| Since I grew up in LA, it wasn't at all unusual to live in a multi-ethnic neighborhood. Our neighbors were Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Armenian, Jewish, Black, Italian, Slavic and mostly Irish. As a kid, I never noticed the difference - I was aware that other kids "looked" different but it didn't mean anything to me. Some of the kids were bilingual so they could talk to their parents and grandparents but all of them were thoroughly Americanized - their parents insisted on it. But that didn't mean they didn't hang onto their traditions. I have very fond memories of the pinata at my Mexican friends birthdays. And always looked forward to being invited over for Chinese lobster. I was allowed to attend Temple, Mormon bible studies, and I loved going to church with my black friend because I loved the gospel music. I also went along with my friends to whatever kind of church they attended, - Episcopal, Methodist, Luthern and they in turn came to Mass with me. I love the diversity of our nation but I agree that if people want to come here to live the American dream, then they should participate as Americans and contribute in a positive way. And that means accepting the way of life and not insist on changing it to make it conform to the country they came from. That Florida driver's license is a case in point. Driving is a privilege - not a right. If you don't want to follow the rules, then you forego the privilege. |
