MY HOME COUNTRY

Ruiz: I want to go back to Mexico.

Ann: Why? Aren’t you happy here in London? Your job and life are great, aren’t they?

Ruiz: Yes, but something isn’t right. Something isn’t OK about the culture here.

Ann: What’s the problem? Don’t you enjoy seeing people of different cultures here?

Ruiz: Well, it’s a good thing, I guess. People from different countries immigrate and live happily here, but you know what? I didn’t come here to see beautiful buildings. I like British culture and the British people. My intention was to live with them and be a part of British society.

Ann: You mean you don’t see those in London any more?

Ruiz: No, I don’t. When people come here, they bring their cultures with them. Then, they all live together in the same neighbourhood – kind of like an isolated island. It’s not the British way of life that I was looking forward to see or have. My Mexican friends all live in the same neighbourhood. They don’t speak English at all or even have the inclination to. And I’m sure they’re here just to earn money. I can bet they’re not here to absorb British culture.

Ann: Hmm… I never thought it could be this bad. I thought people would simply change their ways when they arrive in the host country.

Ruiz: Well, it’s true for only a few people. A number of my Mexican friends say they don’t like British culture at all. They always keep complaining about the British way of life and how their British colleagues don’t want to associate with them much. And I say, ‘If you like your culture so much, you can find a lot of it back home.’ I love both Mexican and British cultures, but I can’t see many immigrants who want to adopt the British way of life here. So, I’m going back home to live with my people.

Ann: That’s interesting! I always thought everybody liked multiculturalism!