These three Authors argue about cultural ethnicity from two basic points of view. Gates and Cofer argue for cultural and ethnic diversity in America, maintaining that it creates a healthy ethnic identity. Schlesinger on the other hand maintains that we should stop cultural division, and unite as one nation. Despite their difference of opinion all three tackle several of the same issues.
One issue that all three authors address is ethnocentric curriculum, specifically in the American educational system. Gates believes that classic school curriculums should be abandoned in favor of a more ethnically diverse compilation in order to make Americans more aware of their countrymen. Conversely Schlesinger believes that we must unite under one banner as Americans, and abandon the more ethnically diverse curriculum. Similarly to Gates, Cofer believes that people should not give up on their ethnic or cultural identity, she has a more personal take on it, but still states that it is an important part of the makeup of our country.
The Second issue that all three authors" address is cultural diversity. Gates believes that we should embrace our cultural differences in order to find some common ground. While Schlesinger is more concerned with not creating rifts between the people of one nation by over emphasizing their own cultural heritage. Similarly to Gates, Cofer believes that cultural diversity is an important way for people to discover themselves, and they should not be forced to conform to society. .
The third and final issue that the three authors address is the idea of a "National Identity" (85). Gates believes that the only way to truly build a "civic culture" is through ethnocentric curriculum that can allow acceptance of one another's cultures (32). Alternately Schlesinger believes that the exploration of multiple cultures will tear a nation apart, and create too much individuality.