The Price of Assimilation

Assimilation. Throughout time this word has gained a negative connotation. It has come to mean the betrayal of one's culture in exchange for another. This happens all over the world and is especially true in the United States. In A Raisin In The Sun, this concept is represented by the character Walter, a black man who is married to Ruth. He is trying to assimilate, but his wife is resisting. He sees it as for the better whereas Ruth sees it as a waste of time.

This problem is seen even into today. Many people try to fit in while others see it as a waste of time and energy. However, this can be a double-bladed sword. It can harm one by corrupting them and completely changing who they are. For others, it can be a great help. In the nineteenth century, for example, when immigrants moved to the United States from Europe, they tried to assimilate. This helped them get jobs and be accepted into society. This turned out to be an advantage for them and many others who have assimilated throughout the ages. This point-of-view was not seen by individual's culture, unfortunately.

These views continue even into today. When illegal immigrants come to the US, their children assimilate easily. While this gives them a huge advantage compared to what their parents had, they lost part of their heritage. The price of assimilation can be a costly one. How much of one's self is one willing to lose in the name of bettering one's life?