1). Think about different metaphors for American society. For many years, the country was described as a melting pot, which suggests that differences between citizens are supposed to melt down and blend into one unified character. Recently, some have criticized this melting pot metaphor because it emphasizes wiping out differences, not respecting them. The Reverend Jesse Jackson refers to the United States as both a rainbow and a family quilt. Both of Jackson's metaphors emphasize recognizing and appreciating differences. What metaphor would you propose?
I would propose a similar metaphor to Reverend Jesse Jackson because my family embraces American culture but Vietnamese culture as well. We still carry on old Vietnamese traditions like wearing formal Vietnamese clothing, cooking/eating Vietnamese dishes, and burning incense for the deceased. I think that America is described as a melting pot because due to racial discrimination, people always tried to fit in and tried to be someone they were not. Nowadays, we have china town or japan town and many other ethnic based societies/cities that carry on their own culture. I have to admit I have changed myself to fit into society, and in the process of doing so, I have wiped out certain differences between cultures for my own benefit. I feel that this isn't necessarily a bad thing because we learn and accept more about a culture that is dominant where we currently live. I feel like it's necessary for us to embrace different cultures but often times many traditions are lost along the cracks that rise up through our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment