Minorities in the United States Essay Example for Free

Minorities in the United States Essay Assimilation is defined as a process by which an individual or a group acquires the attitudes and sentiments of other individuals or groups and then incorporates their history and experience to achieve a similar cultural life (Park Burgess, 1921). Early American ancestors who were against assimilation in the country foresaw that immigrants to the country would throw away their cultural identities and the next generations would not retain those cultural identities. It was debated that assimilation could result to a similar nature of national identity in which immigrants could achieve both social and economic benefits by integrating themselves into the mainstream of the American culture (Barvosa-Carter). Immigrants are required to take an identity of an Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, white and monolingual English language speaker when integrating immigrants on the assimilationist model. However, assimilation disregarded the important distinction between a national identity and an ethnic identity. Assimilationists have influenced the American political culture with a false view that the growing cultural diversity among immigrants affects their loyalty to the country (Barvosa-Carter). Furthermore, an assimilationist approach adopts the notion that successful integration of immigrants in the country must remove all ethnic identities among immigrants (Barvosa-Carter). Definition of multiculturalism Multiculturalism is also called ethnic federalism because it is the official acknowledgment of unique, fundamentally fixed ethnic individuals and the sharing of resources based on the idea of membership in an ethnic group. It disapproves the concept of the role of ethnic diversity in the emergence of a single, culturally united people. Multiculturalism also affirms the right of every ethnic American to privilege and power, to demand recognition and respect, and to act in their native language (Salins, 1997). Moreover, multiculturalism came out of a conflict between social cohesion and cultural diversity that has been existent in the American political culture since its formation (Bryson, 2005). Assimilation versus Multiculturalism Assimilation in American life has been much more accommodating, flexible, and effective in allowing the country to retain its national unity despite the influx of different types of cultures and nationalities, while multiculturalism is more often an ideology of ethnic grievance and unavoidably results to ethnic conflict (Salins, 1997). There are two principles that are considered the foundation of multiculturalism and the opposites of assimilationism: immigrants should not throw away any of the cultural qualities they inherited from their ancestors and there will or can never be a single united nationalistic identity that all Americans can interrelate with (Salins, 1997). According to Chavez, multiculturalism supersedes affirmative action with a power to influence how all racial and ethnic groups in the country perceive themselves and conceptualize the country. Proponents of multiculturalism have not lost their belief in the capability of assimilation. The drive to traditionally assimilate ethnic minorities has been overwhelming in the United States, notably among the children of immigrants. Religion looks to be a more effective hindrance to complete assimilation than the temporal elements of culture (Chavez, 2009). Strengths and Limitations of Assimilation and Multiculturalism One of the disadvantages of multiculturalism is the failure to hear the voices of other people who live and share in the same country. However, multiculturalism has proved to be powerful and exclusionary because its primary framework and tools are borrowed from the history of anthropology (Michaelsen, 1999). According to Chavez (2009), the driving force for multiculturalism will not come from immigrants, but from their assimilated counterparts who are more affluent and established. However, multiculturalism will not promote progress, but will put the nation a step backward. The more culturally diverse Americans become, the more important that they commit themselves to a shared culture. The most notable attribute of American culture has been its capability to integrate different elements into a new unified culture (Chavez, 2009). Assimilation among Americans has always implied the notion of give and take and the American culture has been enhanced or improved by what individual ethnic groups contributed to it. (Chavez, 2009) Minority groups experiences Discrimination suffered by ethnic minorities in the United States has affected their achievements in life. The country faces two challenges in dealing with ethnic relations: the move to further eliminate the negative impact of racism that started with slavery and the successful assimilation of growing immigrants, particularly coming from South and Central America and Asia. Moreover, the immigration trend in the country has gained exceptional successes in making the nation’s motto a reality. However, each wave of immigration has resulted to tension between new types of immigrants and older, naturalized immigrants (Thernstrom, A S, 2002). The nature and structure of life in the United States constitutes the social environment in which interpersonal relations among people of different religions, races and national origins occur. The estimated 190 million Americans are not just individual persons with psychological attributes, but belong to different types of groups: primary, secondary, family, associations, social networks, religious, racial, and social classes. The nature of these different types of groups and their interpersonal relationships has a fundamental impact on how people of different cultural backgrounds perceive and relate to each other (Gordon, 1964). The different cultural varieties of Americans have the tendency to be with their own social class and ethnic group for the main purpose of having the warm relationships with their primary groups, interacting with other cultural varieties of Americans mainly in neutral relationships with secondary groups (Gordon, 1964). In conclusion, the United States can cope with the influx of immigrants and increasing diversity by making sure that all Americans learn how to relate with different types of groups that exist in the country. They must learn to continually eliminate structural separation of different types of ethnic groups by enhancing their interaction on the job, on the civic environment, and in other areas of impersonal relations. The process of having a modern and industrial society is dependent on the commitment of mobility and interchangeability of individuals based on their occupational expertise and needs. The universal criteria of training and competence, which rely on the achievement of occupational roles, the choice of political leaders, the selection of living space, and the effective implementation of the educational process must exist in the country, while the criteria based on religion, racial background, and nationality must eliminate. If the structural separation of ethnic groups, brought by prejudices and the desire to maintain their own subculture and ethnic identity, the American society will experience, conflict, mediocrity and confusion (Gordon 1964). Chavez recommends that that all of ethnic minorities in the United States should think of themselves as Americans, no matter where they all come from or what reasons that brought their ancestors in the country. All Americans need to retain the idea that they are one people, not simply an integration of various and competing ethnic groups. Furthermore, the value for immigrant children to understand English than to retain their native language is also necessary to address the complexity of cultural diversity. Going beyond the line where ethnicity and race are the key elements that Americans identify themselves or establish loyalty is also needed. Retaining the values and principles that unite Americans must exist rather than their differences in ancestry (Chavez, 2009). The nation can also cope with the steady influx of immigrants by understanding the concept of culture. Cultures are sets of practices involving codes of communication, habits of interaction, expression of artistic talents, and standards of human behavior that need to be understood by Americans. Furthermore, cultures are interrelated with people because as people change their cultural practices, the entire cultures can and do change (Moya, 2002). Students and teachers can play an important role in helping the nation cope with the growing cultural diversity. They must learn to understand that certain ethnic groups are culturally deprived, while other ethnic groups are culturally rich. It is also important that students and educators must be provided with tools they need to learn the impact of daily interaction on different cultural practices. Understanding the notion of concept of culture will help explain the importance of cultural diversity. Cultures not only can familiarize Americans to the world, but can also be an important form of moral knowledge (Moya, 2002). References Barvosa-Carter, Edwina. American immigrants in American conflict. Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from http://journal. georgetown. edu/72/barvosa. cfm. Bryson, Bethany Paige (2005). Making Multiculturalism: Boundaries and Meaning in U. S. Palo Alto, California: Stanford University. Chavez, Linda (2009). Multiculturalism is driving us apart. USA Today. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mim1272/is_n2612_v124/ai_18274647/ Gordon, Milton M. (1964). Assimilation in American Life: The Role of Race, Religion and National Origins. Great Britain: Oxford University Press, Inc. Michaelsen, Scott (1999). Limits of Multiculturalism: Interrogating the Origins of American Anthropology. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press. Moya, Paula M. L. (2002). Learning From Experience: Minority Identities, Multicultural Struggles. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. Park, Robert E. Burgess, Ernest W. (1921). Introduction to the Science of Sociology. Chicago, Il: University of Chicago Press. Salins, Peter D. (1997). Assimilation, American style: multiculturalism and ethnic relations. Reason. Los Angeles, California: Reason Foundation. Thernstrom, Abigail Stephan, Eds. (2002). Beyond the Color Line: New Perspectives on Race and Ethnicity in America. Palo Alto, California: Hoover Institution Press.

