Thanks to the voluminous information about how the United States became a melting pot of cultural diversity, I have come to appreciate the different ethnicities around me (Jacoby, 2009). The USA is appreciative of diversity and embraces all the different cultures of individuals who form the national heritage of what the country is today. I have learned that all cultures contribute to the identity and pride of our country, which would not, even in the slightest degree, be the same had they been missing. Every community contributed to the economic, political and social sphere of what makes the USA a powerhouse. The white people formed the ruling class that spearheaded capitalism and industrialization, which are both things that have contributed to the country becoming an economic powerhouse. The African American, Chinese, Mexican, and Asian communities formed the backbone of the labor market. Without any of these communities, the USA would not have achieved the economic milestones that it has. I have learned that African Americans were influential in the incorporation of the rights and freedoms doctrine in the ratified constitution and helped shape the politics of this country. Additionally, during the Second World War, the marginalized ethnic groups helped the country win the war by actively participating in the fighting and helping in the delivery of weaponry. Through such information on how all these cultures, including my own, were helpful in the USA journey to liberation, political prowess and economic freedom, I have become more appreciative of diversity.
In 2050, the USA will be a complete cultural mash-up. There are many immigrants flocking the country. The Chinese, Russians, Africans and many other groups are establishing settlements in the country. A result of these continuous immigrations is the intermarriages that will give rise to more culturally diverse individuals. I predict that the country will be referred to as America without the necessity of introducing the different cultures in it. All these culture will unite to form one single identity that will be called the American people. There will not be any references to specific cultural groups because the only culture will be that of the American people. The issue of cultural diversity will not be addressed because the groups will form just one single culture of the America people. The reason is that there would be the complete melting or mashing of the cultures that now form the doctrine of cultural diversity.
The diversity of the people of the USA, however, poses some challenges. Politically, there are communities that may feel less advantaged and cease from participation in democratic aspects such as voting. In a metropolitan community, every group would love to have one of their members represent them in decision-making. Numbers play a paramount role in such situations. The outnumbered groups may fail to participate in political processes because they feel insignificant. It is politically challenging because the views of everyone need to be represented. Typically, any place that has a difference in origin is bound to have stereotypes because of the competitive nature of humans. Therefore, diversity still experiences the challenge of discrimination based on color and racial orientation. Every race would like to be superior, thereby generating issues of hatred.
Even so, the diversity in the USA is advantageous. It brings about a combination of talent and skill that are necessary for the development of different aspects in the country. Every ethnic community is oriented with unique skills that could be used for the benefit of the country. Also, a diverse community helps the country to earn favor with the countries of origin of these communities. As a result, the USA creates a strong ally of friends (Parvis, 2005). The countries would come in handy during trade agreements and other international policies. Additionally, acceptance of cultural diversity helps in the creation of peace both nationally and internationally.
Acceptance of cultural diversity should begin in the education sector. More languages that represent all the cultures in the USA should be taught in schools and be made a requirement as opposed to an option. Also, the education sector could incorporate measures that would ensure the immigrant communities get a chance of advancing in their education and having meaningful careers (Naylor, 1997). For instance, the merit levels for college could be made flexible for people from immigrant communities. The economic sector should include immigrants in the prestigious job sector. They should be absorbed into the skilled labor force and given training in the same. They could also be considered for promotions in the workplace and given an opportunity of advancement and improvement.
Additionally, the culture of immigrant communities should be fully incorporated into the American system. For instance, their foods should be served in restaurants and their music played in social gatherings and their religion appreciated and taught in American communities. The media propels stereotyping through the central focus on instances of racism. The media never focus on those stories that showcase how people have come together albeit their differences. Through a focus on such issues, the media tell the people in society how they are perceived and continually inflicts the racial wound in people. It tells the society of how people from a particular community are supposed to behave and covers stories of any odd behavior from them. As such, the media help to create an identity and individualism in racial matters. For instance, it covers stories about black people robbing others and engaging in drug abuse. As a result, the black community will identify with such acts. Also, through covering such stories as that of the shooting of Michael in Ferguson, the media help to instigate hatred between the black and white communities.
However, the media also fosters an appreciation for diversity. One way is through broadcasting channels and programs from the different ethnic groups in the American society. Such an endeavor helps people learn of the cultural practices in these ethnic communities. For example, channels such as Telemundo help the viewers to understand the deep connection belief that Mexicans have in love. Moreover, the media bring awareness of the different cultures that exist in America by showing viewers different cultural ceremonies and religion. For example, there is a segment in television that is dedicated to the 30 minutes show on the most spectacular cultures and traditions of different ethnic groups.
Individuals and the United States need to work together in ensuring that distinct cultures are appreciated. Such can be done through community centered activities that aim at teaching people about the different cultural practices in the USA. Such activities can be fostered through the advancement of cultural community centers that seek to bring people together. In such a way, individuals across the different cultural spheres will integrate to form one community that is sensitive about the differences that it possesses (Dines & Humez, 2011). I can change my behavior to be more accommodative by socially engaging with people from other cultural communities. I could make friendships with people from other communities and learn about their cultures. Furthermore, I could change my perception about certain communities based on the stereotypes people have of them. Such a change will constitute doing research on the ethnic groups in order to understand how they operate and why they do certain things. In the past, stereotypes have made me judgmental and critically inquisitive of the behaviors of other people around me. However, I intend to seek insight into different cultures so that I understand them better and stop being critical.
References
Naylor, L. L. (1997). Cultural diversity in the United States. Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Bergin & Garvey.
Parvis, L. F. (2005). Understanding cultural diversity in today's complex world. Morrisville, NC: Lulu Press.
Dines, G., & Humez, J. M. M. (2011). Gender, race, and class in media: A critical reader. Thousand Oaks, Cali: SAGE Publications.
Jacoby, T. (2009). Reinventing the Melting Pot: The New Immigrants and What it Means to be American. New York: Basic Books
