The Dream of Diversity

This paper argues for a mandatory foreign service for all young Americans in order to achieve true diversity in America.

1,200 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how the goal of true diversity in America is illusive and wrought with many systemic barriers that find their roots in the early history of the country. The paper discusses the educational system's cultural segregation and America's history of seeking the like-minded. The paper maintains that the only proven workable model for obtaining true diversity is through a program of total cultural immersion, via a program of mandatory foreign service as a "right of passage" for American young adults.

From the Paper:

""The dream of diversity is like the dream of equality. . both are based on ideals we celebrate even as we undermine them daily. . " (Brooks 348) is how the self-proclaimed comic sociologist David Brooks summarizes the state of cultural diversity in America in his Atlantic Monthly article entitled "People Like Us". The only proven workable model for obtaining the desired true diversity is through a program of total cultural immersion, and a program of mandatory foreign service as a "right of passage" for American young adults is the best way to accomplish this. The experiences of young profession beginner her career living and working abroad reinforce this theory."

Sample of Sources Used:

Brooks, David. "People Like Us." The Atlantic Monthly. September 2003 Volume 292, number 2: pages 344-349.
Crystal, Jennifer. "Gen X Goes Global." Transitionsabroad.com. Intercultural Press. 12 May 2007. <http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0701/genx_and_intenational_careers.shtml>
De Tocqueville, Alexis. "How Democracy Renders the Habitual Intercourse of the Americans Simple and Easy" Democracy in America. University of Virginia American Studies Department. 12 May 2007. <http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/Detoc/ch3_02.htm>
Gorski, Paul C. "Useful Quotes". The Multicultural Pavilion. 12 May 2007. <http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/language/quotes.html>
Huntington, Samuel. "The Clash of Civilizations?" Foreign Affairs. Summer 1993.