Poll: Should America Encourage Multiculturalism or a Melting Pot?

[Conversationist]

What should new arrivals and foreign born newcomers embrace:

Multiculturalism: Every newcomer to America will continue to keep his/her own language, dress, culture, lifestyle of the country they came from. Adjustments to the American way of life should only be the minimum required to get a job and adjust to the American economic and social norms.

Melting Pot: New Comers to America will make every effort to change their life style, language, dress, etc. to me more similar to the American way.

What do you think?

 

[cardaway]

Combination of both, just like it's always been.

 

[Mysteria]

What do YOU think?

Oh and for what it's worth imo your definitions for both are too rigid.

Myst

 

[Nebsky]

Melting pot.

If I were to move to another country, I would do my best to assimilate. I would definitely learn to speak the language. Plus, I would enter the country leagally!!

 

[Marseeya]

Lately it's been referred to as a "tossed salad." I like that description.

I prefer multiculturalism. I hate to think of anyone giving up their individuality or their cultural identity just to become this twisted notion of what is "American."

 

[Puffy2]

Multi Cluture. Because, just who decided what it meant to be an "American" anyway - we ALL came from somewhere else except for the Native Americans...perhaps we should have adopted THEIR culture.

 

[Sparx]

I'm torn. I don't it when people come into another country and absolutly refuse to bend to how they live. If I went to another country, I would learn the language, wear their clothes, eat their food. But I also don't want suburban clones everywhere with minivans and a ranch house. I think it should be a little of both.

 

[cardaway]

Lately it's been referred to as a "tossed salad." I like that description.

Not by people who know they other way that phrase is used these days.

 

[AllyandJack]

Not by people who know they other way that phrase is used these days.

I can thank Oprah for bringing that phrase to my attention.

I said Melting Pot, but I don't care if people talk to each other in their native language. I also think that having some of the culture from back home in the house is great. However, since English is the language native-born people here speak, people should learn it when they come here. It's also for their convenience. I'd learn French if I moved or even visited France. I don't care if they dress like they do back in their country. Frankly, there are many styles from THIS country I'd rather see disappear!