Unit 5- Discussion Board:

Overtime as the United States progressed and became more culturally diverse, the melting pot theory and the American mosaic concept were formed (M.U.S.E., 2010). During the 19th century, the melting pot theory was formed and described as a blending or fusion of society where different cultures and nations and mixed together to form a common culture. More recently, the American mosaic concept was shaped essentially stating people from different cultures and backgrounds come together in harmony adding their own unique contributions to society, otherwise known as multiculturalism.

The American mosaic appears to be a bit more realistic in regards to our society. One reason behind this is everyone is different. The blending of different nationalities, cultures, and religions and forming of one common culture seems a bit outrageous. I think it would be truly unrealistic for individuals to give up their true identity, language, and/or culture to become basically one in the same. Additionally, I do not think it’s possibly for one and all to be considered the same when problems such as discrimination still exist (Carliner, 1975).

As stated by Xiao-huang (1998), “the Asian-Pacific population in the United States grew from one million in 1965 to over nine million in 1995”(para.2). This is just one example of one ethnic group who has dramatically changed the American demographic. Asian Americans have made many contributions to American society. This group seems to have a high level of political incorporation, occupies positions in government office, makes great contributions to science and technology, and tends to generate a higher income. A few well-known highly contributing Asian Americans are Connie Chung, Vera Wang, Jim Lee, Bruce Lee, and Chien-Shiung