Why are some people so obsessed with their heritage?

[HamburgerBoy]

I usually don't agree with JLGatsby just because he's a troll and I think that he's pretty much wrong in this case as well, but there is one thing I'm wondering. Why is that people are always the most upset with genocide related to their own people? All of the time you see Pakistanis pissed off about earthquakes in Pakistan but they don't usually make a big deal about anything else. Americans get all worried about hurricanes in Florida or Louisiana but they don't really care when it happens elsewhere. Now, it's one thing if you had family members killed or if you don't care in any case, but why are people so selective? I couldn't care less if one group of people was killed over another group of people.

EDIT: Or what about blacks that wan't funding for AIDS in Africa? When is the last time you've seen a black person say the same for the bird flu in Asia?

 

[Illusions89]

They are Fools.....Thats why lmao

Sorry for being an ignorant ass

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: RudeBoie
Well, might depend on the generation. If you're 5th gen, might not matter because you don't really have ties. I'm 1st gen (or 1st born in America), so my parents and relatives and most of the people I know are very much rooted in heritage, so I am somewhat that way myself (I'm Vietnamese).

Why for other people- why not?
At simplest, maybe it's just a way to have something in common with others, especially because sometimes there can be unfair divisions or prejudices in life. If you're not white (sometimes unfairly thought of as "true" American), and you don't have a connect to your ethnic heritage, well, often you're not considered truly white/American either, so then what are you?

This last comment isn't mean to spur anything, btw, just saying, identity issues can be a real.......uh, issue.

Nicely put. He pretty much hit it dead on for most minorities.

 

[TheTony]

While the topic of heritage is being discussed:

I hear the term "Asian" used interchangably with Chinese/Korean/Japanese but rarely hear Indians, for example, use the term to reference themselves. As we all know, Asia is a continent which includes both. I guess it's just something I've noticed. I'm sure it depends on who's using the term.

As far as the OP's question, I think it's a product of first and second generation immigrants. Generally, it's those first generations in a new nation that are more nationalistic and seek to retain their heritage, understandably. Historically speaking, I think that holds true for most who have travelled and settled in the US and I'm sure elsewhere.

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: JLGatsby
Except white people.

Note: I'm speaking about minorities who were born and raised in America.

Why do so many minorities take so much pride in some culture and country they're not really a part of?

Perfect Example: African Americans often refer to Africa as the "mother land." But most have never been to Africa or even know what it's like. Many are also into "dashikis" (colorful robes) and those cylinder shaped hats.

Many Hispanics and Asians also are quite enthralled with their backgrounds.

I'm white and mostly German. In fact I'm a descendant of one of Germany's most famous politicians (no, not Hitler), but I don't care much about German culture or care really. If I traveled to Germany, I wouldn't be like, "Oh, I'm back in my homeland."

I don't sit arounding drinking warm beer and eating sausage.

Why do so many minorities feel the need to drown themselves in their ethnic backgrounds?

Please note, I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I'm just curious to know. Why be so proud of something you were born into?

Germans don't drink warm beer that often, not in Northern Germany. Some people *are* obsessed, but I think that term shouldn't be applied to the majority.

I do not consider Chinese descendents born in America (1st generation) Chinese. Many of them stick to their own kind, and look down on new immigrants. Many also think that they have some sort of special culture. Just because your ancestors came from another country doesn't make you one of them.

On a similar token, I believe that people emigrating to other countries should fully, or at least attempt to, assimilate into the host culture. I'm not saying that immigrants should give up their culture, but rather that they should find a balance between keeping their original cultural heritage while integrating into the new society. Putting up Mexican flags and wearing a hat that says "Mexican power", or cheering for the Chinese national team over your home team in a sporting event isn't what immigrants should do.

Flame away.

 

[cirrhosis]

Originally posted by: alphatarget1

On a similar token, I believe that people emigrating to other countries should fully, or at least attempt to, assimilate into the host culture. I'm not saying that immigrants should give up their culture, but rather that they should find a balance between keeping their original cultural heritage while integrating into the new society. Putting up Mexican flags and wearing a hat that says "Mexican power", or cheering for the Chinese national team over your home team in a sporting event isn't what immigrants should do.

