While this immigrant has retained a strong Syrian identity, his perceptions of the world have been Americanized to a great extent. While his mindset has been influenced by American education and experience, he remains loyal to his homeland using what he has learnt and his greater freedom in America to bring about change for his people. This paper demonstrates through analysis of his experiences, predominantly linked to education, community and career, that while strong American qualities are personified in this immigrant, his identification with Syria remains paramount. .
His perception of government has been Americanized to great extent. The immigrant first claiming Syria as "the grandest country in the world" and despite reading newspapers condemning the Lebanon Government, maintained that "I still thought that our Government was as good as any." The statement however, gains new meaning when read in context of the previous "I was afraid", demonstrating his reluctance to deliberate on new ideas as stemming from a fear of what impact that would have on his relationship with his government. His new willingness to accept other perspectives was heavily Americanized by his American mission schooling. There "it began to dawn on him [me] that there was a very great and active world outside of Mount Lebanon." This statement, combined with the later reference to the discontent brewing amongst the populace, shows the positive impact the American presence had on notions of government and democracy. .
However the immigrant did not fully assimilate into American social and cultural life. Rather, he interacted in an insular Syrian community. He states "The little Syrian city which we have established within the big city of New York has its own distinctive life and its distinctive institutions", distinguishing it as a separate community within America. In using the identifier "we" in reference to building the community, he is highlighting his role in this development, conveying his need for maintaining his Syrian culture.
