. . . in “Father from Asia” by Shirley Lim, the poem speaks of what Asia offers to its inhabitant, such as, poverty and sacrifice. The poet states that Asia is the “Father of nothing, from whose life I have learned nothing for myself” (Lim). In this poem, Lim seems to want to forget Asia altogether and never return. This is an example of the term assimilation. To assimilate, one takes on the dominant cultures language, and belief in ones “development” (White 2). As an immigrant, one is drawn to the possibility of intermarriage, the idea of public education and education philosophies in general. In other words, one become similar or like the other, the dominant culture- the popular kid.

            The immigrant story is not one of all successes. Though these people are willing to do whatever it takes to fit in and become part of the American culture, the experience is not without cost. The immigrant soon loses his identity within his true culture and imitates his new found world. Objective 2 shows the stages an immigrant experiences while making his transition to Americanism. As Ashley W. states in her essay, “These experiences, failures and successes, are what make up the immigrant narrative” (Sample Midterms 2007). Ashley also says that:

            First the immigrant must travel from the old world to the new. Upon arriving to the new      there is a kind of culture shock, usually accompanied with resistance of the immigrant to       assimilate and resistance of the dominant culture to accept. In an attempt to start a new      life and take advantage of the American opportunities, the immigrant often does         assimilate and begin to give up their old culture. When established, however, the    immigrant may start to “rediscover” his or her original heritage, though it will never       come back fully (Midterm Long Essay).

            Immigrants to American experience similar indoctrination, if you will. First, the dominant language of English is essential, if one is to become American. For instance, in “The English Lesson” by Nicholasa Mohr, William and Lali knew how important speaking English was to their success monetarily and to be accepted. Though Lali works in a store that’s tradesman are mostly Spanish speaking, she yearns for a chance to go to school. She is willing to get little rest. In the end, William states that “…after all, you now a member in good standing…of the promised future” (IA 34). . . .

[Christine]