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videsee
August 20th, 2001, 01:23 PM
Ever since I became an immigrant, I have been doing a lot of reading on this subject.

A lot of us first generation immigrants here, work harder, save more than our 'gora' counterparts and own more real estate. Go to an Indian concert and the cars reflect the material place that Indians have secured today. Most 'goras' own a beater - something that was new 15 years ago!!

Interestingly if one went back three generations ago, when the Italians, Greeks, Spanish etc came to the US, they too had that 'fire in the belly'. That now seems to have dimmed to a dull light. Of course there are exceptions.

But look around you. At the first generation immigrant. And you see an amazing desire to succeed. And this starts fading from the third generation on.

Most of us, in order to succeed, adapt to the language and culture (including the Yankee drawl) and are like sponges soaking up information on our new adopted countries. Sometimes I find myself telling 'Canadians' historical facts about their country.

What is it that happens??????

Comments?

GpeL
August 20th, 2001, 02:17 PM
Well videshee bhai.. part because we struggled in our life time to get to a position.. the 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants do not have to.. you correctly said.. "fire in the belly"

Super Girl
August 20th, 2001, 02:34 PM
Also, after a certain stage you feel you have proved what wanted to prove, achieved a reasonable amount of success and that you have what youhad dreamed for - a decent and comforable life.

After this point, it doesn't matter much about status and everything else, you just want to have a peaceful life. It then does not matter how much you make, you just need enough to live a lifestyle that you want to leave and thats that.

People aournd you know about you and your struggles and success. You also find out that you need not make a million to live like king. It is all relative.

All the first generation immigrants realsie that one point or other, thats when they process to the being a "sesoned" immigrant and identifying with the natives and feel a part of society.

aryaputra
August 21st, 2001, 06:13 AM
Originally posted by GpeL
Well videshee bhai.. part because we struggled in our life time to get to a position.. the 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants do not have to.. you correctly said.. "fire in the belly"

another reason is the Hanuman Phenomenon.
meaning you are so adventurous that you put your own tail on fire and so were able to achieve whatever you achieved.
Do this with the 2nd generation, they too will achieve something, if nothing.