Melting Pot Essay
analytical Essay
1009 words
The melting pot image of America suggests inclusivity, it can homogenize away individuality. Although our country’s population is indeed diverse, the “melting pot” analogy is a flawed one, for it implies that all diverse cultures should somehow blend together into one. Ideally, the notion from a pot in which metals are melted at great heat melding together into a new compound, with great strength and other combined advantages is integrated into the early learning settings of a classroom. But is it pragmatic to associate the theory of America being a “melting pot” in primary school? Instead, classroom curriculums should acknowledge that it is more than celebrating Cinco de Mayo with tacos and pinatas or reading the latest biography of Martin …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the melting pot image of america suggests inclusivity, it can homogenize away individuality. promoting cultural awareness in elementary curriculums should be embraced since it teaches valuable life skills.
- Explains that lack of cultural awareness can easily disrupt classroom learning leading to animosity once the student reaches a certain age.
- Explains that some schools have acknowledged their schools diversity developing multicultural based curriculums. lynn hilt, a pennsylvania teacher, encourages the importance of cultural awareness for students.
- Argues that implementing cultural awareness is substantial, but there are major drawbacks as to why it is difficult to implement them now.
- Opines that consistent exposure to diversity can provide a substantial benefit in students' lives. it is vital to keep moving forward by educating one another’s cultural diversity.
Though it can be prevented, students at a primary school level are known to less likely to see race and gender as something inferior. Students also accept what is being taught without formulating personal opinions or political views. According to the Census Bureau, “by the year 2100, the U.S. minority population will become the majority with non-Hispanic whites making up only 40% of the U.S. population” (“How important is cultural diversity at your school?”). It is crucial for students to develop cultural awareness and are engaging in the acts of citizenship, not only within schools and surrounding areas but as active members of the global community. Students being culturally aware comes central when interacting with individuals out of the norm. Also, influencing global awareness leading to a better perspective and relations towards one another generating tranquility …show more content…
Most elementary schools are not prepared to implement cultural awareness in their classroom curriculums. A diverse staff that is also extremely culturally content is a necessity. Teachers must have the ability in expressing diverse beliefs and implicating those beliefs in personal experiences with the students; willingness to discussing controversial issues is a virtue as well. “According to a 2008 survey by the Public Agenda Foundation, a 76 percent of new teachers reported that their training covered teaching diverse students, but only 39 percent called this training helpful” (Walker). It is also believed that implementing such broad topic like culture into the curriculum can cause difficulty towards the teachers stability in teaching, “learning about students’ cultural backgrounds is an ongoing process that lasts a teachers’ entire career, beginning all over again each year with a new set of students” (Quinton). Also traditional curriculums, heavily apply to regions such as North America and Europe like South America or Africa. Students are the ones who experience this the most since certain textbooks do not provide accurate facts instead creating a bias from historical and modern times. For example, Christopher Columbus is celebrated as an American hero who discovered America
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- Analytic Essayanalytical essayAround the world, the United States of America is recognized for having a number of possible opportunities for its own citizens as well as for immigrants and foreigners. The concept of America as a cultural melting pot also attracts people from every continent to create a life for themselves and their families in this country. As communities within each state continue to grow more culturally diverse each year, schools are given the essential task of being welcoming to and understanding of all students who enter their classrooms. The assortment of cultures and languages within any given classroom highlights the necessity of an academic environment that respects and serves the needs of all students and offers each child the opportunity to make progress and flourish. Teachers have an unquestionably vital role in the lives of students, both in and out of the classroom. As one would expect, educators are required to prepare a structured academic curriculum for their students, including how to properly read and write in English, solve copious amounts of math problems, and understand various scientific theorems. What many people—including myself before taking this course—may not realize is that schools are in need of a teacher who is able to teach each subject in a way that not only respects but embraces the different cultures within any given class. A child’s language and culture that is outside of the majority should not be seen as a barrier to doing well in school, rather, it should be used to one’s advantage. Schools and teachers can validate students’ language and cultural backgrounds by being influential and active figures in the children’s lives and creating an environment where every child’s cultural identity is encouraged and c...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states of america is recognized for having opportunities for its citizens as well as immigrants and foreigners.
- Analyzes how language and culture play an important role in learning. students of various ethnic backgrounds have their own set of beliefs and values that affect the way they view education.
- Opines that educators need to take a step back and reflect on their personal biases and prejudices, hidden or not, before entering the classroom.
- Argues that teachers need to be attentive when creating lesson plans in order to elicit the appropriate amount of verbal responsiveness of young, minority children.
