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If you’ve recently immigrated to the United States, you might be thinking that acculturation means losing your identity. But remember: as we’ve mentioned in a previous blog, America is a Melting Pot. While integrating into your new community will help to ease your transition to the U.S., it doesn’t mean you need to forgo your culture in the process. In the U.S., everyone is allowed to celebrate and practice their own beliefs and customs, giving you the full right to maintain your heritage.
So how do you maintain your identity in a culture that embraces all cultures? It might not be as difficult as you think! Read on to learn more!
Practice Makes Perfect
If you practice a religion or specific beliefs, there’s no need to leave them behind in your home country! Whatever your faith may be, you are likely to find a local place of worship such as a local mosque or church. Websites like Halalatrip use your location to pinpoint the closest mosques in your area. Other sites like Jewish United Fund and ChurchFinder share similar services for Jewish and Christian followers, respectively. Searching online and asking members of your local community are also excellent paths to finding a place to practice your faith.
But maybe you can’t find a place to practice your religion in your new neighborhood. What should you do? An unfortunate side effect of COVID-19 is the need for social distancing, but one of its benefits is that services have moved to an online format. Churches like the Faith Evangelistic Ministry Family (FEM) Church stream their services online, giving followers around the globe the feeling of being in a real church. Other places of worship, like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, hold daily mass on Youtube. Services for other religions exist on the internet as well, including:
Find even more services with a simple search online. Remember, immigrating to a new country is a huge change, so maintaining the parts of your culture can be the key to ensuring your happiness!
Share Your Culture
As a “melting pot,” America benefits by learning and sharing people’s beliefs from all across the globe. So don’t be afraid to share your culture with your new community, whether it’s through food, clothing, holidays, or anything else that is culturally significant. While you don’t want to come off as trying to convert people to your specific religion or beliefs, sharing your customs without heavy expectations will enrich the people around you and help you to maintain your cultural identity.
Stay Close With Your Friends and Family
Moving to another country doesn’t mean cutting ties with your home country. With the internet, communicating with friends and family across the globe is easier than ever. Social media sites like Facebook keep you up-to-date with your loved ones as well as goings on in your home country. If you need a more direct line of communication, apps such as FaceTime and Skype allow you speak face-to-face with your loved ones. Use this time to find comfort in speaking your native language and practicing your culture with those who know you. Maintaining your culture will help to strengthen your family and friend connections.
Though you’ll want to keep your cultural identity, you’ll still need to adjust to your new country’s laws and customs. Need help? Golden Beacon USA’s products and services are here to make your transition to your new country as easy as possible! Check out our e-learning videos or buy a Resource Referrals package so we can help you find the services in your area to help you adapt to your new surroundings. Questions? Contact me today at laura@goldenbeaconusa.com or call or text (866) 403-7173. Remember, you are not alone!
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