ACAD believes in the power of literature and how it has contributed to diversity and multiculturalism. Each month, ACAD will feature a summary on powerful books and articles on these aforementioned topics.
Currently we have the following summary from the book “Cultural Diversity in the United States,” edited by Larry L. Naylor, Bergin and Garvey, 1997.
“Cultural Diversity in the United States”, examines culture and diversity topics, in regard to the following categorizations: (1) Culture and Cultural Groupings, (2) Multiculturalism: Issues for the Twenty – First Century, (3) Portrait of a Minority, (4) The Irish – Americans: From the Frontier to the White House, (5) The Mexican – American Community in the United States, (6) Filipino – Americans: The Marginalized Minority, (7) Of Prejudice and Pride.
Culture is defined as a system of changing learned ideas, and behaviors that humans adapt to. Humans group together according to the posed problems in sociocultural environments. The system of solutions to the relevant problems, where all needs are satisfied is called culture. Most cultural groups differentiate themselves from other groups by their customs, history and beliefs. The cultural system in the United States separates each cultural group according to their different accomplished beliefs and behaviors. The assimilations version of multiculturalism reveals a status quo viewpoint. This point of view directs attention to the privileged society. In addition, the philosophy of multiculturalism ignores viewpoints, considerations and perspectives of racial and ethnic minorities. In contrast, the multicultural version is more practical and ethical, since its philosophical framework relies on harmony and cooperation between racial and ethical cultural groups. The assimilations have nothing to fear from the multiculturalist’s version, since it underscores the dominant category of society, as well as racial and minority groups, specifically: African – Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians. The African – American population is grouped by individuals whose skin color ranges from brown to black. In the United States, skin color is the modus operandi of labeling a racial minority. The self – recognition of African – Americans as an ethnic minority have resulted in limited access to political and economic power in America. The majority and ruling class’s overwhelming control of power has crystallized the African – American cultural group as a minority population group. Currently, young Irish – Americans have had a painful history, since they have overcome oppression in their native Ireland, and during nineteenth century America. This cultural group has healed from its past history, since they do not harbor feelings of ill – will, resentment or revenge toward their past and present oppressors. Another outcome from these experiences has been a demonstrated ability to overcome by accepting the differences in others with the benefits of increased racial group toleration. The Anglo dominance in Texas has led to racial prejudice and discrimination of Mexican – Americans. Since the era of Texas independence (1836 – 1845), most Americans have stereotyped the Mexicans as backward and lackadaisical. Discrimination and a lack of educational opportunities are the reasons why Mexican – Americans have been underrepresented in higher paying occupations. Filipino – Americans as a minority group have exemplified the cultural and social diversity of American society. They have maintained their ethnic identity by retaining their cultural values and beliefs. Filipino – Americans have also experienced prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination, during their participation in American economic, political and educational institutions. Furthermore, they have been ridiculed and discriminated against when they speak the Filipino language. Overall, Filipino – Americans, and other racial and ethnic minorities have made significant contributions to the United States based on, principles and values of liberty, equality and justice for all. In American society, most of the population perceives homosexual culture as a threat to beliefs about gender roles and sexuality. An expansion of the gender concept is the primary prerequisite for homosexuals to be accepted in American society. The attestation of the presiding heterosexual white male dominance in this country will worsen homosexual problems in regard to cultural diversity. Henceforth, homosexuals who express their identities are ostracized and ridiculed. As a result, this hostile environment inhibits their abilities to be healthy and functional in lesbian, gay, and American culture at large.
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Thank you to Jeffrey Kidd for wholeheartedly reading this text and writing wonderful summaries!