- Analyzes how moll et al.'s "funds of knowledge for teaching" explains the importance of bringing in the families and communities of the students and incorportating them into the school community.
- Describes au, kathryn hu-pei, "participation structures in a reading lesson with hawaiian children: analysis
- Opines that schools and teachers should instill cultural awareness and empathic responsiveness towards social issues from the moment children begin to learn.
- Summarizes moll, amanti, neff, and gonzalez's work on "funds of knowledge for teaching." theory into practice 31.2 (1992): 132-41.
1502 wordsRead More - Diversity in the Classroom: A Cognitive Call to Actionanalytical essayThe United States is expecting drastic changes in the diversity of its population over the next 50 years. Minorities will become a larger portion of the country’s population. Changes will need to be made to the way our country operates, especially in education. New, innovative and inclusive ways of teaching will replace traditional methods. For these new changes to go smoothly, steps will be taken to implement diverse populations in schools, helping students benefit from the values of other cultures while learning to live along side each other. The competitive and biased curriculums will take back seat to new ones that cater to all members of the population, leaving behind disruptive and antisocial behaviors. And finally, the teacher population will become as diverse as the student counterpart, creating more chances for students to identify with their leaders. This research paper will identify problematic situations for educational diversity as well as examine the effectiveness of diverse populations in classroom settings with respect to the development of student's world skills and understanding, openness and tolerance of diversity.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states is expecting drastic changes in the diversity of its population over the next 50 years.
- Explains that diversity in the classroom is the different cultural make-up of a student body. by 2050, the non-hispanic white portion of the u.s. population will decrease from approximately 72% to less than 53%.
- Argues that teachers and supervisors need to understand their own culture and the power functions of society as they relate to learners of all creeds.
- Explains that their elementary school in laytonsville, maryland was a homogenous school for white-anglos with students from other countries to simulate diversity.
- Argues that the problem stems from being unable to identify with their instructors and supervisors.
1665 wordsRead More - Myths of the Melting Potanalytical essayPerhaps, the “Melting Pot” myth gained strength during the Industrial Revolution. With millions of immigrants entering the United States, culture was changing within the United States. Americans set a high standard for there society and everyone wanted to be accepted. There was a social requirement to live in a civil society creating together the “American Dream,” which leads to prosperity. Many immigrants moving to the United States brought with them various traditions of their culture and after moving, they repressed such beliefs and forged ahead with a new way of “American Thinking.” The rituals and traditions of such societies should have brought diversity to this nation’s culture however, these ways would soon become a part of the past. The “Melting Pot” myth heavily influences American society and people believe that everyone no matter what skin color or religious belief is created equal. This belief of the American Way of life is idyllic to say the least. Unfortunately, this myth has been thwarted due to a high level of racial supremacy within the nations past and even present. There are two particular events in national history, which will forever hinder equality: slavery of African Americans and Japanese internment camps during World War II in America. These substantial events shape our society and are only the tip of the iceberg when it
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the "melting pot" myth gained strength during the industrial revolution, when americans set a high standard for their society and everyone wanted to be accepted.
- Analyzes how screven 2concerns racial equality in america. the myth of the melting pot is a farce within american society, which hinders americans from facing societal equality issues at hand.
- Analyzes how jefferson presents the state with information that african americans are not equal to white americans in notes on the state of virginia.
- Analyzes how ellis cose reminds americans that equal restitution rights are valid claims if one aspires to have equality.
- Analyzes how a single individual's change of perspective affected an area that once was unwilling to accept racial equality.
- Opines that society has evolved but there is an apparent thread of greed from within the upper echelon.
- Explains that native americans and blacks were considered unworthy of equality when it came to government or state. poor funding and lack of community support lead to crime, illness, poverty, and substance abuse.
- Explains that native americans were abused through one-way assimilation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. fredericks touches on an idyllic future based around the ideas of cultural pluralism.
- Analyzes how kenji yoshino reflects on his societal role as a gay man and the roles others must play in downplaying their beliefs to suit cultural norms of the dominant society.
- Analyzes how yoshino suggests that a solution to intolerance be education, rather than letting the laws decide solely on issues of societal equality.
- Explains that gary colombo, robert cullen, and bonnie lisle, eds. rereading america: culturalcontexts for critical thinking and writing.
- Explains close, ellis, and parrillo, vincent n., "causes of prejudice." rereading america: cultural contexts for criticalthinking and writing.
- Cites terkel, studs, and steele, shelby. rereading america: cultural contexts for critical thinking and writing.
- Explains wachtel's "talking about racism: how our dialogue gets short-ciruited." rereading america: cultural contexts for critical thinking and writing.
