Assimilation

Does one have to speak English to be an American? Or follow a particular religion? Many students learn in school that America is the world’s melting pot, yet this belies long-established attempts by many communities to retain aspects of life from original countries. Racial and ethnic identity sometimes conflict with established national narratives, leading some students to wonder how the most diverse country in history can also define itself so narrowly? This volume analyzes assimilation in the United States from contrasting viewpoints. Readers will learn the relevant questions and key ideas driving perceptions of assimilation, such as the role of immigration policies in creating assimilation, the implications of adopting dual-language and dual-citizenship programs, and the importance of pushing businesses to market to a diverse society.