Assimilation vs Pluralism

Pluralism is when there are different groups of people living in a society like a blended stew. Assimilation is the loss of a personal identity within a society in order to blend in with society. It’s a merging of cultures so to speak and it can be forced on a group or it can be done voluntarily. America practices cultural pluralism more-so than assimilation. In America, although there are many different races and ethnicities in America, for the most part, people tend to maintain their cultural differences, especially first generation immigrants. As the generations continue, the more blended and assimilated America becomes but by no means are we a melting pot yet. That is why it is so important that America keep its freedom. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, these things are very important to Americans because we all have very different cultures and beliefs. This is what makes America, America in my opinion.

America still deals with discrimination and racism, if we were all assimilated, America would not face this problem. I think too often, people use these terms interchangeably or mistake one for the other and confuse America with an assimilated nation simply because we do have such a diverse culture. Diversity however does not mean assimilated. If I put bananas, strawberries and yogurt in a blender, they don’t make a smoothie until I blend them. Just as blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, etc. Don’t make an melting pot until they are blended or assimilated.

I don’t see America ever being fully assimilated because if we were, then we just wouldn’t be America. One of the great things about America is that we are free and able to continue to practice our own culture, religion, and beliefs and for some people this is very much their identity. Furthermore, for some parent immigrants, although they came here for the “American Dream”, they shrill at the thought of their children becoming too “Americanized”.