Diversity in the United States

Diversity in the United States

Deborah Smith

ETH/125

August 21, 2014

Norma Wilkinson

Diversity in the United States

They say their daily lives are enriched by the diversity of individuals, groups and cultures, where the exchange of the diverse stimulates them creatively and mentally. It has opened their eyes to see the United States is a huge melting pot that consist of people of all races, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. There is no single race or ethnicity which makes up our society. They believe every person regardless of their sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or skin color should have the same opportunities as everyone else and not be discriminated or stereotyped, because they are different. They also see, what people from the past have endured to make sure their children have a better life and opportunities that were not there for them. America still has a long way to go before everyone can live in harmony, but the country is on the right path.

By feeling this way, they have learned a great deal about their own racial, ethnic and cultural history. Their ancestors came to this country during the famine in Ireland and were met with the same discrimination they were suffering in their country where they were known as the “white negroes.” They were faced with negative stereotyping that was very similar to that of enslaved Africans and African Americans, though not enslaved they faced a status as low as that of recently-freed slaves and competed with them for the same low-wage, low-status jobs. Over decades, they have fought for their rights and are now are known and have the status of being white. On the lighter side, it also suggested the term “paddy wagon” came from the fact Irishman made up a large percentage of the officers of early police forces in America. The word paddy is a derogatory slang for the name Patrick.

In addition, all that have fought and are still fighting to be seen as who are they are and not...