- Describes gary colombo, robert cullen, and bonnie lisle's 7th ed. rereading america: cultural contexts for criticalthinking and writing.
- Introduces the 7th ed. rereading america: cultural contexts forcritical thinking and writing, by gary colombo, robert cullen, and bonnielisle.
1981 wordsRead More - Multicultural Education int the United Statesopinionated essayThe world is made up of many different types of people, each one having his or her cultural background. Over the years, the United States has become increasingly populated with cultural diversity. This influx has prompted school administrators to recognize the need to incorporate multicultural programs into their school environment including classroom settings, school wide activities, and curriculum as it becomes more evident that the benefits of teaching cultural diversity within the school setting will positively influence our communities, and ultimately the entire nation’s future. The purpose of this paper is to share the pros and cons of multicultural education in the classroom. Additionally, I will express my views compared to those in the reading requirements for this assignment, as well as, new knowledge obtained through the research. Finally, I will share situations where I was challenged introducing a multicultural issue during a class.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states has become increasingly populated with cultural diversity, which has prompted school administrators to incorporate multicultural programs into their classroom settings.
- Explains that the united states has a history of being viewed as superior culture in which weaker cultures must adapt. this attitude has been cause of repression and conflict among the different cultures.
- Explains that multicultural education is a progressive approach for transforming education that critiques and corrects discriminatory curriculum, practices, and policies in education.
- Analyzes how research into multicultural education proves there is still great debate on the subject. some school administrators support the program and seek effective ways of incorporating it into their school programs.
- Explains that teachers practicing multicultural education present lessons and activities that are rich in diversity and center around the concepts demonstrated in cooperative learning, peer- teaching, or differentiated instruction.
- Explains that teachers can incorporate multicultural teaching into their lesson plans with proper training. incorporating fact-based information during sensitive discussions can allow for positive feedback and enlighten students of things that are culturally appropriate to their peers.
- Describes multicultural education as a way of joining groups of people together by developing an interdisciplinary program where it is the goal of the entire school community to work together and educate each student on cultural differences and social justice while building successful school experiences.
- Explains that multicultural education is an interdisciplinary approach to cultural diversity. teachers come from many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
- Agrees with the sentiments expressed in the textbook that there are far too many educational responsibilities to include the intricate topics surrounding cultural diversity throughout each subject area.
- Explains that multicultural education adds a degree of open dialect that most teachers do not have time for.
- Opines that curriculum and schools should include and promote social acceptance regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural backgrounds. however, the comprehensive planning that is required in a multicultural education program does not seem realistic.
- Opines that multicultural education should be designed by education and psychology experts and be rich in diversity, policies, and practices.
- Concludes that the world is made up of many different types of people, each one having his or her cultural background. educators recognize the need to incorporate more unified multicultural programs into their classroom, and throughout the school environment.
- Cites ford, d., and baruth, l. (2009). multicultural education of children and adolescents.
1650 wordsRead More - The 'Melting Pot'analytical essayThe climate and landscapes of America are as diverse as the 300 million people that live here, and the choices to which region to live this often determined by the cultures and traditions of its people. Most citizens chose to live in (or around) one of America’s largest cities, where you will be exposed to the unlimited diversity of races, cultures, art and architecture. Other people may prefer to live in much smaller cities or towns, where one culture may be more traditional and consistent. There are many American’s who prefer to live in a more rural or private area, like in remote mountains, isolated forests or vast desserts. Yet wherever a person lives within the United States of America, there will be a blending of heritages, the mixing of traditions and the merging lifestyles. The immense combinations of people and cultures have been brought here from all around the world. Since the beginning of the Spanish settlements in the West, to the earliest European colony in the East, America has had a great mix of multicultural peoples living together. For instance the millions of ‘Native Americans’(living amongst their native cultures for thousands of years) were the first peoples/tribes encountered by European inhabitors when reaching this continent (which later became the United States of America). This excessive gathering of diverse peoples: in a new land, holding on to their own customs and cultures, has created the America we know today. This combination of multi-cultural people, are who formed together and later gained their independence through war and became a strong and powerful nation. The history of America’s ‘mixed inhabitants’ is complex yet fascinating. America has been called ‘The Melting Pot’ of the world, ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that america's climate and landscapes are as diverse as the 300 million people that live here, and the choices to which region to live are determined by the cultures and traditions of its people.
- Analyzes how roberts hughes reveals america's fascinating history through art and architecture through his book and documentary series american visions.
- Analyzes how robert hughes defies our biased notions of america's past while challenging use of historical art and architecture in a renewed approach.
