Flexibility is the key to assimilation

As the fictional character SS Colonel Hans Landa of “Inglourious Basterds” succinctly put it, “what tremendous feats human beings are capable of once they abandon dignity”. 
Flexibility is the key to success. To assimilate into any country, the incoming guest needs to learn the local language, way of life, culture and tradition. It is that simple. But do not equate simple with easy. 
Look no further than the Thai Chinese. Coming to Thailand with the oft quoted “just a T-shirt on my back” a couple of generations ago, they not only ingrained themselves in Thai culture, they have taken control and now dictate its future direction.
Despite early persecution – such as bans on Chinese schools due to fear of communist elements, and being forced to adopt Thai names – the Chinese swim effortlessly with the changing tide. It is noteworthy that until now, Chinese New Year is not a public holiday in Thailand even though almost all top management positions in companies on the SET are made up of Thais of Chinese descent. We don’t see the Thai-Chinese making a fuss of it. 
What the overseas Chinese (or as Malaysia’s Mahathir puts it, “Jews of the East”) have done should be emulated by others, including most Western readers who incessantly complain that their adopted country needs to change to its ways. 
One can imagine the uproar if Eric Bahrt were forced to change his name to Esad Maikinneur.
Jeff Chong
Bangkok