2 Examples of Culture Assimilation in the United States

Culture assimilation, also known as acculturation, is a process where individuals or groups adopt the culture of another society. This process can happen voluntarily or involuntarily. In the United States, there have been many instances of culture assimilation, some of which have been more successful than others. This article takes a closer look at two examples of culture assimilation in the United States.

Example 1: European Immigration

One of the most significant examples of culture assimilation in the United States is the immigration of Europeans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island alone. These immigrants came from a wide variety of European countries, with the largest groups coming from Italy, Germany, and Ireland.

Despite the initial challenges of language barriers and cultural differences, these European immigrants were able to assimilate into American society. Many of them learned English, found jobs, and established communities in the United States. Over time, they became an integral part of American culture and society.

One example of this successful assimilation is the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. While St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally an Irish holiday, it is now widely celebrated in the United States, with parades, parties, and other events held throughout the country. This holiday has become a part of American culture, thanks in part to the successful assimilation of Irish immigrants.

Example 2: Native American Boarding Schools

Another example of culture assimilation in the United States is the Native American boarding schools that were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These schools were designed to force Native American children to assimilate into American culture, often at the expense of their own cultural traditions and identities.

Children were taken from their families and sent to boarding schools, where they were not allowed to speak their native languages or practice their cultural traditions. Instead, they were taught English and encouraged to adopt American ways of life. Many of these children suffered from abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma while in these schools.

While the intentions behind the establishment of these boarding schools may have been good, the results were often disastrous. Many Native American communities continue to struggle with the lingering effects of this forced assimilation.

Conclusion

Culture assimilation in the United States has been a complex and often controversial process throughout history. While some examples, like the successful assimilation of European immigrants, have been positive, others, such as the Native American boarding school system, have been deeply troubling.

As our society continues to evolve, it is important to recognize the various ways in which different cultures intersect and interact with one another. By understanding our history of culture assimilation, we can better navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.