Sofyan Aswad: Sofyan Aswad: "Assimilation is the only way to become an integrated part of society”
Immigration is a human experience that has affected people's lives for thousands of years.It is a difficult decision to make, to leave the country where you were born and grew up in order to make a new start in a new place. All of us immigrants are faced with many challenges and difficulties when we reach our new home.
One thing that causes a lot of trouble for many immigrants is the language barrier. We struggle to learn a new language which is often the base for our being able to communicate and find our way around in the community.
We also struggle to find a job, build up a new social network, and deal with cultural collisions.
We always have a duty to become integrated, but it is important to remember that integration does not mean that the immigrant must lose his/her own culture and identity.They should rather keep and develop what is theirs while at the same time learning more about the new community and gradually merging in.
”This often happens because of the misapprehension that assimilation is the only way to integration and being accepted in society”Sofyan Aswad
Assimilation, where a person is expected fully to adopt a new culture, is not a feasible solution in the long run. Instead we ought to work towards integrating immigrants in a way that respects their culture while at the same time strengthening the many aspects of society.
Yes, it is important to ask why assimilation is often the expected way of integrating immigrants into the new society. This often happens because of the misapprehension that assimilation is the only way to integration and being accepted in society.
But it is important to understand that assimilation can be a very stressful and sensitive process for immigrants. It often means that they must leave their culture, their traditions and their language behind them to be able to fit into the new culture.
This can lead to a feeling of loss and a denial of their identity, which can have a negative effect on their mental health.
”This may depend on a lack of acceptance and understanding for diversity, and it can also be a breeding ground for discrimination and racism”Sofyan Aswad
So, instead of forcing immigrants to assimilate, we ought to work to create an including and equal society which respects and values diversity.By offering support and resources for integration , including language classes and access to housing and work, we can help immigrants to feel at home and take part in the life of the community in a more meaningful way.
In the same way it is also important to ask ourselves why Swedish society sometimes does not receive immigrants in a more welcoming way. Many immigrants feel excluded from community activities and from the chance to take part in ordinary day-to-day life.
This may depend on a lack of acceptance and understanding for diversity, and it can also be a breeding ground for discrimination and racism.
Even although the journey can be hard for an immigrant, it is important that we as a community support the newcomers and make them feel welcome. By recognising and combating the obstacles they meet and working together for a fair and inclusive future,we can make the world a better place for everybody.
