The dictionary defines pluralism as "a form of society in which the members of minority groups maintain their independent cultural traditions." Pluralism can also be described by the phrase the "melting pot," in which a place where races, theories, and cultures are blended together. The United States of America is now a current melting pot and has been for a along time. Currently, the US has European, Mid-Eastern, African, Hispanic, Asian and Native Americans. However to understand the current pluralistic United States of America, you must understand the when the pluralistic idea came to be.
By the end of the 19th century, the migration of millions of immigrants from Eastern Europe, Southern Europe and Asia migrated to the United States. With millions of immigrants coming into America there was a large increase in urbanization. "In 1860, there had been 49 cities over 10,000 in population; by 1900 there were 645," (www.expo98.msu.edu) .
Still, to some, pluralism presented a problem. There were some wanted to return to the less difficult time of the early nation by stopping immigration, limiting the rights of minorities, and declining the demands of women for an equal rights as men. .
Throughout history, some Americans, not all, have believed that America should rid the US of these aliens, foreigners, and immigrants. Usually, it was whoever the US was fighting with, that was who the public wanted to rid the US of. For example, when the Japanese attacked the US in Pearl Harbor, all the Japanese-Americans were ripped from their home and sent to refugee camps. They were believed to be spies. Most of these Japanese- Americans were not involved in political happenings, they were born in the United States of America and were American citizens, yet they were treated horribly. However, the idea of pluralism and for what America stands for freedom were gone and their rights lost. .
Since the September 11 attacks, people have been afraid of Mid-Eastern descent.
