The Dream of Diversity

Term Paper # 104211

Ethnic Studies > Modern
Sociology

This paper proposes a solution to attain the elusive goal of true diversity in America today.

1,050 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 explains the propensity of Americans to congregate with people similar to themselves and also highlights the futility of those that espouse diversity from their culturally segregated educational positions. The paper therefore supports the proposition of Americans totally immersing themselves in foreign cultures as a solution to obtaining a truly diverse society.

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 stated desire for true diversity is often manifested in a society that is balkanized into socio-economic and ethnic enclaves in spite of the neighborhood's multicultural history. Americans are traditionally more comfortable with like-minded neighbors, and have a tendency to seek each other out when traveling abroad. The only proven workable solution to integrating true diversity into American culture is through instituting a mandatory foreign service "rite of passage" for all American young adults."

Sample of Sources Used:

Brooks, David. "People Like Us." The Atlantic Monthly. September 2003 Volume 292, number 2: pages 344-347.
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.