Assimilation, the norm of our world.

     First and foremost, assimilation is the act of changing aspects of one’s identity, including cultural identity, to fit societal standards. I am probably one of the last people to ever assimilate. I'm Ecuadorian but I grew up in New York. My skin color is white, and since I've lived in America basically my whole life I grew out of my accent that I used to have. My family has never been big on Ecuadorian culture besides foods, so I never had to dress a certain way for traditional events. Also the little culture I do have, I really enjoy talking about it. Almost every person I meet just assumes I'm just a regular white girl. So it's really fun seeing them all shocked when I tell them I'm actually latina. So yes although I've never had to assimilate and probably never will, I see it happen all the time. It's an issue I see people of all ages face. 

    

    Many people feel ashamed and feel as if they can't be themselves among others, over things that should be no big deal. People might change the way they talk or even act so people can accept them without judging them. It's very sad actually because this has become the norm in our world and it keeps affecting people and the ages it's affecting just keeps getting younger and younger. Assimilation has landed on people my age, students I see almost everyday face hiding their true selves just because some asshole kids who don't know how to mind their own business and respect others like to judge them.

    So many students choose to not talk about where they're from, or traditions their culture has, foods they eat, clothing, etc, because they'll feel embarrassed. I've even seen my own friends assimilate. The chances of assimilation ever coming to an end are slim to none because the world is one cruel place with people who love sharing their unneeded opinions. It's sadly become what's normal in today's society and it's growing strong and stronger. No one should ever feel the need to assimilate to be accepted, be proud of who you are and where you came from. 

I feel like this picture is exactly what assimilation is, society trying to paint us into something we aren't just to fit in with the rest of the world.