Consider this post a combination of a bit of a gripe I am venting and a true challenge to only those who are from the USA.

I have been told twice that “You are in America, so you should adopt American values.” However, they never define what those values are. So that is my challenge to any natural-born citizen of the USA. What are the supposed values of a citizen of the USA? (Guess this means Obama is ruled out from answering the question.)

What I will readily agree with is any immigrant should adapt to the primary language of the country they are moving too. The USA speaks English. It is incredibly arrogant to expect the natural-born citizens to speak the language of someone else when it is the choice of the immigrant to go to that nation. I am an ESL. I also work at a call center and I find it incredibly rude for a caller to demand “I want Spanish.” I work in a company that speaks English. The company is in the USA that speaks English. If you want to do business with us, speak English. If I went to Quebec or France, I would have to adapt to speaking French. If I went to Mexico or Spain, then I’m speaking Spanish.

I will also readily agree that a person needs to adapt to environmental issues, the laws, and the general culture of the area you have chosen to live in. Again, it is arrogant to expect others who live there to bend to your desires. As the immigrant whether it is from another nation or another city, you adapt to the cultural norms, don’t move there, or shut your mouth. What are the norms of the general culture? You obey the traffic laws, you be kind to others as they are to you, courtesy on the road, in the stores, etc. But none of this is any different than if I was visiting a friend’s house. Their house, their rules and I respect them or don’t visit.

But when you visit your friend’s house, you do not automatically change your values that define who you are to match the values of your friend. So what does moving to a different country have to do with changing your values? I ask this question..

“whose values are the example of “American values?”

Am I supposed to change my values to match those of a Democrat, Independent, or Republican? Should they match the values of Lance Armstrong, Brett Favre, or Michael Jordan? Am I supposed to use Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Ronald Reagan, or Bill Clinton as my role model?

Am I supposed to have a sound work ethic devoted to expecting to earn my wage or have a belief I should sit on my rear at home and be paid by others so I can count the number of hairs in my armpit? Whose values am I supposed to have? I would assume those, who say that ignorant line, believe I should adapt to their values as to what they think is right.

If that is the case, then I have yet another question. Why should I adopt their values as mine as opposed to adopting my husband’s values? I married him, not those spewing such ignorant babble. If one of those types of individuals is reading this, I will refer you to the Bill of No Rights, Article II.

“ARTICLE II — You do not have the right to never be offended.”

Translation: This country is based on freedom. It means freedom for everyone, not just you. If you do not like what I write, you have several choices. You can choose to never visit my website again, don’t read what I’m writing, or the best one is if you are getting upset about what I’m writing – Get a life and join the real world. Heck, try knitting. I hear it can be relaxing.

Until that time, values are what define each of us as individuals. My values say that I should be respectful and honor my parents and parent-in-laws and not tolerate garbage from others. I will work hard for my family, my parents, and my parent-in-laws. I will not be an uneducated, lazy, ignorant, professional couch potato aka loser.

Always remember this old “American value” – “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” At least that is what most children were taught.

Thanks for reading,

Anah

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