Multiculturalism in America and Its Impact on the American Identity Essay - 2

Multiculturalism in America and Its Impact on the American Identity - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that America is a multicultural society, where different cultures coexist alongside each other. Multiculturalism started as a movement at the end of the 19th century in the United States and Europe. The mass immigration of southern and eastern Europeans and Latin Americans were the driving forces behind it. The genesis of multiculturalism was the concept of cultural pluralism. The different features of different cultures often combine and incorporate. In this way, a cultural blend is formed which creates an environment of tolerance and respect for each other. In a multicultural society, individuals have the freedom to practice their own religion, follow their own dressing code, to eat what they want and participate in cultural practices despite its variance from the mainstream cultural norms. Since the first half of the 19th century, United States has witnessed a constant mass immigration. These immigrants have played a pivotal role in shapin g the cultural landscape of America. The immigrants having their own values, beliefs and attitudes, created their own perception of the adopted home. The passing of these beliefs and attitudes to their children, made them experience not only the cultural practices of their parents but also those followed by the wider society. The effect that it creates, is a more tolerant and open-minded society. In a globalized world, ideas such as isolation and discrimination are not acknowledged anymore. Multiculturalism fosters the idea of inclusiveness, where the society is vibrant and open to change. The different individuals bring their own experiences, tastes, and flavors thus making the society diverse and rich. Cultural tends to conflict create conflict, which creates divisions within a nation. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, strengthens the nation due to its cohesive nature.