Assimilation: (noun) the process of adapting or adjusting to the culture of a group or nation, or the state of being adapted
I am from South Korea, a tiny country (smaller than lower peninsula of michigan) located east of China and west of Japan with a population of almost 51 million. I moved to Okemos in 2008 with my family.
In my previous blog posts, I explained the difference between South Korea and United States. But on this post, I will be telling my story about my transition from being Korean to (somewhat) American.
Obviously, language is totally different. I only knew very basic english and could barely make full sentences. I felt really left out in school because A, I had no idea what everyone was saying and B, I was receiving strange looks from classmates for not speaking english fluent enough. It didn't take me long to realize that I was an outsider.
Another big difference was clothing fashion/style . While all the Americans wore athletic shorts and had Phitens, I dressed like a F.O.B. (you know what style I mean). I definitely stood out from rest of the class.
Although I like being well dressed, I had to stop so that I would get less looks and blend in more with the others.
Living in America, I had to abandon some of my "korean style" habits and learn the American ways so that I wouldn't be treated as an "outsider." It has definitely been a difficult transition for me. However, in a judgmental society like ours, I find assimilating necessary.
I am from South Korea, a tiny country (smaller than lower peninsula of michigan) located east of China and west of Japan with a population of almost 51 million. I moved to Okemos in 2008 with my family.
In my previous blog posts, I explained the difference between South Korea and United States. But on this post, I will be telling my story about my transition from being Korean to (somewhat) American.
Obviously, language is totally different. I only knew very basic english and could barely make full sentences. I felt really left out in school because A, I had no idea what everyone was saying and B, I was receiving strange looks from classmates for not speaking english fluent enough. It didn't take me long to realize that I was an outsider.
Another big difference was clothing fashion/style . While all the Americans wore athletic shorts and had Phitens, I dressed like a F.O.B. (you know what style I mean). I definitely stood out from rest of the class.
Although I like being well dressed, I had to stop so that I would get less looks and blend in more with the others.
Living in America, I had to abandon some of my "korean style" habits and learn the American ways so that I wouldn't be treated as an "outsider." It has definitely been a difficult transition for me. However, in a judgmental society like ours, I find assimilating necessary.