The Old Man and the Sea :: Free Essay Writer

The Old Man and the Sea I believe that in the past three decades, the way society has treated he elderly has remained primarily the same. Some younger citizens have looked up to the elderly with respect, yet most continue to shun them and consider them useless and hopeless in a society such as ours. I think that the elderly population is continually losing respect from the new generations. Santiago, the elderly man in the novel The Old Man and the Sea, is respected by a young boy, Manolin, yet he is also looked down upon by many of the younger fishermen in the Cuban fishing village where he lives. This book is set in the late 1930's and, I as I see it, shows that societies all around the world have had a decline in respect for the older people in their environment since the beginning of the nineteenth century. An enormous number of issues have changed since Santiago's time, allowing the elderly to have the ability to do more in their old age and live in areas specifically designed for their needs. However, there is still an enormous lack of respect for the older people in society, and it is becoming worse every day. Younger citizens of our country make fun of older people, call them names, and believe that they are incapable of doing most things that the younger ones are capable of doing. When we believe they can no longer support themselves, we place our elderly relatives into retirement homes and "old folks' homes" as many call them. Sometimes they, themselves, do not wish to go to such a place, but we force them to, which many times is the wrong choice. Some younger people help the elderly, though, and try to support them, but few of these people can be found. It is a fact that when people get beyond a certain age, their memories begin depleting and they atrophy physically. However, as Santiago shows in the novel, older people have much knowledge about the world around them and enough strength to make it through hard situations if they are determined and have the will and courage to believe in a better tomorrow. In Santiago's community, it is shown that their is still a natural respect for elders, as is seen in Manolin's support of the old man. He was one of the dying breed that truly looked up to his elders and regarded their feelings and experiences with much respect.

