I thought I would add to the discussion on assimilation my top-ten list of what we should expect from those who want to become Americans — and those who are already Americans, for that matter. The list was first published and discussed nearly 20 years ago in a National Review Online column, and it is further fleshed out in this Congressional testimony. The basic idea is that we don’t all have to eat hamburgers and listen to country music, but there are some values and behaviors we have to hold in common for our particular multiracial, multiethnic society to work.


1. Don’t disparage anyone else’s race or ethnicity.

2. Respect women.

3. Learn to speak English.

4. Be polite.


5. Don’t break the law.

6. Don’t have children out of wedlock.

7. Don’t demand anything because of your race or ethnicity.


8. Don’t view working and studying hard as “acting white.”

9. Don’t hold historical grudges.


10. Be proud of being an American.