JUST PHILOSOPHISING - ON THE PARADOX OF THE 'IMMIGRANT' PART 4.

The person who has always lived in the country in which they are born, do not have a past or other life which is demanding their loyalty, their time and other resources. 

This is not the case with the immigrant, who has travelled, probably very reluctantly, but out of necessity, from his/her country of origin, to a foreign land. 

Usually out of economic and/or safety reasons, leaving families and friends behind. 

So, it is understandable that the immigrant will have divided loyalties, and will struggle to adjust and assimilate, especially if they are made to feel unwelcome in their host countries. 

And forced or feel they have no option but to withdraw even more into their own world; that which they have physically, but not psychologically left behind. 

And yes, you would expect that the sons and the daughters of the immigrant, who have been born in the host country, would have a less difficult time making the necessary adjustments. 

But that is not necessary the case, since the immigrant and the immigrant community will, at least for a time in the accommodation and assimilation process. 

Be inculcating their sons and daughters with the 'pure type' culture of the parents' country of origin. 

Straddling two different worlds, culturally and socially, living physically in the one which they consider more alien to who they are. 

Living on the edge or precariously balancing themselves on the cultural fence, as it were. While they are tempted and repulsed in equal measures, probably, by the 'delights' and forbidden fruits of the land of the others. 

Consciously taking whatever rejectionists action to try to protect themselves from the 'normal lives' of their host. 

But subconsciously, gradually, having their resolve eroded and weakened. As they are conflicted by the untenability of living, straddling the cultures of two different countries. 

To be continued!