First Generation
My autoethnography focuses on the lifestyles of first generation children. Within it, I will discuss both the positive and negative aspects that come with being a first generation child. The positive aspects will be composed of the benefits such as bilingualism, cultural exposure, and academic achievement. Since many immigrants come from countries where the native language there is different than the host country, they are able to pass down their native language to their children. Being able to speak multiple languages in today’s society can prove to be beneficial, especially with things such as getting a job. The children of immigrants are also more culturally exposed. Bilingualism, academic achievement, and being exposed to different cultures allows one to become better-rounded, in addition to having various choices when it comes to likes and dislikes in forming who they are.
The negative aspects of my autoethnography will include the ideas of stereotyping, conflicting values, and mainstreaming. Stereotyping is evident throughout our society, and is often overlooked due to its universality. First generation children are prone to being stereotyped since their ideals often conflict with those of others. Their opposing ideals are caused by their conflicting values. While they are raised with the cultural values of their parents, those values are often times different than others. The differences arise from the cultural values contrasting those of people living in the host country for many years. These cultural differences are what lead to mainstreaming. Since being “different” is often negatively viewed, first generation children are forced to accommodate into society, keeping their family's cultural beliefs as well as those that are considered "normal" in their host country.
Being the native-born child of immigrant parents comes with both ups and downs. On one hand they are more culturally exposed, which can help with in the long run with academics and careers. On the other hand the struggles of being the child of an immigrant are often overlooked. Since we live in a society where people come from many different backgrounds, it is important to understand the lifestyles of other people. Often times we are quick to criticize ideas that are foreign to us or do not agree with our beliefs. There is a constant struggle to not only fit in, but also to find one's own identity. But how can one form their own identity when they are constantly forced to assimilate and lose who they are?
Homepage
English 101 Page
The negative aspects of my autoethnography will include the ideas of stereotyping, conflicting values, and mainstreaming. Stereotyping is evident throughout our society, and is often overlooked due to its universality. First generation children are prone to being stereotyped since their ideals often conflict with those of others. Their opposing ideals are caused by their conflicting values. While they are raised with the cultural values of their parents, those values are often times different than others. The differences arise from the cultural values contrasting those of people living in the host country for many years. These cultural differences are what lead to mainstreaming. Since being “different” is often negatively viewed, first generation children are forced to accommodate into society, keeping their family's cultural beliefs as well as those that are considered "normal" in their host country.
Being the native-born child of immigrant parents comes with both ups and downs. On one hand they are more culturally exposed, which can help with in the long run with academics and careers. On the other hand the struggles of being the child of an immigrant are often overlooked. Since we live in a society where people come from many different backgrounds, it is important to understand the lifestyles of other people. Often times we are quick to criticize ideas that are foreign to us or do not agree with our beliefs. There is a constant struggle to not only fit in, but also to find one's own identity. But how can one form their own identity when they are constantly forced to assimilate and lose who they are?
Homepage
English 101 Page
