Ties with other ethnic groups should be strengthened

Ties with other ethnic groups should be strengthened

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Through the first generations diligent effort, the Korean-American community developed quickly and established economic security. Now, when we think of the second generations future, we must not stick to our own culture, but instead strive to understand other ethnic peoplesincluding Hispanicsand try to unite with them.

How we Korean Americans Participate Appropriately in the Social Sphere in the U.S., the Immigrants Country was the topic of a seminar called Practicing Right Living sponsored by the New Jersey Womens Service Center. The participants in this seminar unanimously agreed that enhancing their understanding of other ethnic groups and encouraging cooperation with them is the most important thing for the Korean-American community.

I believe that this conclusion is quite an appropriate policy; one that is arrived at after observing ourselves and the world around us. Up until now, we Koreans attempted to settle down to an immigrants life within the boundaries of the Korean community, and as a result of this, we have achieved economic security. Based upon this economic achievement, Koreans have stuck together to seek their rights and further their interests, and tried to develop their political and social status in American society.

Through the first generations diligent effort, the Korean community developed in a short period of time. However, their struggle for establishment in the United States focused on making the Korean community through Korean-only businesses. However, if we seek to live well only among ourselves in America, the land of immigrants, can our goals be reached? If Koreans ignore other ethnic groups, we will not live well in this land.

Furthermore, Koreans must not forget that we are minority in a foreign country. We must realize that America is not a place where Koreans can survive on the communitys strength alone. Koreans care only about their own affairs, and it is necessary to recall several incidents when Koreans have suffered during ethnic struggles due to such ethnocentrism in this country.

If Koreans want to resolve these problems and lay down their roots in America, we must not stick to our own culture, but instead strive to understand other ethnic peoples and try to unite with them.

To do so, Koreans must learn the English language and the cultures of other ethnic groups as well. Especially, as a cultural citizens, remembering to abide by social norms and the law is most important.

Also, by participating in the local and regional community, the large Korean community in America should contribute to these communities in proportion to our numbers.

In this sense, the opinions expressed at the Practicing Right Living seminar give the proper direction for the Korean community. Now when we think of the second generation's future, we have to overcome the inclination to stick within the Korean culture and attempt to understand other ethnic groups, including Hispanics. We should remember that only by cooperating with other ethnic groups can we live together and better America. As the era of the second generation of Korean immigrants draws near, the Korean American associations must step forward first to establish cooperation and understanding with other ethnic groups.

2002-09-27

36

79

1

Korean

Korea Times New York

edits

Ties with other ethnic groups should be strengthened

Jeongwoo Han

born-digital

article

Through the first generations diligent effort, the Korean-American community developed quickly and e

yes

no

2002-09-27