To start off, a person’s cultural roots are incredibly important to their relationship with their family, friends and an integral part of their identity. Thus, forcing people to follow a new cultural norm can be a cause for cultural shock that can lead to homesickness, isolation or an unstable sense of identity. This can be seen in many first generation immigrants, as some members of the Asian American community has spoke about: the feeling of shame when they brought kimchi or spicy chicken to lunch time when everyone else were carrying lunchables and peanut butter sandwiches, the isolation and dysphoria as they try their best to appeal to the beauty standard of the country they moved in, which was predominantly white all of which that caused them to grow more distant to such an important part of themselves. The concept that people should follow all the traditions and abide by all the cultural norms of the country they started living in can be the cause for hatred towards things seen as unfamiliar, which is why I don’t think people should adopt to all the cultural standards of their new country.

However, I think that by taking in the culture, or at least respecting and making an effort to learn more about the culture of the place they move to, a person’s worldview can be significantly broadened and their life would be easier. This is because if one can adapt to certain social norms, their relationships with people of that country can be more positive: for example, moving to Japan, if one can learn to find value in the polite and reserved nature of the culture, they will be able to create a better image in the eyes of their employees by properly bowing or greeting. Taking in culture also allows for a wider range of experiences. The act of visiting shrines in Asian countries is a culturally rich practice carried out in a variety of festivals and occasions. If, for example, a westerner can learn to take off their shoes before going into temples, dressing appropriately and appreciating the culture, they would be much more knowledgeable. Cultural integration is important to relationships and to a person’s own sense of belonging.

To conclude, I believe that cultural integration is necessary and should be encouraged when someone moves to a new country, but I also think this should be done to an extent that does not erase a person’s own cultural identity in order to have a fulfilling life in a foreign country.

On one hand, one way to immerse yourself into a new community is to understand the locals’ actions and traditions. Citizens of different countries all have their own customs, whether it’s annual festivals, or traditional dresses and clothes, or even something simple as manners on the dinner table. By getting to know these cultural differences, one can live comfortably and make friends even in new places, which helps them a lot socially and have a stable mentality. For instance, in Japan you need to say thanks before and after the meal in order to show appreciation for the food.

On the other hand, learning about the beliefs and policies in a new living area would prevent unprecedented accidents from happening. If a person doesn’t have pre-existing knowledge when moving to a different country, they might violate rules that weren’t present in their hometown. In addition, being aware of these laws or customs will help reduce the culture shock the first time an individual arrives at a new nation. An example of this is bubblegum is banned in Singapore, so foreigners may be surprised if they suddenly get confiscated of their treat in Singapore.

In summary, migrants should adhere to the cultural traditions or laws when living in a foreign nation. This would contribute to preventing culture shocks, avoiding accidents and can encourage people to make friends with the locals more easily.