Assimilation Richard Rodriquez Analysis

Richard Rodriquez describes assimilation as a process by which a person apart of one culture adopts and familiarizes to the customs of another culture. His position on the subject of assimilation is more or less neutral. Rodriquez acknowledges assimilation to a degree but does not prefer the labeling that results with assimilation. “I am in favor of assimilation. I am not in favor of assimilation. I recognize assimilation” (91), says Rodriquez. He tolerates and accepts assimilation and makes a point that it takes place in spite of everything. Overall, Rodriquez has a positive outlook regarding adjustment to another culture. Americans have a conflicted and confused view of assimilation
Americans have often resisted assimilation, especially if it meant race mixing or cultural blending. Americans have tried to abstain from adjusting cultural ways by not associating with other races. As Rodriquez points out, “race mixture has not been a point of pride in America” (89). Although Americans acknowledge the variety of ethnic groups, they prefer to stand by their own. Americans resist assimilation because they …show more content…
The Mexican model of assimilation cannot be avoided because immigrants adapt to a new society in many different cultural ways. Immigrants become more similar to the majority over time in behaviors and characteristics. America consists of a mixture of different ethnic groups who eventually consider American norms as their own. In the course of time, bits of pieces unite and it is not noticeable that they are originally from a different culture. Rodriguez believes, “…assimilation happens” (91). According to Rodriguez, the Mexican model of assimilation is unavoidable because adopting the cultural traditions of the society naturally results in assimilation. Nonetheless, cultural traits and ideas from one society transfer to the other causing assimilation to