Immigration: Salad Bowl or Melting Pot

Two general theories try to explain the assimilation of immigrants in American culture.  First, there is the “melting pot” theory.  It argues that a homogenous society will form as different ethnic groups interact together.  The end result is a common culture shared by all.  The second theory is that of salad bowl.  This argues for a more mosaic like approach.  Ethnic groups do not melt into each other; rather, they retain their differences, existing next to each other not amalgamating into one.  In this paper I will argue that the melting pot theory may have been true for earlier generations, but has given way to our modern salad bowl and will likely become more heterogeneous in the future.

William Booth, in his article One Nation, Indivisible: Is it History?, discusses the myth of the melting pot.  The idea that immigrants to the U.S. assimilate and contribute towards a homogenous society has long roots in the American psyche.  Early waves of immigrants sought opportunities.  Once their feet hit these shores, they began searching for the ‘American dream.’  To realize that dream was to assimilate into the dominant culture, which was prescribed by white Protestants.  Often those promoting and encouraging the dominant culture were not always welcoming of outsiders.  Legislation and preterlegal measures were employed to maintain the cultural status quo in certain areas of the country.

A close look at census data dispels the melting pot theory.  Even though Booth is correct in claiming that assimilation and ‘success’ are hard to measure, through observation we can see the diversity and division.  Ethnic enclaves have always existed to some degree but, through data the definition becomes sharp and clear.  These boundaries are formed not only by a shared cultural heritage but economics as well.  Economic opportunities are about whom one knows.    It is circular arrangement.  Immigrants arrive in the U.S. in areas similar to the culture they emigrated from.  Connections that may stretch back to the old country lead to the foundations of a new life in America.  The process is repeated.   

Today, it does not seem enough to simply be an American.  One might be Korean-American, Congolese-American, or Irish-American.  A hyphenated identity, with one foot rooted in cultural heritage and the other climbing a rung of American economic advancement.  Cultures are not blending or melting.  They are staying intact and producing two cultural spheres: one of the immigrants’ home and one American. 

Studies indicate that immigrant parents are concerned about their children becoming “too American.”  Holly Atkins (2001) paints a picture of the diverse American cultural landscape, one that is not blurred together.  It is more of a salad bowl; different cultures existing together yet clearly defined.  Her palette is the vestiges of the home that immigrants left.    To stave off homesickness, people celebrate the culture of their homeland.  Not being an American is simply not an option.  But, that does not mean they must forget who they were, who they are, and where they came from. 

The melting pot theory has dissolved to the more acceptable and accurate ‘salad bowl’ theory.  It is no longer necessary, economically, to full assimilate as soon as possible to the dominant American culture.  Ethnic enclaves provide economic opportunities while existing in a familiar cultural framework.  Assimilation is just not necessary for immigrants to succeed.

There is another factor to consider as well.  The United States was long considered to be the land of freedom and opportunity, and may still very well be.  Some may have gone so far as to call it the best country in the world.  Booth (1998) cites a study by researchers Alejandro Portes and Ruben Rumbauthow of children of immigrants in southern Florida and California.    When asked if they believed the U.S. was the best country in the world, most answered ‘no.’ 

The America of earlier generations was one of possibility and, to an extent, unknown.  Today, American cultural hegemony is broadcast on TVs and computer screens throughout the world.  Immigrants know more of what lies on the other side of the ocean, on the other side of the fence.  The exclusionary legislation and preterlegal actions of before are no longer culturally or morally supported.  The prescribers of dominant American culture have simply moved.  (Booth, 1998)  They have taken to more homogenous towns, far from the crowds of cities and their hinterlands. 

With immigrants believing that America is not the best country in the world and American culture being so widespread, we can partially understand global attitudes towards the U.S.  The more militant others become towards America, the more Americans seems to embrace and exalt a shared American culture.  Immigrants, while decrying militancy, have not necessarily bought into this embrace.  They continue the traditions of the ‘old country.’  With American culture becoming more defined, and ethnic enclaves holding onto their cultural identity, it appears as though the salad bowl is becoming more defined than ever before.  And, if American culture continues to vilify others, it will throw into question if there will even be a bowl left to contain the salad. 

Works Cited

Atkins, Holly.  (2001, December 17).  An American ‘tossed salad’.  St. Petersburg Times.

Booth, William.  (1998, February 22).  One Nation, Indivisible: Is It History?.  The Washington

Post, pp. A1.