Korean American 1 - Book Report/Review Example

Korean Americans Information of teacher number Korean Americans Koreans are listed as the one of the most rapidly growing Asian immigrants in America. The Korean immigration started in Hawaii between 1902-1905. In less than a century the number of Korean immigrants has surpassed 1.3 million. This dramatic increase accounts for the amalgamation of cultures between the countries and the people. Korean Americans brought their culture with themselves when they immigrated. Korean people are considered amicable, tolerant and respect their elders.

The Korean culture is a deep-rooted one and leads it roots back to Confucian doctrine. The Korean people carried their rich culture in to America with them. Their ideal culture revolves around five primary pillars which include piety, loyalty, fidelity in marriage, respect for elders and faithful friendship. The Koreans firmly believe in self-nurturing and self-culturing. They believe that a certain person must start of cultivating at home. Koreans ideally believe that a person organize his family and then should think of governing a nation.

Another cultural ideal the Koreans brought to American is harmony and well-being among in inter-human relations. Koreans also believe in moderation, hospitality, courage and resilience. The main characteristic that defines the Koreans is optimism; these great people always find a solution to an adverse situation. The amalgamation of the two cultures has caused a change in the cultural ideas of Koreans after they immigrated to America. Individualism is preferred and assertiveness is encouraged in the demanding American society.

Materialistic success is also preferred over actual success. Worshiping of ancestors is being replaced by Christianity and various other beliefs. The Korean Americans have made these changes to adjust into the American society but know there is a risk their original cultural ideas will be lost (library.ca.gov/services/docs/korean.pdf, nd, pg. 63).REFLECTION Like every other immigrant coming to America the Koreans came for a better, prosperous and opportunistic life. In my view the Korean culture is a historic and deep rooted culture with a lot of values.

The Korean people live by their values and follow their beliefs with great commitment. The Korean people look up to Confucius and his teachings. They incorporate his teachings into their lives which make them loyal, pious, respectful and faithful towards other. These qualities of the Koreans make them amazing people in my view. After their immigration to America the new breed Korean Americans have been forced to mold into a new form which is far from their culture. Their perspective to life has changed due to the competition in the American society.

They are fleeing their religious teachings, moral beliefs and social values. The pressure imposed from peers and the society has brought about changes in Korean Americans and their cultural ideas. Competition is good if it’s healthy competition. Competition and pressure bringing about changes in your beliefs, values and culture is not acceptable. Forgetting your deep rooted teachings is not right. Our cultures define us and make us stand out in a crowd. Hence we should be proud of our culture and should wear it with grace.

Some changes can be brought about to meet modernization but not a complete change.References “Korean American-Cultural Commonalities”, n.d, pg. 63 retrieved from https://www.library.ca.gov/services/docs/korean.pdf