QFT

 

[NetWareHead]

Originally posted by: JLGatsby
I'm white and mostly German. In fact I'm a descendant of one of Germany's most famous politicians (no, not Hitler),

Bismarck?

 

[NetWareHead]

Originally posted by: JLGatsby
Except white people.

Note: I'm speaking about minorities who were born and raised in America.

Why do so many minorities take so much pride in some culture and country they're not really a part of?

Perfect Example: African Americans often refer to Africa as the "mother land." But most have never been to Africa or even know what it's like. Many are also into "dashikis" (colorful robes) and those cylinder shaped hats.

Many Hispanics and Asians also are quite enthralled with their backgrounds.

I'm white and mostly German. In fact I'm a descendant of one of Germany's most famous politicians (no, not Hitler), but I don't care much about German culture or care really. If I traveled to Germany, I wouldn't be like, "Oh, I'm back in my homeland."

I don't sit arounding drinking warm beer and eating sausage.

Why do so many minorities feel the need to drown themselves in their ethnic backgrounds?

Please note, I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I'm just curious to know. Why be so proud of something you were born into?

I'm obsessed with my heritage because I am full blooded Italian. If you cut me open, Italian blood spills out even though I was born over here. I grew up speaking Italian (1st language) in an all Italian household, hung out in a mostly Italian neighborhood and ate pasta, bracciole and other Italian foods 6, sometimes 7 days out of a week.

I am first generation in my family born over here and a dual citizen. I've been to Italy nearly 10 times in my life.

I choose to "drown" (as you put it) myself in Italian culture because that's simply who I am. I don't see myself as an American. I just live here. Plain and simple, I'm only here out of convenience and plus the fact that I like making the money I make over here and it's possible that I might not have that opportunity to make that kind of salary in Italy. I'm not trying to offend any patriotic Americans or come off as inflammatory, but since you asked....

 

[snooker]

I am a born American, so was my mom and her mom and her mom and her mom, and same with my dad. I am talking lots of generations so I have never bothered with a Family tree to see where my roots are from, because in my eyes my roots are here in the soil of the U.S.A. I know my moms side of the family has part Indian in it (Early years they were Boone, Like Daniel Boone, and from what I hear from my Grandmother he had a relationship with an Indian woman and they had at least one kid, and I am decendant of their kid or kids. My grandmother is attempting to write a family tree for her side and she has been for years. Last I heard that is as far back as she could go)

I do not have problems with people who were born and raised in the U.S.A. to seek their family history, but I myself have always wondered, your driving down the road and see some hispanic driving beside you. You notice he/she is around 16-19 years of age, wearing a NY yankees hat and or shirt (In Florida btw) , driving a Chevy, playing rap music and flying a Countries flag, other then the USA, around the rearview mirror. Why fly a flag of another country? Is it showing support for that country or your proud of your family history?

the way I see it is, 1st generation or 20th generation, your relatives came to the U.S.A. for a reason, more then likely to get away from something or better their lives.


Sorry for babbling on, I just started typing and didn't want to stop

 

[iamme]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
page3 =booyah...appearantly someone is owed $50 or :beer: or something....

Originally posted by: iamme
i'm predicting at least 3 pages

yeah, baby! PM me for paypal information. i also accept cash. i also accept $50 worth of beer.

 

[tooltime]

i'm not

 

[tooltime]

i'm not sure i really know mine

 

[IronWing]

Ask your dad and then your mom and see if you get the same answer.

 

[VIAN]

I feel the same way, but you know, I'm an interesting subject.

Because I'm Portuguese. And many Portuguese love to put stickers on there car and say Portugal is the best and all that jazz. They have pride, not as much as Peurto Ricans or maybe even Brazilians, but it's there. However, I.. don't really give two shits about it. I am so separated from this culture of all these other American-Portuguese people.