726 wordsRead More - Cultural Diversity and the Impossibility of a True Melting Potopinionated essayCultural Diversity and the Impossibility of a True Melting Pot The core standards of America are founded, in principle, on the basis of its diversity and equality among citizens. Begin- ning with its Declaration of Independence, the United States distinguished itself from other modern nation-states by establishing a country of men who were different but equal. Yet, despite the unifying images America projects within and beyond its borders, the idea behind E Pluribus Unum does not resound as one might assume it would.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the idea behind e pluribus unum does not resound as one might assume it would.
- Explains that e pluribus unum was originally intended to represent the union of the thirteen colonies and the united states as a country formed by immigrants of many different backgrounds.
- Opines that there are many advantages to embracing the diversity america has within its borders. however, they understand that the united states has not always lived up to its motto.
- Argues that the attention paid to culture now is based on the differences between middle eastern and non-middle eastern cultures in america.
- Explains that they wanted to explore how american citizens choose to deal with cultures within the united states that differ from their own. they interviewed two people with strong, contrasting convictions about national identity and cultural differences.
- Narrates how lucy, a social worker, was asked to explain how she interpreted people from cultures that differ from her own.
- Narrates how lucy, a social worker, was unsatisfied with her answer, and asked her if she considered everyone in america to be "equal." she explained that she saw many people who didn't want to earn their livings.
- Explains that lucy was referring to the people who lived in the poorest section of the city in which she worked. she asked her if she was including non-citizens in her previous response.
- Asks lucy how she would be treated as an american if she were in a different country. "maybe not very well, depending on where i am."
- Narrates how lucy vehemently responded to her question about middle eastern americans and non-americans in the united states.
- Concludes their interview by asking lucy if she thought that there was any way for all of these different people who live in america to get along.
- Describes how they interviewed tom, a twenty-one-year-old college student majoring in communications, and he is of various european lineages, mostly of german and irish heritage.
- Narrates how they began their interview with him by asking him to explain how he interpreted people from cultures that differ from his own.
- Explains how they asked lucy the same question about equality issues as they did lucy. "everyone is equal. that's the law, isn't it?"
- Explains that tom wanted to analyze tom's response. he pointed out that no one is born under the same social conditions, and therefore nobody is equal to anyone else, even within members of their own society.
- Asks tom if he would include non-americans in that statement, and tom says, "if they deserve to be at the top, then that's great."
- Narrates how they knew tom had been abroad more than once, so they asked him how he felt treated as an american in those foreign countries.
- Asks the man how he feels about middle eastern americans and non-americans who reside in the united states. he replies, "i don't know why everyone is making such a big deal about those people living here?"
- Opines that tom seemed open about how the cultures interacted, and wanted to know how he thought they could improve relations.
- Describes elizabeth fernea's unique experience abroad, which she documented in her ethnography guests of the sheik. she was apprehensive at best about leaving her culture behind to live in rural middle eastern environment.
- Opines that fernea's adaptation to her surroundings makes me hopeful for the future of the relationships americans have between people within and outside of their own cultures.
- Opines that the diversity towards which america strives is precisely what causes so many problems among its citizenry. others realize the impossibility of a true melting pot and embrace cultural behaviors and attitudes that are unlike their own.
- Opines that they wish others could realize that cultural differences run only so deep-middle eastern americans have as much pride for this nation as do americans of non
2536 wordsRead More - The Melting Pot Theoryanalytical essayMelting Pot Theory Often America is referred to as “The large melting pot.” The idea that the United States is a land of opportunity, where anyone can come and blend into a new breed that is uniquely American. However, the cultural diversity in America is clearly evident, from physical characteristics to different religious beliefs and customs. As minorities immigrate to America and attempt to assimilate in society, they are forced to live a pluralistic lifestyle of blending with the current society, while struggling to maintain their heritage and identity “Minority individuals must learn to function in two environments: their own culture and that of the mainstream society” (de Anda, 1984: p101).
In this essay, the author
- Examines the strengths and weaknesses of the melting pot theory by looking at intermarriages, religion, and assimilation process of different ethnic groups.
- Opines that amalgamation occurs within the us because of the increasing rate of interracial marriages.
- Analyzes how the different religions prevalent in america reflected the diversity of american society. the separation from the protestant mainstream religion signified a change in society, but the amalgamation theory insinuated that prolonged interethnic contact led to the disappearance of ethnic and/or cultural differences.
- Explains that immigrants from western and eastern europe were treated with hostility and discrimination, while those who did not conform to the colonial lifestyle were ostracized from society.
- Opines that accepting the diversity and traditions of the different cultures is a way to continue to grow and accept the many different races and ethnicities within our borders.
