Multiculturalism has had a positive impact on America in many ways. It has helped to improve education by exposing students to different cultures and viewpoints. It has also helped to promote understanding and respect for different cultures. Additionally, multiculturalism has helped to create a more diverse and vibrant culture in America.
Although it is now more common to see people from diverse backgrounds living together in close proximity, some societies are more lenient than others when it comes to what could be termed as multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is identified as the co-existence of different cultures within a single bounded territory where a small group of people from diverse backgrounds have the right to practice things that are different from the dominant population but are still accepted as an important part of society at large (Kennedy-Dubourdieu, 2006, p.1).
The term multiculturalism is not new and it was coined in the late 1960s. It was however, given prominence by Canadian prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau when he declared that Canada is a country of many cultures which should be respected (Kymlicka, 2006, p.2).
The existence of multiculturalism has a number of advantages to the people living in a multicultural society as well as to the society as a whole. One of such advantages is the education that people from different cultures can learn from each other. In America for instance, there have been series of interracial marriages which have led to the children born from such unions being exposed to two or more cultures.
These children are able to learn about their parents’ cultures as well as the mainstream American culture. The children are also able to learn new languages which could be an advantage to them in future. In a study conducted by Berry, Phinney, Sam and Vedder (2006), it was discovered that such children tend to have higher self-esteem and develop a stronger sense of identity than those who are brought up in a single cultural setting.
Cultural diversity also leads to the appreciation of different cultures by people from the majority group. People from the dominant group are able to learn about the customs and traditions of people from other cultures and this helps to foster tolerance and understanding. It also helps to dispel some of the stereotypes and misconceptions that people from the majority group may have about people from other cultures. The appreciation of other cultures also leads to the enrichment of the dominant culture as it is exposed to new ideas and beliefs.
Multiculturalism also has a positive impact on the economy of a country. When people from different cultures interact, they are able to share their knowledge and skills which leads to innovation and creativity. This in turn leads to economic growth as new products and services are developed. Multiculturalism also leads to an increase in tourism as people from all over the world visit a country to learn about its different cultures.
It is therefore evident that multiculturalism has a number of advantages which make it good for both individuals and society as a whole. Education, cultural enrichment, and economic growth are just some of the ways in which multiculturalism can impact positively on a society. Countries that embrace multiculturalism are able to benefit from the talents and skills of people from different cultures. It is therefore important for countries to encourage and promote multiculturalism as it is a source of strength and not weakness.
The United States is a land of diversity, home to millions of immigrants who seek to live the “American dream.” Multiculturalism has been on the rise in the country since 1950.
There have been many arguments for and against the fast-paced movement of multiculturalism in recent years. While it is true that there are some drawbacks to this way of living, we often forget that everything has its pros and cons.
In this paper, the positive aspects of multiculturalism will be discussed in order to have a better understanding of the subject.
It has been always said that America is a melting pot of different cultures. However, what most people do not realize is that the term “melting pot” was first used by an Englishman named John Winthrop. He stated that America would be a “city upon a hill” and an example to the rest of the world (Winthrop, 1630).
The phrase meant that immigrants who came to America would melt into the American culture and adopt its values and beliefs. While this may have been the case in the past, things have changed now. America has become more welcoming to different cultures and has allowed them to retain their own values and beliefs. This is what is known as multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism can be defined as “the presence of people from a diversity of cultures within one social system” (Parillo, 2008, p.167). It is the acceptance and celebration of different cultures in a society. In the United States, multiculturalism has been evident in various aspects such as education, business, and even in politics.
Education is one area where the positive impact of multiculturalism can be seen. The rise of multiculturalism has led to an increase in the number of Diversity courses being offered in colleges and universities across the country. These courses help students learn about different cultures and their customs and traditions. In addition, multiculturalism has also led to the inclusion of books from different cultures in the curriculum. This is important as it helps students learn about other cultures and their way of life.
The business world is another area where the positive impact of multiculturalism can be seen. The rise in global trade has led to an increase in the number of multinational corporations. These corporations have employees from all over the world. The presence of employees from different cultures has led to a better understanding of different cultures and their customs. In addition, it has also helped in the development of new products and services that are catering to the needs of different cultures.
The purpose of this paper is to explore the positive impact of multiculturalism in the United States. As Vincent Parillo states, (2008, p. 167- 168), America’s strength lies among its people from different cultures, and this will not fade away anytime soon. The diversity of people has contributed immensely to developing the United States as a whole; many immigrants have come into the country and left their mark on America’s evolution.
Multiculturalism has definitely transformed American education. It has inculcated in the minds of young children the importance of being tolerant to other cultures and races. Education is one powerful tool that can lessen or totally eradicate racism. With multiculturalism, schools were able to provide advanced and improved learning experiences for all students regardless of their cultural background (Ladson-Billings, 1999).
The United States is a country composed of different cultures. Through the years, it has been known as “The Melting Pot” because various races melted and formed into one. The term was first used by an English playwright named Israel Zangwill in his play The Melting Pot which was first staged in 1908 (Vincent Parillo, 2008, p. 167-168).
It was said to be a play that symbolically expressed America’s ability to receive and accommodate people of different cultures, races, and religions. The main characters in the play were immigrants from Russia who have successfully assimilated into American culture while still retaining their own cultural identity.
The United States is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. There is no single dominant culture or religion. In America, there is a separation of church and state which means that the government does not favor or promote any particular religion (Diversity in Education, n.d.).