In fact I hate it. I hate the freakin Portuguese flags on the cars and I hate the freakin obsession with the retarded VW's. I also don't like it when other countries do it. I think it because that even though I'm Portuguese and I was born there, I consider myself American and I don't want this crap rubbed in my face like it's something special when it isn't. You're Portuguese, what does that mean to me, nothing, the only difference is that you might not speak English, which I'll give you a hard time for. I like to treat everybody equal, unless they have too much pride in their country. Then they're just AZZHOLES. All you're saying to me is "I'm better that you." Well you're a dck, and you deserve to be treated like one.

Sometimes it's too much. Like this one Peurto Rican fello who had his flag on the hood of his car, hanging off the rearview mirror, wearing a shirt and headband with it and one on the stearing wheel. Comeon - overboard.

And brazilians in my highschool years, who only hung out with other brazilians. And they out of nowhere started to make fun of the Portuguese accent from Portugal for no reason. Are you better because you speak different? And this freakin hispanic music playing loudly in the car with the SAME beat, like Shakira's new song. When are they gonna stop useing that one beat. It's one thing to embrace where come from, it's another to obbess with the intention of being better. What are they better at? What are they competeing for? The "Who's a better foreign country spokesperson!" award. You know, if they love their country so much, just move back there. Go ahead. Or if you feel that strongly, just tatoo the flag on your forehead. You'll get no special treatment from me, Portuguese or not.

 

[SampSon]

JLGatsby hasn't been back in a few days, hopefully this thread resulted in a ban.

I read through most of this tread and don't even know where to begin with JLGatsby and his highschool level essay questions.

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: JLGatsby

Yeah, but those people aren't obsessed with their culture itself, just their own direct descendants.

They're looking for names.

But most of them don't go off and then cook some super ethnic diner and dress up like the Ricola yodelers.

Some of these super ethnic dinners are one of the reasons that make America one of the best countries to live in :beer:

 

[saahmed]

Originally posted by: VIAN
I consider myself American and I don't want this crap rubbed in my face like it's something special when it isn't. You're Portuguese, what does that mean to me, nothing, the only difference is that you might not speak English, which I'll give you a hard time for. I like to treat everybody equal, unless they have too much pride in their country. Then they're just AZZHOLES. All you're saying to me is "I'm better that you." Well you're a dck, and you deserve to be treated like one.

How does taking pride in your roots mean you are better than someone else? It may mean you are different, but different people are still equal. A person is an asshole simply because they dont have the same culture as you? And why does one have to be able to speak English? Do you want a world where every single person has the same culture, eats the same food, listens to the same music?

 

[ScottFern]

This is a very good and interesting question especially for me since I am white and fit this stereotype.

I am an American brought up on American values and American culture. I am a euro-mutt mix and have no loyalty or emotions tied to any other nation besides this one. I feel at this point in our time many groups inside the USA do have this strong connection to other nations which creates a large discrepency in culture mentality.


I think this is one of our biggest split opinions in our country.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

There's a simple answer for everything. And the answer for this topic is: People are dumb (maybe replace dumb wih a psychcological definition?) and get confused by the media and/or their parents.

 

[trexpesto]

Um, Columbus Day, St Pats, Octoberfest, Brotty-days (Wisconsin), etc... White holidays, ya? Anytime you go to the corner store or turn on the TV, you get innundated with white culture. Typically for white people it's hard to recognize because it is the de-facto standard. "Frankfurter" and "Hamburger" are German words. Wiener. French bread. So we are living in a white world, that's why we don't miss it. In other countries, you bet the expat Americans, etc love to see a slice of their home country. People go for things they don't get enough of, and if they get rewards for it, so much the better. There's alot thats valuable about other cultures, but not always available here. Plus, people get tired of trying to fit in when they are constantly discriminated against.

