Americanized
Americanized – (Definition courtesy of Dictionary.com)
1. To make American in form, style, or character
2. To absorb or assimilate into American culture.
If we desire to see the next generation carry on the vision of multicultural worship we must encourage them to do so. However, this means we must get past some of our generation issues.
Expectations from parents…
When I was growing up I’d hear parents talk about how some of their kids were Americanized. Some of this was due to the fact that they didn’t know how to speak Korean very well. Some of this was due to the fact that they didn’t respect their elders.
I’ve even heard one pastor refer to their kids as, get ready for this….bananas. This is a metaphor meaning their kids look Asian on the outside, but they’re “White/American” on the inside.
I can even recall some of my parents’ friends making me feel incompetent because I couldn’t speak Korean very well.
The need for change…
When Koreans, or even other ethnic groups, come to American what should they expect out of their kids? Why can’t we allow our kids to be embrace both cultures/heritages? Why does it seem like we have to choose?
The big question…
How do you think this will affect worship in the multicultural church?
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
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I think that it is on the part of the parent to impart the importance of the heritage (valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, unspoiled countryside, and historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations) that they come from. I am a white American but I also believe that we as Americans have culture. Now I know that it may not look anything like anyone else’s but isn’t that one point of culture to be distinctly unique. I think that if the parents grow their children in the way that they should go towards Christ other things like a love for your specific culture(s) will be (i think much easier).
I have a question: Like people, do you think that culture has the potential to be ever morphing and changing?
I know of a few of my friends that are third culture kids…talk about a love for many different people and worship styles and languages. I feel that we can have the freedom to encourage our children to have the unique freedom to be amazingly awesome for His name sake. Also if they are at an age where they would understand money and business they could be taught about the percent on bilingual speakers earnings and monolingual speakers earnings…its vast. ENCOURAGEMENT!
I think that it will be good for Koreans or whatever culture to have someone that makes Korean/other culture worship become sweet and lovely to others. My thought is almost a front runner person willing to make 100% Jesus glorifying worship songs. So amazing that us not Korean speakers would be drawn to them…just a thought
(peter;)
Nathaniel Thomas
July 24, 2010
I think culture is always changing. But it’s the traditions that we need to keep alive. This is what helps honor the older generation.
Peter Park
July 26, 2010
Ah very true. So what does keeping tradition alive look like for you?
Nathaniel Thomas
July 27, 2010
For example, in the Korean culture, the oldest son is expected to take care of his parents when they get older. I have an older sister, but since I am the only son, this responsibility falls on me.
Peter Park
July 27, 2010