Amanda Pruett

Expectations

 . . . In Of Plymouth Plantation, the pilgrims were able to become the dominant culture because they followed the idea of national migration. Dr. White states in course objective four, “Unlike the normal immigration pattern of individuals or families immigrating with intentions or expectations that they will assimilate to their new home, some groups immigrate as communities with the intention of not assimilating. These groups are often identified by religion, but religion may be interwoven with all aspects of community, including economics and ethnic relations. Under special circumstances, such groups may become the dominant culture of a nation or area.” Once the pilgrims arrived in America, they assumed the land was their own and dedicated the area to themselves. Because they took over the land as a large group the “conclusion was to live as a distinct body by themselves,” (Bradford). They built communities as well as laws known as the “Mayflower Compact.” Since they established a large portion of the lands, it was expected that all others would simply follow their lead since they were now the dominant culture.

The same concept appears in The Exodus Story when the Jews leave their current country and arrive to the new land. Moses presents the “Ten Commandments” to the Jews as the new laws for the land. Though the land is already inhabited by the Canaanites, the Jews are told to, “Dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and therein; for I have given you the land to possess it” (Exodus, 33.53). Because they traveled as a whole and were larger in number, the Jews took over the new land while expecting others to assimilate to the new dominant culture.

Because the pilgrims set the standards of the dominant culture, others were not only expected to act and follow as they did, but to look like them as well. The pilgrims were described as plain. This fashion remained the general expectation of the dominant culture through years. Even in today’s society, a properly ironed black suit is expected in the business world; an outfit outside of this standard is often considered unprofessional. As immigrants begin to assimilate, they try to wear these styles. However, it is not always easily accepted by their family. Since most traditions have already been left behind during the transition from their old land to America, some immigrants find it hard to remove their traditional style of clothing as well. For example, in Bread Givers, Sara wants to become a part of the dominant culture but because of her actions to achieve this goal, her father disapproves of her. She remains unaccepted by the dominant culture because she has not reached the status of a model minority and additionally to her father because she tried to become this. All Sara sees is, “such plain beautifulness.  The simple skirts and sweaters, the stockings and the shoes to match.  The neat simple quietness of their tailored suits” (Yezierska 212).

Model minorities follow very closely to the dominant culture, but still manage to keep a few traditions of their own. For example, Asian Americans often try to assimilate as quickly as possible. Not only is it important for them to assimilate to the dominant culture, but it is also important for them to achieve the same status and class level as this culture as well. Though they go through this process, they often continue their usual practices regarding family and relationships. Moreover, it is apparent in today’s society that the Asian Americans have began to set the standard in addition to the dominant culture, since they have achieved their model minority status, in regards to education.

Though the dominant culture is still strong in today’s generations, America appears more open and understanding to the immigrant story. The model minorities have taught the dominant culture how to assimilate while ultimately creating a melting pot for all cultures. Unfortunately, America has not completely reached this level of understanding and there are still many who resist this idea. But through time, the continuing passing of migration stories, and power of assimilation it is possible for America to become a nation of one under an umbrella of multiple cultures.