The Vanishing Melting Pot

December 23, 2001

by P. L. Boone

Over the last several weeks, the air waves have been saturated with various buzz words in the name of political correctness. We are hearing such terms as diversity and multiculturalism as if they are magic words that would heal our emotional wounds, and unify us as Americans after the horrific acts that were perpetrated on America September 11, 2001.

These words may not be as well meaning as the subscribers of this type of thinking want us to believe. Let us take a look and try to pin point what they actually mean, and why we see the term "The Melting Pot" vanishing before our eyes.

The word diversity literally means differing from one another or partially unlike in form or nature. Such a word being used does not unify nor does it help to blend America into a whole nation. Diversity is unlike the word unity. Unity means to stand together as one, as a whole. In many instances, the phrase "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" is used to express the need for unification within a country or nation. The word diversity is a ’touchy feel good’ word put forth by an elitist group who come from the opinion that unity is bad and diversity is good.

Another soundbite buzz word we hear quite often is multiculturalism. This is a trendy word for an elitist who considers us a nation of mini-cultures which are unable to unify because of the diversity of many different cultures that come from other parts of the world.

What must be remembered is that over the last three centuries, people have come to America for a new beginning. They all brought with them a part of the world they came from, and it was wonderful. It made America what it is today. The legal immigrants came seeking jobs, freedom, and liberty. They blended into society and learned unique English and took advantage of a way of life they had never known. Through this blending of the cultures, America became known as "The Great Melting Pot." The legal immigrants came here for a new way of life. They came to America to be Americans so they could participate in the great experiment, and to seek a life they desired not known to others or that could be found in any other part of the world.

The elite and the media types have worked feverishly to replace certain ideas with these new words. As we read and listen, we find such words as individualism being replaced with collectivism, patriotism being replaced with diversity, and Americanism being replaced with multiculturalism. The melting pot is not considered politically correct because it represents a unified nation. A country that represents every nation in the world, united, which many discovered after the Revolutionary War.

What the elite want us to forget is that we are a unique nation and we celebrate holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Veteran and Memorial Days, Mother’s Day, Labor Day and we honor two of our presidents. We do have our own culture - most of it good and some not so good - but there is no such thing as a perfect nation or country.

This myth of multiculturalism in the name of political correctness is just that, a myth. If the continuation of such a myth is allowed to permeate the very fabric of our society, the term "The American Melting Pot" will be forever be gone which will be known as a national tragedy written about by historians in the future. We are a one nation, one country under God without any hyphens. We should consider it an honor to be called an American.

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P. L. Boone was born, raised and educated in the south and currently makes her home in Virginia. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science and History graduating Magna Cum Laude. She has received many honors and awards including being named in Who’s Who. She is widely traveled and currently works for a survey Research firm that enables her to meet people from all walks of life. She brings to her writing a fresh approach to many sensitive topics drawing on her life experiences. She continues her formal education and aspires to be a recognized national syndicated columnist.