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【摘要】 America is called the Melt Pot because of its diverse ethnic groups. With over 200 years’ development, this Melt Pot, which has diverse cultural background and traditions, has gradually eliminated racial discrimination and achieved its harmony among Asian, African, Hispanic, Indian ethnic groups, and European ethnic groups.
【关键词】 American culture;diversity
1、Introduction
Emerged from the short and rapid European conquest of an enormous landmass sparsely settled by diverse indigenous peoples,American culture is rich, complex,and unique.People from Africa, Asia,and North America had great contributions to American culture.As a result,American culture possesses an unusual mixture of patterns and forms forged from its diverse peoples.
2、Diverse culture and characteristics of major ethnic groups
African American is the largest ethnic group in America.It is also the group who once had the lowest social status.And their struggle for equal rights has never stopped.Hispanic is the second largest ethnic group. They are the residents of the United States who trace their history back to countries in the western hemisphere where the Spanish language is spoken.In the 2000 U.S. census counted 34.3 million Hispanic or Latino Americans.Asian-American is the most diligent ethnic group.Many Asian Americans in the United States are mainly engaged in education,scientific research,medical and other“intelligence”industry.Indians are the native Americans who have lived in the American continent for many generations. As the original inhabitants of American continent,Indians played a decisive role in America’s national formation and the founding of the United States.
3、The impacts of diverse culture on American society
African-American, Hispanic,and Asians have done great contributions to the development of American agriculture. The blacks were first used as agricultural labor force when they were brought into America.Therefore the proportion of African-American farmers has always been high in history.Since 1920s,Mexicans became the principal sources of low-cost labor force for American agriculture.As the indigenous people, Indians are still living in the 280“reservations”given by the Federal Government and engaging in agriculture and animal husbandry.Other races,such as Asian precedents and their precedents,mainly live in towns and cities and seek for job opportunities in manufacturing and service industry.It is quite obvious that“cultural diversity is the main motivation for the multiform of American economy and industry structure(Gordon,1964,p.525).”Another important aspect that embodies the impact of diverse culture on American society is its advantages in sports field.Basketball and track and field hall is a stage for black people.Thanks to the joint efforts of blacks and whites,the United States takes obvious advantages in track and field and swimming.Art is another area that can reflect the impact of America’s cultural diversity. Jazz was first invented by African Americans around the first decade of the 20th century that has an identifiable history and distinct stylistic evolution.Like jazz, rock and hip-hop are also created by African Americans and rooted in African-American traditions.Other ethnic groups also have done a lot to influence American art forms, such Chinese painting,Hispanic dancing, and Indian totem.The main disadvantages that brought by cultural diversity are racial discrimination, conflict, and inequality among different ethnic groups. The differences in social status and economic income, lead to the racial and ethnic conflicts.
4、Conclusion
Even though people’s attitude towards multiculturalism is inconsistent,the impact brought to American society and its people by diverse culture is an undisputed fact.How the United States deal with its diverse culture and ethnic issues not only deepens our awareness of the problem,but also provides us with useful lessons and meaningful inspirations.
參考文献
[1] Bryant Robey(2002).The American People.New York:Truman Talley Books.
[2] Gordon,M. M.(1964).Assimilation in American life.New York: Oxford University Press.
[3] Scared Conflict(1991,August 14).Washington Post,p.B8.
[4] 弗，斯卡皮蒂.（1986）美国社会问题[Social Problems in America].
【关键词】 American culture;diversity
1、Introduction
Emerged from the short and rapid European conquest of an enormous landmass sparsely settled by diverse indigenous peoples,American culture is rich, complex,and unique.People from Africa, Asia,and North America had great contributions to American culture.As a result,American culture possesses an unusual mixture of patterns and forms forged from its diverse peoples.
2、Diverse culture and characteristics of major ethnic groups
African American is the largest ethnic group in America.It is also the group who once had the lowest social status.And their struggle for equal rights has never stopped.Hispanic is the second largest ethnic group. They are the residents of the United States who trace their history back to countries in the western hemisphere where the Spanish language is spoken.In the 2000 U.S. census counted 34.3 million Hispanic or Latino Americans.Asian-American is the most diligent ethnic group.Many Asian Americans in the United States are mainly engaged in education,scientific research,medical and other“intelligence”industry.Indians are the native Americans who have lived in the American continent for many generations. As the original inhabitants of American continent,Indians played a decisive role in America’s national formation and the founding of the United States.
3、The impacts of diverse culture on American society
African-American, Hispanic,and Asians have done great contributions to the development of American agriculture. The blacks were first used as agricultural labor force when they were brought into America.Therefore the proportion of African-American farmers has always been high in history.Since 1920s,Mexicans became the principal sources of low-cost labor force for American agriculture.As the indigenous people, Indians are still living in the 280“reservations”given by the Federal Government and engaging in agriculture and animal husbandry.Other races,such as Asian precedents and their precedents,mainly live in towns and cities and seek for job opportunities in manufacturing and service industry.It is quite obvious that“cultural diversity is the main motivation for the multiform of American economy and industry structure(Gordon,1964,p.525).”Another important aspect that embodies the impact of diverse culture on American society is its advantages in sports field.Basketball and track and field hall is a stage for black people.Thanks to the joint efforts of blacks and whites,the United States takes obvious advantages in track and field and swimming.Art is another area that can reflect the impact of America’s cultural diversity. Jazz was first invented by African Americans around the first decade of the 20th century that has an identifiable history and distinct stylistic evolution.Like jazz, rock and hip-hop are also created by African Americans and rooted in African-American traditions.Other ethnic groups also have done a lot to influence American art forms, such Chinese painting,Hispanic dancing, and Indian totem.The main disadvantages that brought by cultural diversity are racial discrimination, conflict, and inequality among different ethnic groups. The differences in social status and economic income, lead to the racial and ethnic conflicts.
4、Conclusion
Even though people’s attitude towards multiculturalism is inconsistent,the impact brought to American society and its people by diverse culture is an undisputed fact.How the United States deal with its diverse culture and ethnic issues not only deepens our awareness of the problem,but also provides us with useful lessons and meaningful inspirations.
參考文献
[1] Bryant Robey(2002).The American People.New York:Truman Talley Books.
[2] Gordon,M. M.(1964).Assimilation in American life.New York: Oxford University Press.
[3] Scared Conflict(1991,August 14).Washington Post,p.B8.
[4] 弗，斯卡皮蒂.（1986）美国社会问题[Social Problems in America].