A kind of discordant harmony: issues in assimilation.

TL;DR: The salad bowl metaphor for this approach conveys a mixture in which the elements combine without losing their individual character as discussed by the authors. But anti-discrimination remedies cannot help those who are in the throes of assimilation.

Abstract: In the US the majority is intimately involved in assimilating minorities. The degree of cultural assimilation which American society has expected of immigrants has changed significantly over time. The 1st attitude (which began in the late 1800s) was that America was a "melting pot" where people of many nationalities and languages could come together and live in discordant harmony while they assimilated to the national norm. The migrant received liberty and economic rewards. The US received cheap labor and psychological gratification from being regarded as the land of opportunity. In 1915 Horace Kallen challenged the idea of complete cultural metamorphosis and proposed the concept of "cultural pluralism." Cultural pluralism would encourage the maintenance of the individuals ethnic group ties and culture of origin; the US would be an amalgam of its many separate cultural parts. In the 1960s the black pride movement provided a model and basis upon which other ethnic groups could build. There has been a shift in the relative importance of being American as opposed to belonging to a distinct racial cultural or ethnic subgroup. The salad bowl metaphor for this approach conveys a mixture in which the elements combine without losing their individual character. A combination of powerful forces impede assimilation such as 1) immigration is at the highest level in US history 2) a majority of migrants speak 1 language--Spanish and 3) many new migrants will maintain ties with their home countries. Studies show that 1) many Mexican migrants dont identify themselves as American and 2) while the Spanish language is becoming the most important mechanism for preserving Hispanic cultural identity most other traditions associated with Hispanic culture are weakening. However the trend toward Americanization is occurring. At present the US is trying to lessen the need for migrants to assimilate. But anti-discrimination remedies cannot help those who are in the throes of assimilation. The truly open and accepting society will work hard to facilitate the assimilation and integration of immigrants into itself; it will not create special exemptions special ghettos to isolate immigrants and preserve their differences. The clearly stated goal of US society must be the integration of ethnic minorities within the mainstream culture.