asked if I was OK. I was just cold,” Madukwe said. “Now I realize I was not actually cold; I was just trying to adjust.”

Immigrants have the experience of living in two distinct cultures. Therefore, they can identify characteristics from each culture that are both beneficial and unproductive. Immigrants have the opportunity to utilize the best of both cultures and create a utopia for themselves.

Hubert Fernander, a sophomore agricultural science scholar from the Bahamas, has been living in the U.S. for over a year and shared his experiences of learning a new mindset.

“America teaches independence, and the U.S. does not depend on other countries like the Bahamas. However, Americans lack common courtesy and empathy for others,” Fernander said. “I have become more independent, but I remain very courteous.”

American citizens often enjoy implementing traditions they learn from immigrants in their everyday lives. Immigrants share aspects of their culture, such as how they prepare food, the music they listen to, the language they speak, and how they usually dress. Americans sometimes find these traditions more fulfilling and purposeful than their own customs.

Asha Grey, a typical American, said one of her best experiences was learning about the Jamaican culture from her best friend.

“I have always wanted to feel more connected to my roots, and it was not until I experienced the Jamaican customs that it happened. I listen to their music; I eat and prepare their food,” Grey said. “I am basically Jamaican now.”

Contrastingly, immigrants who assimilate to the U.S. sometimes experience a loss of identity. Zuva Seven stated in an article titled “What is Cultural Assimilation” that minority groups struggle with their mental health due to distance of cultural strengths. Immigrants are forced to learn a new way of life, and there might be no room for old traditions in their new life. They are also forced to say goodbye to their family and friends. Cultural assimilation causes immigrants to lose their roots, leading to them losing themselves.

Fernander said in an interview, “I have no family close to me, and this forces me to be more independent, but I miss my family.”

Madukwe also shared a moment she missed from her home country, “I miss the food from Nigeria, there is nothing like a home-cooked Nigerian meal.”

Second and third-generation immigrants are the most affected by cultural assimilation. The children of immigrants born in the US grow up learning traditions and customs from the American society. Their parents are the only connection they have to their roots. If the parental influence does not overpower the societal impact, then immigrant culture will be lost.

“When you emerge a child to a culture that is different from the parent, it creates a conflict. The child does not want to stand out from their peers, so they conform to them, Reide said.

Reide will be starting a program in Michigan that will help immigrants assimilate into the U.S. with ease, as well as help Americans understand the immigrant culture.