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The success of Immigrants in the United States
Success is the fruit of hard work and determination in our daily activities. This is the case in United America, where you have to work hard to succeed, especially newly arrived immigrants. Immigrants may face many challenges in adapting to the American way of life and mostly if they come from non-Western countries such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. However, the book “In Culture Smart USA” by Gina Teague and Alan Beechey, illustrates some of the fundamental things that new immigrants need to know to become successful in America. The book provides essential information to newcomers such as the traditions, values, and customs of the American culture, which can help them blend easily and become successful in the country. The values of giving back, work ethics, and vox populi and the customs of gifting, visiting, and greetings can significantly help a newcomer to become successful in the country. By reading the book, immigrants will become well conversant with these values and hence will have a little challenge in the US.
Among the various values of the American culture, an immigrant should understand the work ethic, which is highly regarded by the Americans (51). The American work ethic is based on the Protestants, who emphasized that material goods are God’s reward for working hard on earth. Therefore, there are always busy working hard and operating on tight schedules; thus, unannounced disruptions are not well received. An immigrant should understand when someone fails to return a call, it is not because they do not like them, but because the tightness of their schedule does not allow. Giving back is another value that an immigrant is required to understand. It was strengthened by J.F. Kennedy during his inauguration when he told the Americans that they should not always ask what the country has for them, but instead, they should ask what they can do for the country. There are many volunteer non-profit making organizations whose primary goal is to give back to society. So an immigrant should be prepared to witness such works of charity. It will also be good for immigrants to know that American society offers equal opportunities to all people in the country regardless of their origin or culture, which is a way of enhancing diversity in the country. Knowing these important values can make a newcomer successful in America.
Furthermore, an immigrant should understand American customs and traditions. This includes gifting, visiting, and greetings. First, an immigrant needs to understand that Americans prefer a casual greeting style because it saves time. The main greeting is ‘Hi. How are you?’ which is accompanied by a handshake and a smile (76). Long hugs and cheek pecks are not welcome, so newcomers who are fond of such greetings should adapt to the new customs and avoid embarrassment. Gifting is another American customs immigrants should understand. Every occasion is accompanied by different gifts. For example, the gifts for a birthday party are different from gifts for an anniversary. There are also dinner gifts, and immigrants will be more confident if they know that they have to take a gift with them when invited for dinner (79). The other common custom is the visiting custom, where immigrants should know that due to the busy schedules for most Americans, visiting should be arranged earlier before the actual day. Visiting abruptly can result in embarrassment as your host goes on with their duties because they already had a tight schedule. Understanding these essential customs will make life easier for immigrants and make them feel comfortable.
In conclusion, the book provides a valuable understanding of the American culture’s customs, values, attitudes, and traditions. This information essential for immigrants to become successful in the country. For example, understanding values such as self-reliance will enable a newcomer to know that Americans take care of themselves and adapt to the same value. The country’s traditions, such as important days in the calendar and celebrations are also important. Finally, for all immigrants, it is advisable to read this book to make their life comfortable and successful in the United States.