1. Know and understand your own history, the American history.
Understand what it was like before and how much things changed and so much better now.
To newly naturalized Americans, who are English as Second Language (ESL) speakers like me, the DK's Children's Encyclopedia of American History is easy to read and understand, the pictures and illustrations help a lot too. I imagine myself enjoying reading it again with my children in the near future. The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation Edited by Diane Ravitch is another must read. Learning more about American History since I arrived here makes me appreciate of what you have here more and more everyday. Learning our country's history helps us to appreciate what we currently enjoy and those who made sure we are enjoying and still enjoying it now. Knowing history, as they say, helps us not to repeat the same mistakes of the past.
I can't help but to compare and connect the American and Philippine history, the Philippines being colonized by the U.S.A after Spain, and realizing how much influence you have on us too. Comparison is good when it helps to improve things. Comparison is better when it makes you appreciate the differences and improvements of the 'before and after'. Comparison is the best when it gives you contentment cause you know you have more than what others are still wishing for.
2. Read and watch global news and documentaries about other countries, especially third world countries and war-torn countries.
To some sympathetic and empathetic people, reading and watching can be more than enough but to some it may not. Most countries in the world still look up to the U.S.A because of the individual rights you have here. There is no perfect society in the world, but some citizens from other countries are still fighting and working on to have and enjoy the same rights you already have here. The rights you are taking for granted and sadly even abusing at times. Most countries are still on their way trying to copy what you have here and experimenting what will work in their own country. Wanting more and discontentment are human nature but so does gratitude and appreciation.
3. Befriend an immigrant and ask them, listen to their own experiences from their country.
Take an interest to their observations on what you have here, the similarities and differences. Sometimes, listening in real life to a person in front of you can have a better impact. Try to look through their eyes. Most immigrants who are thankful to be here are appreciative and will actually tell you what you have here that they wish they have too back in their home country. Legal immigrants who went through the process and did everything the right way to come and live here have substantial reasons why they left their own countries.
The opportunities you have here, you might not realize how lucky you are that job qualifications don't include your age, gender, height etc. Anyone who can still work and still wants to work have the same opportunities here, we are just starting to see that back at the Philippines where it is not a normal sight to see flight attendants and waiters past on their 40s, 50s and even 60s. Jobs that may be considered physically challenging and put aesthetic on the top employable factor still prefer employees on their 20s and 30s. Here in the U.S.A, I learned that is illegal, you cannot discriminate someone based on age, appearance, gender, race etc.
For me, you are also very accommodating here, respecting and recognizing the languages and cultures the immigrants brought with them. Almost everything and everywhere have available translations of other leading languages. Indeed, the U.S.A. is the melting pot of the world. I believe though that as you respect ours, we should also respect yours, learn your language, history, and culture, adopt and assimilate.
4. Visit another country, better if it is a country who have less but more people are happy and contented (like Bhutan).
As a Filipino, we are known to be one of the happiest and resilient people despite the economic and political challenges, uncontrollable disasters like storms and earthquakes we always experience in our country. We don't have a confrontational culture and are also known for our hospitality. Most Filipinos are very family orientated. However, these traits can be both our strength and weakness. We don't have the Second Amendment and owning a gun is not a norm, most people who get and have them are in the professions that are considered dangerous and get death threats like being a politician or a lawyer.
In the not so distant future, when we have kids already, I want our kids to have a first hand experience of a life in another country, like the Philippines, by visiting once a year or every two years or whenever possible (plane fare is not cheap LOL). They will always be part Filipino because of me and it is always important to know our parent's heritage which is also a part of our own identity. I hope, pray, and wish with all my heart that having that kind of experience will open up their eyes and minds to be more appreciative of what they have here in the U.S.A and also appreciate what the Philippines have. I wish people here can have the same opportunity, I hope when they visit another country it gives them more understanding and appreciation of life in general.
Happy 4th of July!
Happy Independence Day!
I am not an expert, I am not yet an American citizen but I appreciate everything you have here. I am amazed by how the United States of America was founded. American History is fascinating and inspiring. I wrote this article as a way of saying Thank You. As a new immigrant here, as a spouse of an American citizen, this is my way of saying I love and appreciate this country, this country that I also now call HOME.
God bless America!
