Sumblog 7- Assimilation vs. Pluralism

First, I want to start out by defining both assimilation and pluralism. Assimilation means the process of conforming to a majority group. Assimilating is fitting in. Pluralism, on the other hand, is the distinction of cultures accepted into a society. Instead of fitting in, each culture is valued for different beliefs and traditions and is accepted even though there are differences. 

Here is a dorky video describing assimilation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDG0-Z8ruuk

America has been known as the “melting pot” for as long as it has been in existence. Immigrants from all over the world have come to America in search for a better life, a new beginning, and new freedoms. I think American’s today do not appreciate or value the diversity we hold with the different cultures and practices. Some can argue we have cultural pluralism in America because we have a multicultural society. But, I have rarely seen the acceptance of unique cultural traditions. Because of this, in America we are losing the distinction between different cultures. Immigrants who come to the United States are forced to assimilate into “Americanized” practices by learning English, listening to pop music, watching American films, celebrating American holidays, and eating American cuisine. If we really did have cultural pluralism we would celebrate each culture and embrace the differences. The United States of America is definitely a “melting pot”. Society blends and mixes different cultures together so much that we loose the distinction between different cultures. People can grow up without even knowing their cultural background and traditions, which is why I think that assimilation is a negative thing to society. I wish American society was more like a big pot luck dinner rather than a melting pot. Everyone can bring something completely different to the table, but it still ends up being a delicious feast because you can taste a little of everything.