One thing that I’ve been puzzled about here in the USA is its variety. There are not only the so called “Americans” that we have seen in our Hollywood movies and the icons that we know in the media – the pop singers, the actors, the political leaders and so on. We have heard about that USA is a country of immigration, a country of dreams, the “American Dream”, which has brought here a huge influx of people from Ireland, Italy, Asia, all over the world… Many people voluntary, and a lot of involuntary, forced into slavery particularly in the Southern states. Visiting California and Texas really show you that. Even Utah, which is probably one of the least multicultural states in USA is probably more multicultural than Finland – or China (depending on how you define multicultural).

While I have seen many “White folks” back in here, it’s amazing how many immigrants and people with dreams, I’ve seen here. These folks bring a huge input and energy to the society. And – at least in theory – the windows of opportunity is available to ALL of them.

“You see Lauri, in Europe I would need to go through a much more difficult and complex process to start doing things. Here I can come with just 100$, go to the bank and get the credit, and open up my business – and I can become a millionaire!”

“This country is truly ‘free’ in a sense, that even if people wouldn’t care me that much, I do have an opportunity. Nobody will stand in my way. With hard work I truly have a chance to succeed in here.”

I have talked with Nigerian, Chilean, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, El Salvadorian, Venezuelan, German, Italian, Israeli, Japanese, and so many more immigrants, who have settled here, and found a home in the USA. They all have a dream, they all have an opportunity, they all seek for something for themselves, their families, look for new opportunity… And it looks like most of them are still much connected to their own original homelands and extended family members. Some of them have followed and come here, some of them stay there.

“But look Lauri, the second generation is not anymore Chinese or African – they are fully American. They are more American than the others. Sometimes the culture, it’s gone…”

Not always, but sometimes yes. It seems that there are cycles of “becoming American”. And often it’s the first generation who work hard to create a new life and come here. Then the second generation take it from there forward and utilize the opportunities here even better. The third generation is reaping the fruits that the first and second generation have planted. But not always. Some of the Chinese American consider that the following generations might not be as hard-working as their peers who have grown in China. “The most successful Chinese here are the ones who foster a dedication to hard work and studying in China at early age, and then at the right time come to America. Not too early, and not too late. Around middle school, when they can still assimilate relatively well, they will work harder than their American peers, have more cultural sensitivity from two cultures, language assets, and will find better solutions for emerging problems. They’re hard work and dedication give them a greater chance to succeed in a meritocratic American society.”

Interesting…

Spending less than a month in USA, in three very different areas – California, Utah, and now Southeastern Texas in Houston – will make you ponder the American story. And will give you a feel of traveling around the world. People bring their different cultures with them. But somehow you feel that they’re connected with something. Indian friend I met just today, Hassan, came here because of he’s character, curiosity and need for creating a better life for himself. But his father prefers his agrarian work in the countryside of Southern India: “He’s not interested about business or coming to America as much as creating food from the land he owns, and supporting the community and living the life he prefers.”

It’s not EVERY Indian who wants to come to the US. It’s not EVERY Nigerian, Venezuelan, Swedish, Chinese who want to come to the USA. It’s a small PORTION of slightly more adventurous, more entrepreneurial, more risk-sensitive people, who will make the choice to come here. Then being an American, is not necessarily about where you’re coming from, but what kind of character and willingness you have. It truly feels that it is open for anybody. Yes, you have a “privileged” class here, but even they are welcoming people from other places to join the American dream. The factories wouldn’t run without the people who come in. The large lands and agriculture needs committed labor. The universities need more bright minds with new ideas and commitment to the research. The new companies need talents and clever staff. Whatever the dream, there’s much opportunities and places, truly for anyone.

Yes, we discuss about the racial prejudices and “class society” of the US, but I have been struck, that it’s not as vivid and extreme, as I have thought. The African-American voluntary activist argued strongly, that you have a “structural racism” in the American system, but even he has his right to go to the street and put up his tent in the center of the city, sell his shirts, share the information and find partners to grow his organization and ideas forward – or share all that to a Finnish visitor, who lives in Asia. We had a good talk. I understood much more. I even felt, that I’d like to support him and do something with the local kids, who struggle with education resources and information. Maybe I could do some voluntary teaching with them? Maybe we could talk about “Black History”, or ideas about entrepreneurship? “You see Lauri, it’s not more welfare that I’d like for these kids, it’s more understanding about entrepreneurship, social skills, and how they can also climb up the ladder.” It felt, that he wasn’t bitter about being ‘beaten up’, by the society, he was sad that the African-American kids in his community didn’t have good enough resources and understanding to live up to the American Dream – like the ‘White folks’ or the Jewish Americans. He didn’t mention about Indian Americans, but the statistics show, that in terms of GDP they are some of the most successful Americans in the whole country. They occupy investment positions, become tech entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, researchers, tradesmen… It’s quite amazing how well the Indian Americans have succeeded. Is it because of the privileged background of the people who come in? Like Fareed Zakaria, who was born into a very privileged background before coming into the USA. “No, it’s not only about that”, says Hassan. There are deeper things in it. “You should read Bhagavad Gita, that’s our ‘Bible’ for the Hindus. With short stories it tells how the future will happen. And we’re living that future right now.”

Fascinating. India, China, Persia, Ottomans and Middle East… These countries have long historical traditions, thousands of years of culture – and they bring that with them here. Together with that adventurous and entrepreneurial dreaming mind set… [and writing was interrupted by a guy…] Need to continue later! This was good for one day! ☺️ ps. I haven’t been able to do the every day writing, but a few day distance is possible. Much stuff happening and very interesting events and activities. Taking some distance gives you new understanding and perspective, no doubt about that.