American Identity: A Buffet of CultureEssay Preview: American Identity: A Buffet of CultureReport this essayAmerica: a Buffet of CulturesYes, it is known as the land of the free, but how would one define the people of America? Due to their extreme diversity, this assortment of immigrants used to be known as the “melting pot”, but today that is argued to be an incorrect label.
For over a century, immigrants have arrived on our shores with the goal of quickly assimilating into the U.S. culture. Family names were often changed to be more “American” and parents insisted that only English be spoken in the home. As of recently, this is no longer the case. According to Ruth Krinke, Chair of the 2006 NAR International Operations Committee, “U.S. immigrants no longer with to assimilate into a blended culture. Most of todays immigrants-whether legal or illegal -wish to maintain their own cultural identities within the melting pot. The very concept of the blended culture, therefore, has begun to evaporate.” Many now alternatively consider the United States a buffet of cultures or a salad of distinct vegetables, where the dressing is what holds us together.
\r
*\r
\r
\r