Becoming American

After watching the PBS video Becoming American it is very interesting to hear about the different stories from the different immigrants. All the sacrifices and devastation they had to face when coming to America and trying to establish a good life for their children. Such as Stephan Colbert's Irish Catholic family from Ireland, Meryl Streep's family from Switzerland, Kristi Yamaguchi's grandfather's journey from Japan to Hawaii and then to California and Queen Noor's family from Syria. It also has brought back memories of my family coming to this country. My grandparents also came to America for a better life from Italy to Ellis Island in the 1920's. Just like Kristi's and Mario's grandparents they wanted to embrace their new world but unfortunately they felt inferior, therefore, many of them changed their names and felt that they needed to speak English and not their native language to be excepted. As they said in the video, many had "slammed the door on their past" and wanted to succeed and practice what they believed in their new country. Even though, my grandparents felt it was important to learn English and assimilate to the American culture they still held on their traditions and values that was past on to my generation. Just like Queen Noor, I wanted to go back to where my grandparents came from and learn the language.I wanted to know more about why they came here and did not stay in Italy. I have heared many stories from my parents and relatives but I was never able to hear them from my grandparents because they passed away before I was born. However, I am proud to be an Italian American. I am also grateful to my grandparents for having the courage to come here and start a new life.