PART-5: DO WE KNOW WHO WE ARE?
Last in a series . . . for now anyway . . .
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Click here for PART-2:
Click here for PART-3:
Click here for PART-4:
In a true 'melting pot' assimilation model that I support (and tried to introduce over the last four posts,) ethnic Turks in the US should blend into the pot by contributing our culture into mainstream America, contrary to some mythical notion that assimilation is the stripping of one's own ideals and unique attributes, although factual in some instances i.e. Europe and other 'nationalist' hosts, would be contrary to the definition of what 'America' is and what it means to be an 'American,' the nation of immigrants. As we become part of the overall product we helped re-define, the resulting flavor of the entire pot would evolve to produce a harmonious outcome that would benefit the sum of the parts.
In the process, we would also be required to acknowledge and absorb, to some degree of varying priorities, the values, the culture, the language, and the overall environmental and social inter-activities of the society we are expecting to be accepted into. This may even include the observation and at least a working understanding of religious tolerance, and political affiliationisms, as well as civil liberties, and checks and balances of the respective governing bodies.
Furthermore, as I outlined in my 'Open Letter to Turkish Americans' some time ago, in order not to fall into the same old traps we have been taken for in the past.
"I believe it is imperative for the Turkish populace in the U.S. to be informed, as well as informative, and thereby better served by examining and publicizing our general philosophy,view, and stance concerning issues that all Americans consider relevant. That is the true definition of an effective lobby that we as American Turks yearn for. Not as our Turkish elders from Turkey, notwithstanding their well intentioned efforts, have not been able to do over the years and still have not achieved (in my opinion) a true recognition of their goals, whatever they may be.""Wouldn't we be better served by commenting on such issues relative to the U.S. and the World in general, not only as members of an ethnic minority but as members and citizens of the U.S. and the World. And wouldn't that raise the awareness of our presence, as well as being taken seriously instead of seen merely as caregivers of Turkey and Turkish interests alone, that frankly Americans (for the most part) may not care for."
We will have achieved the respect we are hoping for if we ask ourselves the following questions and 'be informed,' as well as 'get involved,' as we offer solutions representative of our point-of-view, give back to the society that is shaping our future, and thereby 'make a difference.'
"Where do we stand when it comes to abortion or women's rights, how conservative or liberal are we on different policy matters, what political affiliations do we align ourselves with, how disenchanted are we and why, as compared to the rest of the population. Can we collectively present a formidable force to be reckoned with along with the ability to revise corporate or political ideology. Are we able to better position ourselves to boycott or endorse certain products or policies and initiate change. Would Turkey be better served by conscientious people like us who are model citizens of the countries in which we live as representatives of its agenda of understanding, recognition, appreciation, and peace in the world."
Once we have our voices heard, and our involvement in the current affairs pertaining to our adopted land takes precedence, while producing the desired results that everyone is grateful for, our culture, our religion, our values, our interactions, our upbringing, our ethnicity, and our intellect will be highlighted through minimal effort of our own, and without the need for us to demand the same at every opportunity we get with no results except for continued frustration and wasted but well-intentioned efforts, prior to proving that 'actions speak louder than words.'
How valuable is such an outcome. Would you subscribe to this way of thinking. Is it worth the mere initiation and engagement of such conversation and interaction without attracting deconstructive controversy. I encourage others individually and collectively to take more active roles on issues that really matter and not insist on only continuing purely ethnic-based programs or concepts.
For a couple of alternative approaches to the meaning of the 'melting pot,' you may want to check out the following recent articles from The Missoulian, and The Trumpet.
Happy Independence Day!
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