Being a European-American

Questions of Identity, Culture and Adaptation
by Neal R. Karski

I began my journey into the unknown at the age of 12 from Eastern Europe, Poland. I had been born an American yet had spent only a couple of years there before moving to my native land. Living on the brink of the Western and Eastern worlds that diverged from each other vastly due to the varying ideologies, religions and economic policies, I was only had a small taste of the “over-Atlantic influence”. This influence largely depended on sports apparel, music and cinema products. Otherwise, Poles lived their lives the way they desired, or rather how their somewhat conservative yet recently revolutionized culture dictated.

That was before…

And now… many years later I sit back at look at the path that I have marked the steps in my life on in the United States of America as a European-American.

And it has been astoundingly difficult to identify yourself fully with the virtues of either society from the beginning. I believe this lies at the core of many immigrants who come to the United States – a melting pot of nationalities, cultures, traditions and ethnicities. In Europe, we’re taught certain ways of behavior, manners, ethics, numerous etiquettes, interaction with friends, strangers or family, and even how to exactly tie your shoe or ride your bike. Yet after attempting to carry out these “lessons” here, it seemed as if they were not effective or that many people of different ages were not familiar with them. Different land, different creed.

Throughout these years of my life here in the United States, which engulfed residing in the Carolinas and the Chicagoland, I gradually realized that as a European I needed to retain my true sense of origin, values and inner conscience, if you may. Frequently, I failed to do so, but I came right back up to tackle the challenges of adapting to a culture which was a world way. To this day, I see distinct differences in the lifestyles of Americans and Europeans and attempt to find balance – a happy median. Generally, I noticed that Europeans, like all other nationalities and ethnicities in the U.S. tend to find others of the same “kind” more comfortable to establish friendships, as they are able to relate to them on a closer level. Personally, I found that very true, yet my outgoing nature allowed me to meet other notable friends and figures that did not belong to my native realm.

But quite oft’, I would find myself confused… pondering upon my actions. My European side would say: “That’s wrong, or inappropriate,” and my American side would say: “Go on, it’s OK”. This bewilderment arose with dozens of events, people and place that I have encountered. Yet the necessities of life such as faith, family and giving back to others that I have learned to cherish in Europe have helped me to make two ends meet and I think that after linguistic and social struggles, I was able to find a spot in this country. A spot that would elevate me to progress and development of my character, and eventually success…

The Quest for Identity: Being a European-American

by George A. Miu

From the onset of my American journey, I sought to find a common denominator that reconciled my Eastern European heritage with my adopted homeland. There are two prominent parts to this task: the first is becoming wise enough to let go of any unnecessary habits, and the second is gaining enough vision so as to incorporate only beneficial thought patterns.

Without a doubt, the United States has very much to offer in terms of self-discovery and the improvement of oneself. Sure, the cynics will all sneer into their chins and say that America is evil, and that the culture has deteriorated and has proven itself to be a burden to the world time and time again. I reply that, if it were such, immigrants from all over creation would not flock to America like they do. As with all things, the US is capable of corrupting an individual who is unable to keep his-or-her-self in check; there’s all the casinos and hookers out there, waiting. But what is indicative of the fact that these define America more convincingly than, say, hard-working families hoping the send their kids to college? I am sure that the latter category is more numerous than the former. So let’s save that easy breath with which we criticize the US and use the surplus of energy to engage in legitimate reflection about what best exemplifies America.

As far as Euro-Americans go, there are several things that we must come to terms with. For the most part, Europe is not as large, plentiful or well-organized as the United States. The New World contains an over-abundance of activity that easier-living Europeans are baffled by. The adjustment cannot, and must not, occur overnight, as many born-and-bred Yanks (pardon the mild pejorative for some of you) happen to believe. At first glance, America threatens newcomers, with its bustling cities and gargantuan suburbs, the centers of a productivity that the Old World cannot conceive of matching. Eventually, the shock wears off, and the first-generation immigrant is better equipped to assimilate American-isms.

Of course, any non-American will have some kind of burden that relates to the home country. Families grow up, age, and die, societies evolve beyond what their original scope, ultimately rendering the expatriate homeless, for all intents and purposes. The longer a citizen of the EU is a resident of the US, the more irreversible the whole process becomes. The crucial matter is that we are okay with that.

Just last Thursday, I became a citizen of the United States of America, having spent five whole years here. My own, personal journey is far from completed; I would, however, be foolish to say that I have not changed – become nearly unrecognizable – with respect to who I once was. The perpetual act of dropping an outdated habit in favor of a modern one can have severe repercussions. I speak from experience when I say it’s a risk I’m more than willing to take in exchange for a shot at a better life.