Immigration Case
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Imagine leaving a country, a culture and a lifestyle in which one has only known to embark in the better life, yet one completely different than ever dreamt. Now imagine having to choose what customs one would keep, which traditions to pass on, and how to manage blending previous cultures into this new chapter. Maybe it would be easier for a fresh start, to let go of all past culture to prevent embarrassment, ignorance and injustice. Many immigrants in Canada have chosen to take this route. After hardships of racism, discrimination and prejudice immigrants choose to adapt to Canadian culture, rather than follow their own roots. In the recent past immigrants have embraced their culture, as it becomes more acceptable to do so. It is important for immigrants to maintain their cultural heritage while adapting to a new culture because this preserves history, builds the individuals confidence and create more productive members of society.
Immigrants who maintain their cultural heritage help preserve world history. History can easily be lost in immigration. Generations of families moving from one country to another become focused on their host country and may lose touch with their roots. For instance, many fifth and sixth generation Canadians of British decent know nothing of their culture, and are not able to provide their children with the opportunities to learn about their own roots. The importance of world history is infinite, and can be preserved as immigrants pass knowledge on to their children of their family history, traditions and migration past. It would not be possible to understand the different cultures and nations without world history, and without knowledge of the past, destructive history may repeat. Therefore, immigrants who maintain their cultural heritage help preserve world history.
Immigrants maintaining their cultural heritage gain confidence individually and as a community. By maintaining their cultural heritage, newcomers are able to keep their values and traditions which they have been raised on. Breaking down ones individuality and what makes them who they are can take a serious toll on their confidence. As an example, in the article “Im a Banana and Proud of it” by Wayson Choy, Choy describes how he felt he did not belong anywhere unless he could understand the past. By researching his Chinese history, he discovered the sacrifices his ancestors had made and which allowed his present rights as a citizen. It is also known that self-confidence is the key to successful immigrants. Therefore immigrants maintaining their culture will gain self confidence.
Last, an immigrant maintaining their cultural heritage makes for a more productive member of society. Immigrants who maintain their cultural heritage encourage their children to learn their heritage language and become more educated on their culture. They also tend to join social clubs and form communities around their