I don’t know that I can properly describe this feeling. Sitting on the balcony, wind gently blowing, watching the constant motion in the traffic circle before me. Not too far out, my eyes set themselves upon Sv. Petro Baznycia as I simply enjoy the beauty and eleagance of it. I watch the trollebusai kill the flow of the traffic circle and still have my eye out for more of the smart cars. The sun’s starting to lower, casting a beautiful glow over everything, though my experience tells me it won’t get dark until at least 11, so I’m safe for a few more hours. There’s a piece of my heart here on this balcony. I unknowingly left it about 7 years ago. I didn’t realize how much I missed this place, how much I need this place, until I returned. This is my identity; this is my home.
I love the United States, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like the “melting pot” I live in has started to melt and I, too, have become lukewarm. The United States was once a country of many tribes and tongues. All were proud of their culture, their heritage–so much so that they even set up villages and sought to preserve it. Cities were divided up into cultural regions and people sang, danced, and worshipped in their native tongue. The goal was preservation of one’s culture. Staying rooted to their identity–who God created them to be.
When did this change?
Sure, some aspects of it still hold true, but I feel like I hear phrases like, “Learn English already,” or, “You’re in our country so learn out language,” far too much. Have we lost sight of who we are? I mean, let’s face it, unless you have Native American roots, you’re an immigrant. At some point, your ancestors did not speak English. At some point, your ancestors probably worked their butts off to preserve their culture so they wouldn’t have to speak English.
The point of the melting pot is not to melt away culture into some sort of universal language. It’s supposed to be someplace where people of every nation, every tribe, every tongue can come together in unity without having to forget who they are.
I’m proud of the fact that I’m 100% Lithuanian. I know the language, have studied the culture, know the history of my people. I have danced the dances and sung the songs. I have worn the traditional garbs and have walked the streets of senamestis. Heck, I’m writing this from one of their internet cafes! I am rooted in who God has created me to be as a lietuvaite. How many of you can say the same? Well, um, similar….we can’t all be created Lithuanian 🙂
I don’t want people to abandon patriotism and drop the American, but I do want people to start being true to who God created them to be. If you’re German, be German! If you’re Swedish, be Swedish! Or, if you’re fortunate enough to be Lithuanian, by golly, be Lithuanian! Contrary to the belief of many, you can have culture and still be an American!
I just pray for the day I no longer see signs saying, “Always Speak English,” in Filipino schools (in the Philippines!) and children are taught it’s okay to be whoever they are and speak whatever they speak, be it Tagalog, Spanish, English, or Arabic!
