nation is one in which various cultures
blend together more or less harmoniously
into a unified society. The cultural
expectation in a melting pot nation is that
the majority of immigrants will learn the
language and adopt the customs of the
culture to which they have moved. For
example, most descendants of European
immigrants do not speak the language or
practice the customs of their Europeans
ancestors. They have, voluntarily or by
necessity, assimilated into American
culture.
An alternative perspective iscultural
pluralism, in which different ethnic groups
coexist in the same society, with each
group celebrating its unique cultural
norms, while adhering to the laws of the
larger society. For example, Americans of
Middle Eastern descent often establish and
frequent their own restaurants and stores,
which sell the foods and clothing they
prefer. In a pluralistic society, these
different groups not only interact with
one another with a certain degree of
tolerance, but minority cultures are often
encouraged to uphold their customs.
Many ethnic families in America
practice unique customs of diet, dress, and
holiday observance, which serve to solidify
their ties to family and culture. These
families may speak their native tongues in
their homes, while speaking English in
public. In contrast to the melting pot
metaphor, it could be said asalad bowl
image personifies cultural pluralism. A
salad is a single entity comprised of
individual ingredients which retain their
individuality in the bowl. In a salad bowl
nation, the various cultures retain their
identities as they mix with one another to
form a larger society.
Immigrant families face particular
challenges. Ambert (2001) suggests the
most successful immigrant families
becomebicultural. They adopt the
language and norms of both cultures and
can easily move back and forth between
them. The children learn to respect their
English-speaking teachers and do well in
school. This is in contrast to immigrant
families who may move into a poor
neighborhood where crime, teen
pregnancy, and high school dropout rates
are high. Children in such families
(second-generation immigrants) may
experience downward social mobility—
they may do less well than their parents
because of the environment in which they
are living.America’s Minority Groups
Whether it is called a melting pot or a
salad bowl, the United States is an exciting
blend of cultures. From Chinatown to the
French Quarter, from simple Amish
churches to technologically advanced
mega churches, America’s history is
steeped in diversity. From colonial times
on, different ethnic groups have left theirChapter 11