I was
very impressed with some of the findings in the studies this week. The most intriguing
study to me was the Hispanic immigrants that come to America. These people
don't come here to find riches, get more materials, or even to get away from
oppression found in Mexico. Most of the families in the study came so that
their children could be ahead of the curve, they would be bicultural.
But
from what I understood from this qualitative study, what some of the parents were hoping for was
actually the opposite. Many of the children reported feeling lonelier, more out
of place, and missing their homes in Mexico. Also, the family suffered greatly
in regaining equilibrium in their roles.
These
parents wish the very best for their families. They want their families to be
happier and closer. Instead, the family dynamics become skewed. The parents
executive roles diminish, the children that acclimate fastest to the culture
move up to part of the parental partnership.
I
wondered if they realize the trauma that is placed on the family after this
event. If so, why do they continue to do it if it creates the opposite effect
of their goal? If they don't know, is there a way we could get the word out to
prepare them for the transitions?
Perhaps it's because they realize that emotions are irrelevant in certain cases... sometimes doing the right but hard thing leads to traumas. In this case the young ones will just have to deal with them. If they allow it, it will make them stronger. If they don't, it will greatly hamper their maturity--but it won't be the fault of the parents.
ReplyDeleteNo man who ever resolved to climb a mountain envisioned himself halfway up there esonced in a crevice as freezing sleet blows by. When it inevitably happens, I hope he doesn't immediately turn around because he doesn't recognize achievement of his goal in the awkward middle phase.
yeah but the issue is that they have the goal of having a better family. How is making them depressed, out of place, and distant helping that goal?
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