[jpetso]

An alternative point of view is that no society, tribe or nation is perfect, and on the other hand there are plenty of great things about the history and culture of either place that are worth preserving. As an immigrant, it's my privilege and opportunity to adopt the best ideas/habits of both my origin country and my chosen one, and to spread the good things in each of the places that's not (yet) sufficiently aware of the possible alternatives.

Displaying pride for one's roots is by no means an indication that one would reject the values of one's new home. Cross-pollination of ideas is what makes progress happen. That applies just as much to someone moving from California to New Jersey as it applies to immigration. Personally, I think a full-on "leave behind your old self" approach doesn't yield the most benefits for either the individual or society as a whole, unless your origin country is indeed an unequivocal shithole.

[UnhelpfulYoda]

I think you misunderstand me. I'm definitely not implying America, or any country is perfect, far from it. I think that we do have something special here, which not many other countries have...

> Cross-pollination of ideas is what makes progress happen...Personally, I think a full-on "leave behind your old self" approach doesn't yield the most benefits for either the individual or society as a whole, unless your origin country is indeed an unequivocal shithole.

I mostly agree with you, up to a point. I don't see it as an all or nothing question. While, I strongly believe that there are some things, beliefs, superstitions, and bigotries which would be better serve everyone (humanity), if they were left leave in their respective 'shitholes'

To me it's a gray area, I don't want or expect people to completely assimilate, but unless you're a foreign national, here for an extended period of time without the intent of becoming a citizen, it's just plain weird to display another countries flag in the country you've chosen to move to aside from fun hollow displays in celebration or whatnot.

(I understand the larger discussion of whether nationalism itself is an outdated concept...but i digress)

[frabbit]

I agree about the displaying foreign flags thing. It just seems rude to me.

[jpetso]

I mean, I personally would never consider hanging any country's flag in a prominent spot. But for people who do, I'd wager it's likely that they it's to celebrate culture and memories, not necessarily to display allegiance. Sure there are others too. But seeing it this way allows me to not be offended and instead view it as merely quaint, sometimes odd.

Ideally, both sides should try to avoid bad blood.