Wow, . . Tough Action from Australia in the news

[Ron61]

We need that attitude in this country. If you move to one of their countries they sure don't change the laws and rules to fit your way of life. I believe that any person no matter who or from where who moves to another country should adapt their way of life.

Ron

[cdnus]

Originally Posted by Ron61

We need that attitude in this country. If you move to one of their countries they sure don't change the laws and rules to fit your way of life. I believe that any person no matter who or from where who moves to another country should adapt their way of life.

Ron

X2 For here

Craig

[Tommy]

While serving in the Air Force, I was stationed in Germany for five years. My family lived in an apartment in a large home owned by a German family. Now admittedly, I did not choose to go to Germany and I was not particularly interested in adopting their culture and customs. But even if I had decided to live there permanently, it would have been hard for me to abandon many of my American ways for the German ways. For example, none of the stores were open after 6 PM on weekdays or after 1 PM on Saturday except for one Saturday per month. None of the stores were open on Sundays. It made it very difficult for me to shop for much more than food in the very small village where I lived. I didn't like the store hours and would have complained even if I decided it was in my family's interest to live there permanently. If I could have lobbied to change the laws to allow longer store hours, I would have.

My point is that it is ridiculous to expect immigrants to immediately abandon the culture in which they were raised just because they decide to live in another country. They will do what each of us would do in the same circumstances. They will keep the old practices that bring them comfort while adopting the new practices that make their lives easier, and complainng about the new practices that make their lives harder. Over a few generations, most will integrate fully into the local culture.

[Ron61]

Tommy,


My point is that it is ridiculous to expect immigrants to immediately abandon the culture in which they were raised just because they decide to live in another country. They will do what each of us would do in the same circumstances. They will keep the old practices that bring them comfort while adopting the new practices that make their lives easier, and complainng about the new practices that make their lives harder. Over a few generations, most will integrate fully into the local culture.


That isn't what we are talking about. We are talking about the country changing its ways to accommodate new immigrants. I spent far to long in Korea, not by my choice either, but I did manage to learn enough of their language and customs to not tick anyone off. Just because I move to another country I don't expect them to change the country to fit my wants. I don't think it is ridiculous at all for them to adapt to the countries ways that they move to. They can keep their ways as many here do, and still learn the ways of the country instead of demanding that the country change its ways to fit theirs.

Ron

[Tommy]

Ron,

Let me restate my point. I'm saying that if I lived in Germany, I would try to change its laws to make parts of it more like what I learned to like about the USA. I believe most people would do the same. And being a believer in The Golden Rule, I find it hard to fault other people for doing what I would do if I were in their shoes.

[Ron61]

Tommy,

My bad. I misread your post and apologize for that. I don't fault people for hanging onto their traditional values. What I object to is wanting the country they move into to change its ways and values to fit theirs.

Ron