Applicability of Multiculturalism or Melting Pot Theory - Essay Example

?Kevin Zhoe English 96 October 16, Applicability of Multiculturalism or Melting Pot Theory A Mexican American d Richard Rodriguez was asked if he was an American or a Hispanic; his answer was that he thinks of himself as actually Chinese. Rodriguez’s parents were both Mexican but he grew up in Los Angeles where his neighbors were all Chinese. As such, he identifies himself more with Chinese cultural orientation than that of being either a Mexican or an America. The concept of culture has evolved through time. It was initially viewed as an intriguing complex sociological framework since it reflects the elaborate interaction of values, attitudes, perceptions and behavior displayed by a particular society. Eventually, culture emerged as a more multifarious and dynamic view that encompasses theories of diversity and multiculturalism. In the United States, a land of opportunities, sociologists and experts in cultural theories have separate contentions regarding applying the concept of multiculturalism or respecting the retention of distinct and diverse cultures. I hereby believe that multiculturalism is more beneficial for America rather than merging cultures exemplified in the melting pot theory. The concept of multiculturalism has existed for a long time as manifested by people who migrated to the U.S. and share more than one cultural orientations (Wong; Chavez; Saleem). Its historical existence is proof that multiculturalism in the United States is beneficial; otherwise, regulations would have been enacted to curtail this. According to Linda Chavez in her discourse entitled “Demystifying Multiculturalism”, “multiculturalism is not a grassroots movement. It was created, nurtured, and expanded through government policy. Without the expenditure of vast sums of public money, it would wither away and die” (113). Chavez asserted that multiculturalism has long been practiced and validly supported by policy makers through encouraging people from different cultures to migrate. (My professor said this quote was used incorrectly, which means, this quote doesn’t fit in this paragraph.)Immigration policies in the United States have monitored and restricted the number of people from different races who opt to reside in the country. There are regulations that assist in providing a balance in cultural forces that are seen to be beneficial in terms of contributions to economic, social, technological, and political growth. Chavez has asserted that multiculturalism encouraged educational institutions to focus on “bilingual education and other multicultural services” (2). Therefore, there are forces that spur economic activities driven by the increasing number of people from various cultures. Multiculturalism is also more beneficial in terms of contributing to diversity. In contrast to the melting pot theory, through multiculturalism, traditional values and norms are preserved. From the video entitled The Great American Melting Pot, the Statue of Liberty was shown to hold a book of recipes that show the melting pot to be comprised of people from diverse nationalities. However, the video does not clearly indicate that these people lose their cultural identities in the process (Schoolhouse Rock). Chavez indicated that “a whole new industry of "diversity professionals" has emerged to help managers cope with the expected deluge of non-white workers” (1). Multiculturalism has created a demand for professionals to focus on training people to realize the benefits of employing diverse people in their workforce. Likewise, diversity has opened potentials for accommodating traditional values and learning to adapt to new ones. Tahir expressed her preference to practice the way of life in America, she still respected the tradition of pre-arranged marriage; where her parents would solicit potential suitors according to a predefined qualification. The suitors with most preferred qualifications would eventually be streamlined and would be the basis of selecting the favored husband. Likewise, Wong allegedly despised learning her cultural Chinese language but still respected the decision of her parents to gain competency of speaking and writing it. Wong had to abide by going to Chinese school daily in include lessons on politeness. In doing so, these women have realized that they were not actually losing their self-identities; but were in fact, respecting what their ancestors have lived and believed in all their lives. Multiculturalism supports that retaining more than one cultural orientation is beneficial as a means of avoiding conflict in retaining traditional values and in learning to adopt and adjust to new ones. Tahir in her literary essay entitled “A Proposal I Never Thought I'd Consider” and Elizabeth Wong’s “The Struggle to Be an All American Girl”, exhibit that these women decided to abide by the traditions that their parents were accustomed to. Tahir affirmed: “like so many other young South Asians in America, I am the product of two cultures whose conflicting values pull at me with equal urgency” (Tahir 78). She was a Pakistani raised in America and therefore, the cultural orientation of the West beckons her more than the traditional Pakistani culture. In making personal choices, it was evident that both women decided to retain some aspects of the new culture they are assimilated to. They learned to respect the need to conform to the value of adhering to their parents’ conventional practices. Thus, by adhering to those cultural beliefs practiced by the ancestors, they confirm still being part of the original culture, concurrent with the new one. According to Wong, “at last I was one of you; I was not one of them. Sadly, I still am” (3). The statement confirms that there is mixed emotions exemplifying diffused commitment and allegiance to any particular culture. Through multiculturalism these conflicts were resolved. Multiculturalism is more beneficial in American since it acknowledges that other people’s cultural practices need to be respected and likewise preserved. In America, the freedom of expression, an integral part of the Civil Rights Law, respect practicing traditional values. Seeing the points of view from young migrants who have lived all their lives in America, they express the ability to choose which cultural orientation to practice (Wong, Tahir). The original cultural orientation would definitely not be forgotten, especially when parents were determined in reminding them of their previous way of life. In the story of Wong, the firm determination of her mother was instrumental in affirming the need to preserve their cultural legacy: “no amount of kicking, screaming, or pleading could dissuade my mother, who was solidly determined to have us learn the language or our heritage” (1). From these experiences, the parents of migrant children have recognized which traditional practices need to be passed on to the next generations (Tahir, Wong). Permitting expression of both cultures’ norms therefore, is more beneficial as it supports unity and respect for human rights; which is the very essence of promoting the ideals of freedom in American soil. Overall, one re-affirms that multiculturalism is more beneficial for America due to its long and historical existence that confirms its acceptance. Likewise, multiculturalism promotes diversity which is conducive in sharing knowledge, skills, and talents of people from all walks of life. Finally, multiculturalism was found to be supportive of respecting the rights of others through freedom of expression and avoidance of conflicts. In the end, each person has the right to select which cultural norm they prefer to follow. This is the beauty of acknowledging multiculturalism: the recognition that despite living in one country, there is no law that demands conformity to American cultural beliefs and value. The experiences of Tahir, Wong, and Chavez have all acknowledged support to multiculturalism as opposed to the melting pot theory. Their respective beliefs and value systems where enhanced and developed from the new learning and experiences gained as they continue their journey in life. People from different cultures living in a new country and immersed in a new culture benefit more from a multicultural stance and are able share their traditional cultural experiences with others. Total Word Count: 1,265 Works Cited Chavez, Linda. "Demystifying Multiculturalism." n.d. Saleem, Sabaa. "A Proposal I Never Thought I'd Consider." n.d. Schoolhouse Rock. "The Great American Melting Pot." 3 June 2010. YouTube. 30 September 2012 . Wong, Elizabeth. "The Struggle to Be an All American Girl." n.d. Read More