ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ While many cultures have successfully assimilated into Anglo-American society, there are other cultures whom have found assimilation either impossible or ho have chosen not to fully assimilate, yet retain their own culture, while reaping the benefits of the American lifestyle. America is perceived as the great melting pot; the land of endless opportunity. Fixed as they were on this image, many immigrants fled a disruptive revolution to find a place in America (139). Be it a revolution in their home land or being detained behind barbwired fences, the immigrants I'm speaking of are all in search of a better life for tomorrow in America.
ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ The Cubans assimilated into the American culture by opening businesses, restaurants, night clubs, and by holding prominent political positions. In doing so, the Americans felt as though the Cubans were trying to recreate pre-Revolutionary Havana. However, the Cubans only wanted a better life. They had no intention of mixing with the American culture.
The Japanese Americans assimilated into life in the Manzannar internment camp by making their surroundings as they were in Japan, creating lush gardens filled with cactus plants and rock gardens which resembled Mount Fujiyama (100).
ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ ÃÂÃ Both the Cubans and the Japanese were deemed less than American. The Cubans were acceptable as long as they did not assert their hotness, nor their Cubanness on the street under a shady palm tree(136), or hold a prominent position in Anglo Miami. The Japanese Americans were bearable as long as they were locked up. The public anger at the 'treachery' of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor left many fearing disloyalty and sabotage (98). Although both cultures were deemed unacceptable by Anglo-American society, the Japanese Americans and the Cubans went about setting up their lives as if they were in their homelands, not fully assimilating into the...