Perspectives On Aging
The Many Hidden Treasures Immigrants May Discover in America
There are many reasons why people from all over the world immigrate to the U.S.A., some for economic reasons, looking for jobs and riches, others for political exile, as this is the cradle of democracy. They usually find what they are looking for, and so the immigration wave keeps getting bigger. Presently, many Latin Americans are running away from dictatorships and poverty, and come here in search of freedom and job opportunities. That was my case in 1961.After several years in this country, I, and others like me, have also discovered many hidden treasures we did not expect to find.
We have found generosity in its people, who go out of their way to help the immigrant adjust, making him feel welcomed by offering emotional support, and in some cases even economic help if needed; people who respect our cultural background and make an effort to communicate with us in spite of our broken English.
We found a culture that fights, with hope and courage, against every infirmity or life problem, instead of the passive acceptance characteristic of so many other cultures. Here, the blind learn to read and often earn college degrees leading to productive and successful lives without feeling bitter or resentful. The same is true with paraplegics, many of which engage in sports like basketball and tennis.
We found a land where everybody is given an opportunity to succeed in whatever he chooses to do, even without friends or family in high and influential positions, which is often a pre-requisite for success in many Latin American countries. Here, the only requirements are ambition, hard work, perseverance and the ability to get along with others.
So it is that those who came looking only for freedom and job opportunities have also discovered the generosity of its people, unconditional opportunities for success and a culture that teaches to never give up when faced with obstacles in the course of life; a culture of hope and courage we did not expect to find. §
Dr. Carlos Muniz is a retired psychiatrist from Gainesville. He may be contacted through the editor at editor@towerpublications.com