 

[trexpesto]

People that get upset when they see a few mexican flags easily forget the irish flags in the st. pats parade. My boss said, "I'm Italian, but you don't see me waving an Italian flag." She meant to dog on Mexican people for identifying more with their homeland, but.. she just called herself Italian, not Italian-American. Prejudice and racism is part of the American culture, something we all have to a degree, and should all work against.

 

[JSFLY]

Answer for OP:

When a white american looks at you, he sees another white guy. When he looks at me, he sees a chinese guy. Doesnt matter, whether I was born here or not, Im chinese because I look like one and other people percieve me to be. Thus I feel Chinese and am obliged to act accordingly with regards to my culture.

Addendum:
Just read through some of the responses the OP has posted:

I find it funny that white people such as the OP talk about how we minorities should "feel" living in America. The truth is you are on the outside looking in. You people have no idea what racism and discrimination really is. You have no idea how it feels to walk in the shoes of a minority.

But here is a simple answer for you oh clueless one: I will be a proud American and shed myself of my past heritage when a white person looks at me and sees an American instead of a Chinese guy.

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: JSFLY
Answer for OP:

When a white american looks at you, he sees another white guy. When he looks at me, he sees a chinese guy. Doesnt matter, whether I was born here or not, Im chinese because I look like one and other people percieve me to be. Thus I feel Chinese and am obliged to act accordingly with regards to my culture.

QFT. To the OP, if you were a white guy living in Fiji, China, India... you would probably stress your culture a little more as well because you would be treated differently.

 

[BaldAvenger]

Just my .02, but one can look around and see that prejudice is not an american invention. In fact, this is one of the few (quite possibly the only) countries that actively attempt to dispose of it, though with varying degrees of sucess. I have to say that I love the united states and one prime example of this is the fact that multiculturalisim is a fact of life. In any given month here in LA(read, LOUISIANA, the REAL LA, not L.A. of the left coast) we have festivals relating to french, spanish, mexican, german, english, redneck, acadian, coonass, etc... This a fantastic thing. After all, how often do you get to visit a diffrent country every month. Now, to the OP, some people DO take it to extremes, (read black panthers, kkk, azatlan, you get the point) but by and large we as a country enjoy the vast wealth of cultures that we all have to offer. (Mudbugs are some of best eating you can get, bar none, but that's just me being prejudiced ) I do personally think that getting too caught up in one culture will ultimatly blind one to what else is out there (see the forementioned groups...). It comes down to this, for me. Be proud of your heritage, or not. Be aware of your heritage, or not. Just don't force me to accept it. I like my culture as an AMERICAN alloy. Toss me in the melting pot, baby!

(BTW, I once went into one of those "geanology" booths at a renaissance faire. I bought a fancy printout about the origin of my name. It was all alliterated with thee's and thou's, art's and farts, but what it really told me was this. My family basically sat on the fence between scotland and england. We took part in altercations between either side depending on the "issues" at hand. so, basically, we were sellswords for whoever could afford us. Hmmm, that's cool. My ancestors were pretty saavy businessmen. :beer::thumbsup: )

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: JSFLY
Answer for OP:

When a white american looks at you, he sees another white guy. When he looks at me, he sees a chinese guy. Doesnt matter, whether I was born here or not, Im chinese because I look like one and other people percieve me to be. Thus I feel Chinese and am obliged to act accordingly with regards to my culture.

Addendum:
Just read through some of the responses the OP has posted:

I find it funny that white people such as the OP talk about how we minorities should "feel" living in America. The truth is you are on the outside looking in. You people have no idea what racism and discrimination really is. You have no idea how it feels to walk in the shoes of a minority.

But here is a simple answer for you oh clueless one: I will be a proud American and shed myself of my past heritage when a white person looks at me and sees an American instead of a Chinese guy.

Well its pretty sad you feel that way. Yes there are ignorant people in everyday life that are gonna treat you differently but they will also treat me differently just because they are a-holes who don't know any better. I for one pride myself as being as color blind as I can be to other people who I interact with. If I can understand you then there is no problem on my side. My roommates were Indian and we got along just fine.