Flexibility is a Must

Culture is flexible. Culture can change over time. As time has progressed, some traditions have stayed the same while others changed dramatically. The traditions of other cultures can influence and can easily blend to create an entirely new culture. Richard Rodriguez talks about how he lives in a Chinese city and has become accustomed to the vibrant colors of the houses. Before he lived there, he would have thought it odd and strange to see such bright colored houses. Rodriguez has noticed that the generation of young adults does not mind the race or ethnicity of its friends and social groups. Culture has become music, looks and occupation. People in modern cultures prefer their own way of doing things in their own way. Racial and ethnic distinction still matter for older generation, but for the younger ones, it's not quite as important. Whether we like it or not, assimilation is progressing quite rapidly.

I think Rodriguez would agree with the assumption that communities provide stability. At the beginning of the essay, the author exhibits how a community can be comfortable until a stranger enters. He states that when that happens, those in the community begin to doubt their position. When Rodriguez refers to the church in Palo Alto, the congregation and the newcomers were content with each other because of their religious culture. Their shared beliefs have brought them together to form a community.