BNP is most certainly a white trash party, you may find the exceptions, but it is never the less nothing but a party for white peopel that feel they are worse off than the immigrants. My point was basically that racism in continental Europe is much more prevalent in the establisment than it is in UK or US.

Amitav Kumar writes openly about his nominal conversion and seems to be thriving. What this shows is that nods to tradition go a long way to healing the rift.

I myself am of mixed race, at least three of the many colors and hues of my ancestors from various places, ancestors who had myriad different religions, cultural identities and places of national origin. In the first few generations of new immigration the old folks try to fit in and the second generation try to reach back to their roots in the romantized old country but by
the third and fourth generations intermariage and other forms of integration occur that befuddle all predictions and expectations of previous generations.

Fight or flight G.I. tract clenching subsiding…gullet opening to receive 4th Hostess coffee cake of the day

Personally I think Spanish should be mandatory in all American public schools, especially in the Mexican border states.

Knowing more than one language can only help us, not harm us. Many Europeans and Asians know more than one language, oftentimes several. That can only be a factor of enrichment in their lives and open up many more oppurtunities for them – both personal and professional.

As far as Surinami Indians being “different” from Indians from India, I would say that in general the born and raised in Carribbean areas, though keeping much of Indian culture in tact, also have the added advantage of being born and raised in countries with alot of afro-carib culture around them, which results in a much more laid back, relaxed, non-anal-retentive vibe. Like George Clinton said, “free your mind and your ass will follow”.

Rigidity cannot survive amongst black people. When you are with them, you have to keep it real.

So I’ve abstained for a bit and to be honest I feel similarly to Abhi, there are some comments above that are incredibly ignorant. But, let me respond to your first question: “Are you suggesting native English should start speaking Urdu?”. I stand by the assumption that a majority group is always willing to inflict assimilation on a minority group. That majority group can be of any color. I have yet to see proof that a majority group can understand and continuously think of the minority as they will themselves. Cultural superiority is always cultivated and perpetuated. =/ So to be short about it. If there were three English speakers randomly living among 100-some Urdu speakers…yeah, they would all be forced to learn Urdu.