I was thinking about the Labor Day Louisville world fest celebration held on the water front. People got to enjoy ethnic food and visit exhibits on various cultures. All of which was good. It was no doubt an enjoyable weekend for those attending.
This event would be more meaningful if it wasn't such an everyday occurrence. Ethnic groups today tend to congregate and socialize together in a way to exclude others. Prior to the Cubans of the early 1960's immigrant ethnic groups clung together until assimilated into the American culture. Although some parents never truly assimilated the children nearly always did. The children left the ethnic neighborhood and as new immigrants of that ethnicity declined the neighborhood was assimilated.
The things of value provided by an ethnic group was absorbed and Americanized (pizza or tacos anyone). The Americanized items are altered enough that the ethnic purist raise their nose in disdain. But it is the Americanization of these things that makes America the melting pot. Being American isn't about who you were, it is about who you are.
When individuals in an ethnic group cling together and don't assimilate, their uniqueness is not Americanized and isn't added to the American culture. They stagnate rather than grow.
Multiculturalism encourages ethnic groups to cling. Repeatedly telling them their ethnicity has value. I agree it has value. If you think it is better than America then go back and enjoy it. However, you came to America to get something different. How do you expect to get that difference hiding yourself in your ethnic culture.
Multiculturalism is a ploy of liberals to keep groups segregated. Being divided they can exploit them one against the other. If they assimilate to being American, they have common interest and are difficult to exploit.
Remember embracing your past limits your future.
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