1450 wordsRead More - Cultural Diversity Essayanalytical essayThere are more than 200 languages estimated to be spoken here in California alone (McCaffree 611-613). The reason cultural diversity is a barrier is because of different beliefs other countries and cultures have regarding health care. Another part of this type of barrier is due to language differences. Culture is a huge part of our life and each needs to be treated with respect. The US is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world so it’s even more important here; California is a very diverse state. Since the 20th century, there has been an increase in immigration into this country from different cultures. Our diversity is part of what defines us as a country. One such example is the Chinese culture that believes in the concept
In this essay, the author
- Explains that cultural diversity is a barrier due to different beliefs other countries and cultures have regarding health care. the us is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, so it’s even more important here.
- Analyzes how ikumi okamoto investigated the concept of "tairyoku" in palliative care in modern japan and its use by the cancer patients in the pcu.
- Analyzes how jim mccaffree interviewed several food and nutrition officials about cultural barriers, including laura mcnally and cecilia pozo-fileti.
- Analyzes how an article by katherine ardoin and kathleen wilson, two registered nurses, discusses the impact of cultural diversity in patient safety.
- Opines that communication barriers are caused by cultural diversity, such as language, cultural beliefs, and direct eye contact.
- Explains that language is the primary means of communicating every day. without a way to communicate, the doctor can't effectively treat the patient.
- Analyzes how language is a major barrier due to the many cultures here in the united states.
- Explains that language gives people a sense of community and belonging. they were exposed to spanish from their mother's house and traveled to mexico to see the difference between their culture and ours.
- Argues that language and cultural beliefs are almost equal causes for communication barriers. katherine ardoin and kathleen wilson's case illustrates that culture and language are pretty much equal in importance.
- Concludes that language is a huge part of who we are as individuals and that we should embrace and adapt to include all the cultures of our country.
1981 wordsRead More - Cultural Diversity Essayanalytical essayAntonio Perez Guerrero Essay #4 Diversity The concept of diversity is very broad and it covers many definitions. We can say that, above all, diversity is a characteristic feature of our world and the reality of the society around us. A reality that in recent years has been reinforced by economic globalization, and the mobilization of markets and people. More and more people move around the world, bringing their culture and personal experience.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that diversity is a characteristic feature of our world and the reality of the society around us.
- Analyzes how cultural diversity negatively affects a group of people or country. amy tan's "mother tongue" describes her difficulties and mishaps due to her chinese mother and primitive english.
- Analyzes how victor landas' "anonymous victims of dreams and a river" depicts mexican immigrants trying to cross the river that separates the usa and mexico.
- Opines that diversity can create a multicultural society where the coexistence of many traditions resulted in more mature, culturally developed communities, and brings people closer to each other.
696 wordsRead More - Multiculturalism Essayanalytical essayThe multiculturalism idea is about how to respond towards challenges that are associated with religious and cultural diversity. The term is used as a descriptive term that characterizes the diversity facts in the society. The proponent of multiculturalism rejects the melting point idea though the term has encompasses a variety of claims. The melting point idea is that members of the minority group maintain a distinct collection of practices and identities.in general multiculturalism means the practices and policies that respond and recognizes ethnic diversity (Roach et al, 2005 pg. 37). The first black president elected in us Barack Obama describes the different points of view regarding multicultural societies. Though each Atlantic side are
In this essay, the author
- Explains that multiculturalism is about how to respond to challenges associated with religious and cultural diversity. the melting point idea is that members of the minority group maintain a distinct collection of practices and identities.
- Explains that the united states likes presenting their lives as an immigration country. they form themselves after the colonists in european at the inborn residents who existed there before existence.
- Explains that europe has few traditional indigenous people, which is different from that of the united states. the minorities concept isn't based on a similar ground.
- Opines that different cultural groups don't have a similar history and socio-economic status, so they cannot be considered minority. there is an increase in diversity in europe since several states deal differently with the minority group.
- Analyzes how the german chancellor opened a deadly battle on multiculturalism. he stated that the approach has failed, followed by david cameron the prime minister to the u.k.
- Argues that obama's election in 2008, interpreted a complete end to segregation and minorities discrimination.
- Explains that multiculturalism philosophy is generally oriented than it can be held by institutions, people or the government. it refers to a set of particular philosophical ideas that are advanced by political theorists.
- Explains that multiethnicity in france contains a spiritual measurement in totaling to ethnic and racial differences. in the united states, there are no accurate figures of the population on religious affiliation.
- Concludes that europe has few traditional indigenous people that are considered as different from that of the u.s. the united states and europe multiculturalism are real but different.
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