Chinese Americans welcome the American Independence Day in various ways and integrate their native culture into the United States
Chinese Americans welcome the American Independence Day in various ways and integrate their native culture into the United States Editor’s note: Bringing immigrants from their original culture into American culture is an important part of American history. …
Chinese Americans welcome the American Independence Day in various ways and integrate their native culture into the United States. Editor’s note: Bringing immigrants from their original culture into American culture is an important part of American history. Just like how many immigrants celebrate American Independence Day, they retain traces of their native culture and incorporate local traditions. The report quoted "The Miami Herald" as saying that on Independence Day in South Florida, Chinese families will go to the park to enjoy a traditional dessert soup, Nicaraguan families will taste roast beef (carne asada) and red bean rice (gallo pinto) at home, while Pakistani families will eat curry chicken rice while admiring the fireworks. Carlos Borges, a Brazilian immigrant, has been in the United States for more than 20 years. He said, "Miami is home to people from all over the world. Immigrants from different countries came to the United States with their unique food, color and culture." These immigrants regard South Florida as their home, and the big day celebrated across the United States is equally meaningful to them. When many people celebrate the festival in traditional ways, they add characteristics of their original culture, which are usually reflected in the menu of holiday meals. Edda Jiron, an immigrant from Nicaragua, said, "This country opens its doors to anyone who wants to integrate. 'Independence' is very important to me, and I feel that the United States has given me the right to vote and give back to the community." As Independence Day approaches, the Miami Herald interviewed Chinese immigrants to hear their stories about what Independence Day means to them and their unique ways of celebrating the holiday. Chinese immigrants integrate their native culture into the United States. Winnie Tang (transliteration), a 50-year-old first-generation Chinese immigrant, used a metaphor to describe the feeling that the United States gives her: She is a tree planted in China and is now deeply rooted in the soil of the United States. Tang said, "We live in the United States, this is our home, and we should become a part of it, not a permanent outsider." Because of this, Tang spends every Independence Day with other Chinese Americans at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park in Hollywood. They feasted on grilled chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers, and then savored Chinese signature summer desserts, mung bean soup or almond tofu. "Celebrating Independence Day is a way for the Chinese-American community to express their gratitude for being able to integrate into this country. We express love and respect on this day." Tang said. In 1978, Tang immigrated to the United States from Macau with his parents. In 1987, Tang moved to South Florida, where she now works as an office manager for a home care company and serves in community organizations such as the Asian American Federation of Florida and the United Chinese Association of Florida. Tang has excellent communication skills in both Chinese and English. She feels that she is a bridge between the Chinese community and American society. Her role in the community is to help other Chinese-Americans transition to American life: find schools, obtain work permits and integrate into the Chinese-American community. Tang said that when many middle-aged Chinese immigrants first arrived in the United States, they had the idea of returning to their hometowns one day. However, Tang, who immigrated to the United States at a young age, did not think so. "We should integrate into the current environment, not the distant hometown," Tang said. "Far water cannot quench the near thirst, that's the truth."
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