How our cultural background influences our integration into the German society
The topic "How our cultural background influences our integration in the German community" is to a large extent controversial because it assumes every African living in Germany comes from a similar cultural background. However, we are aware that although there are many cultural similarities among the different people of African descent, it is difficult to approach all the people from African as having similar culture. Then our cultural experiences differ and could be influence by family, historical factors, sociological factors, Religion and even the environment. This implies that the need to approach this topic taking the different factors into consideration is vital. Culture is a word that is derived from a French term that means to tend to the Earth. Culture can include things such as creed, social habits, language, music, arts, and religion. Integration on the other hand refers to a group or persons adapting to the practices and beliefs of a foreign society without sacrificing theirs. We used the meaning of culture as a base of our discussion and how this influences the integration process. Each of the aspects of culture was examined and we could conclude that all the above attributes of culture can facilitate or impaired the integration of Africans in the German society. We looked at attributes that are internal that can be changed if efforts are made and aspects that are external and that does not depend on Africans. These are societal difficulties like racism or difficult German bureaucracy.
Internal Factors.
Many social aspects like the lack of an extended family set-up, close doors of neighbors, people going about their business and avoiding speaking with one another makes it difficult for Africans to live freely in the German community An aspect which provoked a lot of discussion was the time factor. Every African that has been in school knows how important it is to be in school on time. It is unfortunate that it assumed as typical African when people go late to work or school. "The African time" that is being referred to a more relaxed attitude towards time can be used pejoratively to refer to lack of taking things seriously or being lazy, a form of stereotype. This time issue at work usually provokes quarrels between some Africans and their colleagues. There is no evidence that most Africans go late to work but there is indication that Africans do not consider the issue of time as an indication of bad habit. Living in a society where time is being taking very seriously puts Africans in a position of disadvantage, provokes unacceptance and affects integration process. On the other hand, there are many Europeans who enjoy this less rigorously scheduled lifestyle also known as typical Africans. It is normal to knock at a friend's door without announcing. This less rigorously scheduled lifestyle gives Africans the advantage to easily communicate with strangers and this supports them to join the majority society easily. Other aspects that were discussed were speaking loud in the street, the difficulties in learning the German language and just adapting to the weather in Europe. The above were aspects that Africans do make efforts to change especially those who have a need to stay in Europe. With some efforts these are aspects that Africans themselves can influence to an extent. If they find it necessary. It is however understandable why some Africans stick to their normal habits. Others may consider it bad, but it entails losing something dear if one must make a change and adopt to another culture The challenge is therefore to seek the integration that facilitates people adapting to a new system without sacrificing theirs as described above. This challenge does not only concerns Africans, but the system and the society at large are all invited to look for adequate solutions if we must have a fair world that encourages acceptance.
External factors
Other aspects like racism and rejection of the host community makes Africans to avoid spending time with people of the host community. Sometimes they don't receive the right information either because the person responsible for providing this information deliberately withheld the information. The bureaucracy in Germany is quite complicated so much so that the Germany themselves have difficulties navigating through this landscape. Not knowing where to go for help can affect, health, finances, housing possibilities and even social benefits. Below are some aspects that we could recognize and that includes both external and internal factors:- Lack of knowledge of job market
- Lack of information about German society
- Lack of trust in institutions or the institutions do not have patients with foreigners
- Lack of trust in police or black profiling by the police
- Not knowing where to turn to
- Not knowing the laws
- Lack of advice/counseling
- Having to fit in
- Unfamiliar environment
- Association with wrong people
- Lack of family
- Problems with legal status/papers
- Cultural differences
