Multiculturalism vs. Cultural assimilation, which is better?

Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple cultures, applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place, usually at the organizational level, e.g. schools, businesses, neighborhoods, cities or nations.

Cultural assimilation is a socio-political response to demographic multi-ethnicity that supports or promotes the assimilation of ethnic minorities into the dominant culture.

Multiculturalism is often contrasted with the concepts assimilationism and social integration and has been described as a 'salad bowl' or "cultural mosaic" rather than a "melting pot."

Which do you prefer?

Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I see people here assimilate to our culture, and not necessarily in the good way. I think you can keep your culture and respect others. There need for a balance is important. I can't say its one or the other.

Either/neither/both. I like multicultualism but we really DO have American culture, and I think the English language needs to be empowered as our FIRST language.

Depends on what cultures you're trying to mesh/assimilate. There's lots of 'em out there, and some are just not going to fly with others, so it all comes down to personal responsibility and accountability--play nice in the Global Sandbox, accept that your views aren't the only ones or the only ones that matter, and be a positive addition to society no matter what your culture or beliefs.

Chris wrote:Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple cultures, applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place, usually at the organizational level, e.g. schools, businesses, neighborhoods, cities or nations.

Cultural assimilation is a socio-political response to demographic multi-ethnicity that supports or promotes the assimilation of ethnic minorities into the dominant culture.

Multiculturalism is often contrasted with the concepts assimilationism and social integration and has been described as a 'salad bowl' or "cultural mosaic" rather than a "melting pot."

Which do you prefer?

These are the kinds of questions I hated answering in Social Studies classes...