Because the children of immigrants often develop a command of English before their parents do, kids frequently serve as interpreters. That necessity can sometimes put young people in difficult situations.
Category Archives: Culture and Belonging
My Identity as Haitian-American Is an Asset, Not a Deficit
A college president reflects on ways in which cultural diversity strengthens our country.
Advantages of Being Bicultural
Culture and belonging aren’t all or nothing. Learn about the concrete benefits of identifying with two or more cultures.
Origins and Destinations of the World’s Migrants, 1990-2017
The interactive map at this link shows global immigration and emigration activity between 1990 and 2017.
UChicago research finds location plays critical role in assimilation of U.S. immigrants
This article highlights recent research that suggests immigrants assimilate into American culture in different ways in different parts of the country.
Hispanic Identity Fades Across Generations as Immigrant Connections Fall Away
Two recent studies conducted by the Pew Research Center indicate that fewer Americans are identifying as Hispanic or Latino than in the past. This article examines the reasons for this trend.
Indian Country Diaries: Pow Wow Culture
Pow wows are events in which Native Americans can express their cultural heritage through dance and foster a sense of community. Traditional pow wows have been around for hundreds of years, but a newer kind of intertribal event has become popular recently. Read about how the two forms coexist in today’s pow wow culture.
No, Where Are You Really From?
Click this link to read and hear about some of the experiences Americans have had when questioned about their cultural backgrounds and identities.
African immigrant population in U.S. steadily climbs
Read this article to learn about the recent rise in the number of African immigrants living in the United States.
Am I rootless, or am I free? ‘Third culture kids’ like me make it up as we go along
In this article, a Finnish-Senegalese writer explains what it’s like having a complicated cultural identity. She likens the experience to wearing many masks.
I am Indian American, and it’s 2017. But I still get asked ‘What are you?’
How should immigrants answer questions about their race and nationality? In this article, one Indian American explores some of the frustrations and complexities of trying to answer such questions.
About the Author: Kao Kalia Yang
What are the hopes and fears someone has when she writes a book about her culture and family? In this interview, the author of The Latehomecomer discusses this question and more.
Nationality, identity and the pledge of allegiance
In this article, a reporter tells her story of becoming an American citizen and recalls some of her experience living with more than one cultural identity.
How African Immigrants Are Creating a New Identity for Themselves in Houston
Do immigrants from African countries take on a shared cultural identity in American communities? This article takes a look at the case of Houston, Texas.
From Germany to Mexico: How America’s source of immigrants has changed over a century
Click this link to learn about some trends in immigration to the United States over the past hundred years and to see some interesting graphics that help to illustrate these trends.
A former Haitian prisoner says ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier’s criminal legacy should never be forgotten
Boby Duval, a former soccer player who was imprisoned for speaking out against the corrupt Haitian government of ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier, urges the world to remember Duvalier’s crimes and to make sure history does not repeat itself.
When These Latinos Tell Immigration Stories, They Push Beyond Fairy Tales
National Public Radio (NPR) collected immigration stories from some of its Latino employees for Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out this article to read about their experiences.
Immigration Explorer
The vast majority of Americans can trace their roots to another country. This interactive map from The New York Times makes it easy to see where and when different groups settled in the United States. Use the pull-down menu in the upper left corner to select a national group, then move the arrow on the timeline to see how many people entered the United States during each decade.
‘My Name, My Identity’: Educators Promote Cultural Awareness in Campaign
Many students, especially those from cultures outside the United States, feel embarassed when teachers mispronounce their names. A recently launched campaign urges educators to show respect for all their students by making the effort to get their names right.
The importance of belonging
A sense of belonging plays a major role in a person’s well-being. This article discusses the work of social psychologist Gregory Walton, who believes that people can benefit from sharing their stories about overcoming feelings of isolation.