this post was submitted on 10 Oct 2024
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I got to disagree with the "learn the language and customs" thing. I live (also born and raised) in one of the most culturally diverse cities in America: Germantown, Maryland. I couldn't be prouder, and I also couldn't care less if you don't speak English.
Be yourself. You are welcome here.
The EU isn’t the US.
Most countries in Europe have this idea of integration where the foreigner learns and adopts the language and culture of the country. You’ll see lots of discussions of “failed” integration of foreigners, especially in Germany.
I think this is still a type of colonialism where they think there culture is better and the foreigner must change, rather than the other way around.
I think the US is a bit better in this regard as there is this idea of a cultural mixing pot and foreigners aren’t expected to “integrate”.
The integration part is because we would like for anyone to fit in, and not be confined to your ‘hood’
We don’t mind you not speaking the language, but English is usually not a first language, sometimes not even a second, and sometimes omitted. Especially in rural areas.
So yeah, it’s nice if we can actually have a conversation about the local soccer team, or town buffoon who thinks the government is conspiring about pricing covid shots too high…
It's not colonialism to prefer one culture (or certain cultural traits) to another. In fact, it's natural.
I've lived in a number of countries and each had their own distinct cultural norms. Each has had aspects which I perceived as either positive or negative.
Add it all together and I definitely have preferred certain cultures, not because they are "better" but because they more closely match my own preferences. Other people would prefer different cultural norms.
White people moving across the world, imposing their language and culture, is a "cultural mixing pot" ? Did you play a uno reverse card lol
I wasn’t referring to white people immigrating.
Here is an article today from Deutsche Welle covering this issue: https://www.dw.com/en/do-immigrants-have-to-learn-german-in-germany/a-70467984