Paper Topic:

History

ARTHUR SCHLESINGER 'S

The Disuniting of America : Reflections on a Multicultural Society

Democracy is a very tricky thing . On the one hand , we see the pressing need for national unity . On the other hand , we have to deal with the principles of individualism , the concept of one 's freedom to choose , and tolerance in such a diverse society . It ultimately pits pluralism and assimilation as it does tolerance and political correctness . The question is , how does one find the balance between these two ideologies There has to be a way to instill

in each and every American the ideals of democracy but at the same time , respecting the diversity - the many divergences and distinctions in each one . Although the United States is a melting pot of different races , income brackets , religions , and even nationalities - there is a need to find a unity in this for our nation to fully savor the democracy that our forefathers fought so hard to protect . In this day and age , there is an upsurge of an orthodoxy that instead of unification , celebrates difference . The emergence of multiculturalism has been seen to be both an effort of unification and at the same time an obstacle toward it . In the end , there is a pressing need to examine what it truly means to be an American

In Mr . Schlesinger 's Book , The Disuniting of America : Reflections on a Multicultural Society , one is posed with this dilemma . He asks When does the obsession with difference begin to threaten the idea of an overarching American nationality ' He recounts for us the growing tread of the cult of ethnicity ' as manifested in ethnic awareness and shows us that there is reason to fear an increase in racial hostility the loss in commonality of values and in the end , national disintegration . Ultimately , Mr . Schlesinger 's view is that multiculturalism , with its strong emphasis on group identity , can lead to the destruction of the American nation . He says that it threatens to become a counter-revolution against the original theory of America as `one people , a common culture , a single nation ' As an illustration he focuses on the word race ' and its evolution . In the early 18th century , the term race meant immigrant , someone who leaving behind all his ancient prejudices and manners , receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embranced , the new government he obeys , the new rank he holds . The American is a new man , who acts upon new principles ' From Mr . Schlesinger 's discussion , he points out to his readers that the term race ' does not in face mean divergences or distinction . It in fact means a common identity . He continues , Here , individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men ' - a common identity that ready and open for anyone who is willing to assimilate . The concept of race , is then illustrated as a unifying factor rather than a dividing one . The growing awareness of ethnicity should then grow in a way...

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