Cultural pluralism
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The document discusses cultural pluralism and diversity in American society. It argues that Americans must understand how diversity benefits the nation and learn about contributions from diverse groups to combat ignorance, not diversity itself. While Anglo conformity rejects diversity, cultural pluralism supports preserving cultural heritage and views diversity as a positive attribute. Pluralism requires active participation and awareness of others, rather than just tolerance, to create an interdependent society that recognizes diversity as an ideal.
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Cultural pluralism
- 2. “It is imperative that Americans understand how we benefit from diversity and that we learn more about previous and current contributions of diverse groups in our society because the real threat to our nation is not diversity but ignorance.” p. 150
- 3. Attitudes about Diversity Anglo Conformity Rejects diversity in favor of homogeneity Concept of “Americanization” Melting pot, Stews, and Salads Color blind Separatism
- 4. 10 things to know about race 1. Race is a modern idea. 2. Race has no genetic basis. 3. Human subspecies don’t exist. 4. Skin color really is only skin deep. 5. Most variation is within, not between, “races.”
- 5. 6. Slavery predates race. 7. Race and freedom were born together. 8. Race justified social inequalities as natural. 9. Race isn’t biological, but racism is still real. 10.Colorblindness will not end racism.
- 6. Cultural Pluralism Right to preserve cultural heritage Diversity as a positive attribute of society Appreciation vs. tolerance Despite significant research and efforts, cultural pluralism continues to be overshadowed by Anglo conformity
- 7. 5 reasons to support pluralism Failure of Anglo conformity Impact on self-consciousness and self- determination Necessity of human interdependence Recognition of diversity as an ideal Current existence of diversity
- 8. “diversity alone is not pluralism. Pluralism is not a given but must be created. Pluralism requires participation and attunement to the life and energies of one another.” (Ecks, 2001)
- 10. “It is NOT POSSIBLE to claim to have pluralistic attitudes and be passive because passivity perpetuates social injustice.”
Editor's Notes
- Everyone should conform to values, norms, and standards determined by the Anglo founders of the country and modified by a continuing white majority; eliminate differences based on assumption that a homogeneous society will be a harmonious society Reject other language, clothing, traditions; assimilate to Anglo culture asap Goal was to become as much like American anglos as possible—forced people of color to conform but they could never get over the disadvantage of skin color Melting pot—ethnic differences could blend into a uniquely new identity; reality is that the melting pot is highly selective; forces people give up ethnic identification, history, traditions; de-emphasized differences; disregard diversity; ignore differences to avoid problems arising from differences Colorblind—people ignore a person’s skin color; “When I look at you I don’t see color, I just see my friend.”; deny that privileges exist, also deny the importance of culture Separatism—belief that differences are irreconcilable and will ultimately result in hostility; differences will never disappear and will always cause conflict
- Ancient societies, like the Greeks, did not divide people according to physical differences, but according to religion, status, class or even language. The English word "race" turns up for the first time in a 1508 poem by William Dunbar referring to a line of kings. Not one characteristic, trait or even gene distinguishes all the members of one so-called race from all the members of another so-called race. Unlike many animals, modern humans simply haven’t been around long enough, nor have populations been isolated enough, to evolve into separate subspecies or races. On average, only one of every thousand of the nucleotides that make up our DNA differ one human from another. We are one of the most genetically similar of all species. The genes for skin color have nothing to do with genes for hair form, eye shape, blood type, musical talent, athletic ability or forms of intelligence. Knowing someone’s skin color doesn’t necessarily tell you anything else about them. Of the small amount of total human variation, 85% exists within any local population. About 94% can be found within any continent. That means, for example, that two random Koreans may be as genetically different as a Korean and an Italian.
- Throughout much of human history, societies have enslaved others, often as a result of conquest or debt, but not because of physical characteristics or a belief in natural inferiority. Due to a unique set of historical circumstances, North America has the first slave system where all slaves shared a common appearance and ancestry. The U.S. was founded on the principle that "All men are created equal," but the country’s early economy was based largely on slavery. The new idea of race helped explain why some people could be denied the rights and freedoms that others took for granted. The “common sense” belief in white superiority justified anti-democratic action and policies like slavery, the extermination of American Indians, the exclusion of Asian immigrants, the taking of Mexican lands, and the institutionalization of racial practices within American government, laws, and society Race is a powerful social idea that gives people different access to opportunities and resources. The government and social institutions of the United States have created advantages that disproportionately channel wealth, power and resources to white people. Pretending race doesn’t exist is not the same as creating equality.
- Encourages people to identify themselves in terms of their heritage as well as American; up to each individual how much of the customs, traditions, and language of an ethnic heritage to maintain
- Matrix for Oppressive and Anti-Oppressive Behaviors Actively assert and promote prejudices People are prejudiced without expressing those ideas or behaving in ways that obviously reflect prejudice Reject prejudiced ideas and sympathize with victims of social injustice, but do not express their views; say and do nothing to make a difference People must reject prejudiced ideas, articulate pluralistic attitudes, and act on a new consciousness of human differences