Afraid of the new culture surrounding them, the ideologies
embedded in the immigrant's mind make him fear, and his fear turns to disdainfulness.
He segregates himself into a group like himself and begins to idolize what he has
left behind in his homeland. Soon, his reasons for escaping become mixed with
the discontent he experiences in his host country.
His lack of language skills, a key principle, for an adjustment
in any new environment, put stumbling blocks in his paths. Educational progress,
which leads to good jobs, is limited, affecting the immigrant's emotional
stability. Unable to understand the struggle his host nation has overcome, the
misplaced immigrant soon realizes that the good life he saw on television
doesn't happen as quickly as buying a MacDonald's hamburger or a chicken
sandwich from Chic-Fil-A.
What happened
in France is dolorous. Intercultural diversity collided with repression. Cultures
bounced against one another.
Too
long, we have invited the immigrant to come in without ensuring he understands
the ideology upon which our western culture is founded. We have neglected to
find out how he thinks and to teach him our vision of democracy.
Yesterday,
men, whose cultural ideology is different than ours: who believe that respect
means repression, killed ten prominent thinkers and two protectors of the
French Society.
Let
us hope that these twelve people did not die in vain. That the streets across
our western world will fill with people who have the courage to stand up and
say, I am Charlie!
I am Charlie - powerful words comprise your post Patricia thank you. A complex situation indeed. Those who flee their repressed homeland and find repression in other guises in their newly adopted place of residence are almost bound to take out their rage in violent ways ..
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Susan,
DeleteI am sorry that it has taken me so long to respond, but I am busy migrating my MacBook to my iMac and it has proven to be a challenge and a test of my perseverance.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. We have a very complex situation here in Europe, at the moment. Let us hope that the language between the different races and religions become more respectful;that people take the time to listen with their hearts instead of with a weapon.
Thank you so much for dropping by. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Patricia