Ethnic Diversity Inherently Conflicts

_______ is an understanding of how cultural differences across and within nations can affect the way in

In order for assimilation to occur a minority group becomes an integrated part of the majority group; this assimilation results in non-distinguishing of one group from another by cultural characteristics. In order for this process to be complete, it must entail, not only an active effort by the minority group to shed all distinguishing actions and beliefs, and also complete unqualified acceptance of that individual by the dominant society.

According to Michael Haas, cultural pluralists respond that American cultural pluralism thrives in an integrated, not a segregated, society. They accept cultures as internally dynamic, changing and adapting over time with plenty of room for diversity inside each culture. Cultural attachments are seen as important but not exclusive, as Americans must respect those of different cultures in order to enjoy liberty together. As immigrants and native-born citizens have learned from one another, thereby broadening their views on art, cuisine, education, history, music, and other aspects of life (Immigration to the United States).

From my knowledge of previous courses I have taken in the past and sitting in cultural diversity, I have come to realize that at first these different ethnic groups did not originally get along.

In American society, there are multiple cultures and races exist. Since immigrants bring the various cultures to America, Americans face a highly controversial problem. Some of the Americans believe all of the ethnic groups assimilate into a common culture can help Americans distinctly identify themselves. Others argue that ethnic groups should not abandon their cultural heritages background. As a result, merging different cultures into one new culture will cause America lose its cultural diversity which is one significant charm of this country. On the contrary, if every ethnic group only focuses on building their own community and resists communicate with others, it will aggravate the separation of a nation. Although people often argue about these two ways which one is more appropriate to Americans, I think Richard Rodriguez's idea is more realistic in nowadays American society. Rodriguez resists the idea of the melting pot, and believes that assimilation is inevitable and reciprocal. In the essay Does America Still Exist?, Rodriguez explains his thought to us through his experiences.

Diversity in the united states in not something new here but in fact spans back many generations. Diversity is everywhere and no one can truly get away from it, but by accepting it a person can learn how to lead a better fuller life with variety of understanding for the people that come in contact with. I feel that the biggest thing I learned in this call about diversity is not that there is diversity but that there is a lot of work to be done to farther the peace action between the groups of people knowing this make me realize that the us is not yet a unity but is trying and gives me more

Individuals coming in the U.S. have experienced a graduate deculturalization process as the country's majority assimilated them. Even with the fact that many communities struggle in order to preserve their cultural values, it is extremely difficult for them to do so in environments where they are being bombarded with cultural values belonging to other groups. While the U.S. has recently appeared to have adopted a more positive attitude with regard to other cultures, the matter is still problematic. The fact that many cultures have been gradually assimilated by the majority practically means that many traditions have been abandoned in order for people to develop interest in other concepts.

Essentially, every culture has a specific basis, native language, religion and custom that reflects its history, values and beliefs. These conceptual constructs represents the total reality of life within the community of which is commonly known as “Culture”. Culture is not only a race, but is a way of life. In the United States, there are many different races that integrate with the American race and culture. However, these individuals often times may have difficulties adjusting, adapting or maintaining their heritage. How well they acculturate and adapt to the process can have an impact on how well the individual is able to integrate or engage to one or another culture.

Lawrence W. Levine approaches the issue of ethnic relations in a slightly different light in his book, “The Opening of the American Mind”. He focuses on the two central components of the entire matter: One-way Assimilation (the melting pot ideology) and Cultural Pluralism, given that the two other models (Ethnic

The materials this week dealt with the assimilation theories: classical assimilation theory, new assimilation theory, and segmented assimilation theory. Some others were summaries and critiques of those theories.

Overtime, the issue of assimilation in America has always been present, but overlooked. Although the thought of a country with plans to assimilate different cultures and races may seem insane, the U.S. has been the most successful. Despite the fact that we are one of the few successful assimilated countries, there are inevitable problems that may occur such as pride and judgment. Schlesinger and Serrano both discuss the topic of assimilation, but express different opinions. Schlesinger pushes for assimilation, while Serrano leans towards separation. Serrano has some good points on why our nation should separate; however, Schlesinger’s opinion seems to be more beneficial towards the country. By reading over Schlesinger’s point of view, his argument seems to be valid.

Have you ever thought about how much Cultural diversity affects our everyday life? I guess you could say the real question is ¨Is it more beneficial for a society for individuals to assimilate into a mainstream culture that unites them or should they seek to preserve the authentic and district ethnicity of their cultural backgrounds?¨ I stand to the side where we should seek to preserve the authentic and district ethnicity of our cultural backgrounds. I believe this because even though it is easier to live in a mainstream culture, people should seek to preserve the authentic and district ethnicity of their cultural backgrounds because being divergent is good for everyone, it shapes how people see the world, and God made each of us unique masterpieces.

The concept of cultural pluralism suggests that immigrants should assimilate to American culture by enriching American traditions with those that other cultures bring with them, expanding the American cultural landscape of art, cuisine, education, history, law, music, language, medicine and other aspects of life.

The increasing accommodations directed toward immigrant culture worries many Americans. Americans fear the special treatment granted to immigrants will affect the unifying force of the country. Today, the trend is toward multiculturalism, diversity and adapting the newcomer, rather than on the newcomer adapting himself or herself to a diverse society (61).

In America, finding yourself in situations where communicating with someone of a different background than yourself is common. We are a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds, and identities. Throughout the semester we have learned many ways to avoid conflict when engaging in intercultural communication. The most important aspects from the semester is the idea of generalization and ethnocentrism. These two ideas were displayed in the movie Crash and how the effects of it can lead to misunderstandings among everyone involved.