Assimilation

Everyday people show many examples of assimilation without realizing it. I see it everywhere, specially at school. Assimilation is when someone changes their way of thought or persona' just to "fit in" or make a good impression. At school, many people assimilate by acting different around certain people, changing the way they dress, walk, or even the way they speak just to blend in with everyone. Many people view assimilation as a way of fitting in and others view it as a way of expressing themselves. By getting tattoos, piercings, or certain haircuts people like to express who they really are instead of trying to fit in with the crowd. At the end of the day, people should always be themselves and not worry about what others think of them.

In the play "Raisin in the Sun" the character, Beneatha, has worries about assimilation herself. Unlike what a woman like her was expected to do, which was be a stay home wife. Beneatha is determined to be a doctor, something many people don't support her in. I believe this play shows assimilation as a weakness from Beneathas part, it's like if she were ashamed of who she is and her cultures expectations for her. Eric Liu knew that by him making certain decisions having to do with assimilation he wouldn't get much support, and his actions would be considered as betraying his own culture. He started assimilating with American culture and viewed assimilation as a positive change for himself. He believed it opened more opportunities for him and a new life.