Essay on Management
- The United States has been called a "Melting Pot". Define Melting Pot. Is the United States really a "Melting Pot" of Nations? Or is it something else?
The metaphor of melting pot or crucible appeared in 18-19th centuries or even a little bit earlier when the mass colonization of the United States began. This concept describes the ideals of immigrants from different countries and nations. For them is was an image of perfect society when people from parts of the world, representatives of different heterogeneous cultures create a homogeneous society exactly the same as different substance melt inside the pot to form a new one. The metaphor was used in the framework of vision where the United States are considered an ideal republic, a new promised land. Millions of immigrants sailed to America to start a new life. They brought their own language and culture to another land. However, they were made to adapt to the rules of the severe country and everything melted in one culture, which was accepted by representatives of different nations. The notion of “melting pot” came into general usage after the play The Melting Pot written by Israel Zangwill at the beginning of the 20th century. As for the United States it denotes the process of Americanization or cultural assimilation including intermarriages and other forms of acculturation.
Nowadays, the United States still remains the country where different nations live. Nevertheless, the notion of melting pot cannot be applied to its development and policy. The 20th century’s history showed that every nation should be treated respectfully and the culture of every ethnicity should be appreciated. Therefore, the United States can be called a multicultural country. The policy of bilingual education as well as creation of cultural centers is implemented. Everyone tries to save its own individuality and focuses of cultural differences.