The Effects of Computers on Our Everyday Lives

Computers have changed the lives of people’s in many ways. Now sitting in front of the computer, peoples can easily get access to the Internet by a simple click of mouse. Over the entire world 80 percent of people use the Internet every day. On computer people can simply do anything such as, a slide show presentation, a good communication, creating your own assignment, music, or art etc. They can also get a useful information and media on the Internet. For these reason people deeply use computers at places such as schools, hospitals, offices, and at home etc.There are the lots of positive and negative effects of computers. Some of the positive effects are faster communication, an organization of data and information, computerization of tasks, and easier access to the information. Some of the negative effects of computers are human’s break their social interact with friends and families, cause back problem, depression, and poor health. One of the best effects of computer is helping students and workers to complete and ensure of their works. For example, most of the students can easily access to a wealth of information, study online, and translate words or texts on computers.Students can also easily find information for assignment with in a minute by the helping of wireless technology. There are many of social networking site of learning math’s, reading, history and science, and online learning language. And there are also some negative points of computers on learning. For instance, teachers give assignments to students for their knowledge but some students didn’t do by themselves they just research on net and do copy paste from the site and then they submit their assignment to the teacher this is not good for them.They should also use their brain. Moreover, computers give many opportunities to meet new people. There are many social networking sites in which people can interact with others as such Facebook, Skype, and my space etc. Whe n people use these sites they reconnect with old friends and classmates. They can share their pictures and songs with their friends. Wireless technology helps people to talk with friends anywhere easily. These are the positives effects of computers.Now negatives effects of computers are its can also damage people relationship with parents and friends by using too much computer, some people misuse pictures, videos of others on social networking sites, and some sites are not good for some kids. In case, a person who spends more time on a computer can also cause back problem, may complain about headaches, and pains in their wrists, arms and necks. These pains are often the result of a fixed position when people using the computer keyboard for a long amount of time. It’s better to take breaks when typing on the computer.Eye and other problems are the most common health complaints of computer users. This kind of health issue comes as no surprise to anyone a person who has worked f or long time periods in front of a computer. Of course, there are so many cause and effects of computer. A person who use computer daily for long time period, make sure you sit with your back straight and lower back should touch the back rest the whole time as well as your legs should bend to the knee. You can also support your back by pillow if needed. Keep your feet on the floor all the time or use something like box if your feet don’t reach at the floor.

The Legalizing Marijuana Debate Essay - 979 Words

Proposition 19, also known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act, was a controversial new initiative on the November 2, 2010 California statewide ballot, that would have applied a new tax on cannabis. Many reasons arose to contest this new proposition. Firstly, at a state and federal level one does not find a sufficient system currently in place to prevent the dispersion of cannabis to minors. Secondly, drivers already have enough contemporary distractions that will impair their driving such as: alcohol and the use of a cell-phone. Therefore, the government does not need to add marijuana as an additional dangerous influence for drivers. Moreover, once society compromises sanctioning a recognized drug, what will stop the general†¦show more content†¦Nowadays, cell-phones and alcohol consumption are enough distractions to hamper driver’s concentration; we do not need to add legal marijuana as another distraction. Defining, the distraction of marijuana, Szalavitz reports and Kluger (2010) writes,† tetrahydrocannabinol (T.H.C.) that’s behind a pot high’s otherworldly edge-and also behind the paranoia and hallucination†, hallucinations can put someone in crazy places, when one is driving his focus must be on the road and not somewhere else. Enlightening people to the hazard that external influences and specifically cell-phone usage create, researchers Horrey and Wickens (2006) found, â€Å"Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year†. Furthermore, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (1991) writes, â€Å"It is unlawful for anyone with 0.08 percent or more alcohol in his or her blood to drive†, the department deems legally intoxicated, one with blood alcohol content (B.A.C.) of 0.08%. On this note, research from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C) (1993) relaying to the government the numbers of death caused by those driving und er the influence write, â€Å"deaths among young persons aged 10-24 years in the UnitedShow MoreRelatedThe Debate Over Legalizing Marijuana745 Words   |  3 PagesLegalizing marijuana is a concept that can potentially benefit the public as well as the local economies. There has been a nationwide debate on whether marijuana should be legalized or not. The major consensus is that marijuana is not only bad for one’s health, but it is also dangerous to the community. These allegations are not true. Marijuana actually has health benefits that most people overlook. The following essay will address these health benefits in an attempt to present this concept in aRead MoreThe Debate over Legalizing Marijuana967 Words   |  4 PagesMarijuana is a drug which is used for recreational purposes as well as medicinal purposes. 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