Considering the US-American society there are two entirely different definitions on how people live together in the States.
In the beginning of the settlement people had the vision of forming a new "ethnical group". They saw the American continent as a place where they could live together, not next to each other, a place where it did not matter where they came from and what they were in their "old" life. They thought it to be a place of a new beginning and a very important part of the American dream is expressed in the theory of the melting pot. It says that America is "a place where people from different races, countries, or social classes come to live together to form a new race." (...) Culture and traditions as well as the specification of a people were supposed to melt together to form something new and something better.
Nowadays scientist more often use the term salad bowl for the American society. Peter Lösche talks in detail about that second theory in his book "Amerika in Perspektive":
Die Vereinigten Staaten bestehen aus Tausenden und Abertausenden Nachbarschaftsinseln, die klar voneinander abgegrenzt und verschieden sind. [...] Auf diesen Nachbarschaftsinseln wohnen Menschen, die die gleiche ethnische oder rassische Herkunft haben; die ungefähr das gleiche wöchentliche oder monatliche Einkommen verdienen; die über etwa das gleiche Sozialprestige verfügen. [...] Dies sind Inseln der Gleichheit und Glückseligkeit, auf denen der amerikanische Traum geträumt werden kann und tatsächlich geträumt wird, deren Bewohner zum Verwechseln ähnliche Werte, Einstellungen und Überzeugungen haben. Wer mehr Geld verdient, sozial aufsteigt und dadurch seine politischen Ansichten verändert, der zieht in eine andere Wohngegend. [...] Innerhalb der Inseln besteht großer Konformitätsdruck, zwischen den Nachbarschaften hingegen ist die größte, farbigste Vielfalt zu beobachten. [...] (Lösche, Amerika in Perspektive, S. 46ff)
There is of course a mixing of the different ethnical groups, for example through intermarriages, but only to a certain degree. In most cases it is very simple to tell a Hispanic from a White, a Black from an Asian and an Indian from all the others. In big cities like New York the segmentation can clearly be seen by everybody: there is for instance a Chinatown, a Little Italy, Ghettos full of Black people and outside the cities are reservations full of Indians.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. History from the beginning to the 20th century
- 2.1. Indians in General
- 2.2. The Navajos in particular
- 3. Indians in the 20th century
- 4. The Navajos as an example of today's Indians
- 5. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the history and current situation of American Indians within US society, focusing on the disparity between the idealistic “melting pot” vision and the reality of societal segmentation. It utilizes the Navajo tribe as a case study to illustrate the challenges and adaptations of Native Americans in navigating a world that was once solely theirs.
- The evolution of the "American Dream" and its impact on Native Americans.
- The historical treatment of Native Americans and the lasting consequences of colonization.
- The persistence of cultural identity and traditions amongst Native American communities.
- The socio-economic conditions and challenges faced by contemporary Native Americans.
- The contrasting perspectives of the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" models of American society.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by contrasting the historical "melting pot" ideal of American society with the more contemporary "salad bowl" reality. It highlights the significant societal segmentation experienced by various ethnic groups, particularly focusing on Native Americans as a prime example of this division. The chapter emphasizes the lack of awareness surrounding the current lives and perspectives of Native Americans in present-day society, thereby establishing the essay's central focus and rationale.
2. History from the beginning to the 20th century: This section provides a broad overview of the history of Native Americans in the United States, starting from their arrival on the continent and tracing their development through various cultural stages. The chapter touches upon their initial nomadic lifestyle as hunters and gatherers and the significant impact of the later arrival of European settlers. It lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities of the later chapters by establishing the historical context of the relationship between Native Americans and the wider US society. The section also features a specific focus on the history of the Navajo tribe, offering a case study within the broader context of Native American history.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American Indians, Native Americans, US society, colonization, cultural identity, Navajo, melting pot, salad bowl, societal segmentation, history, contemporary issues, socio-economic conditions, cultural preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current situation of American Indians, specifically focusing on the contrast between the idealized "melting pot" concept of American society and the reality of societal segmentation experienced by Native Americans. The Navajo tribe serves as a key case study to illustrate the challenges and adaptations faced by Native Americans.
What are the main sections covered in the text?
The text is structured into several key sections: an introduction establishing the central theme and rationale; a historical overview of Native Americans from their arrival in the Americas to the 20th century, with a particular focus on the Navajo; a dedicated section on the situation of Native Americans in the 20th century; a chapter specifically analyzing the Navajo as a contemporary example; and finally, a concluding section. The text also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is the purpose of using the Navajo tribe as a case study?
The Navajo tribe serves as a focal point to illustrate the broader challenges and experiences of Native Americans in the United States. By examining the Navajo's history and current situation, the text aims to provide a concrete example of the complexities and lasting impacts of colonization, the struggle for cultural preservation, and the socio-economic disparities faced by Native American communities.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The key themes include the evolution of the "American Dream" and its impact on Native Americans; the historical treatment of Native Americans and the lasting consequences of colonization; the persistence of cultural identity and traditions; the socio-economic conditions and challenges faced by contemporary Native Americans; and the comparison between the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" models of American society.
What is the difference between the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" models of American society, as discussed in the text?
The text contrasts the traditional "melting pot" ideal, which envisions a complete assimilation of different cultures into a homogenous whole, with the more contemporary "salad bowl" model. The "salad bowl" acknowledges and celebrates the diversity and distinctness of various cultural groups within American society, recognizing that they coexist rather than merging completely. The text highlights the failure of the "melting pot" to accurately reflect the experiences of Native Americans, particularly in terms of societal segmentation and inequality.
What historical context is provided in the text?
The historical section provides a broad overview of Native American history in the US, starting from their initial presence on the continent and tracing the impact of European colonization. It covers their early nomadic lifestyles, the arrival of European settlers, and the subsequent changes and challenges faced by Native American communities. This historical context is crucial for understanding the contemporary issues and challenges discussed later in the text.
What are some of the contemporary issues facing Native Americans, according to the text?
The text highlights the socio-economic conditions and challenges faced by contemporary Native Americans, including the ongoing effects of historical injustices and the struggles to maintain cultural identity and traditions in the face of societal pressures. It emphasizes the persistent disparity between the idealized vision of American society and the reality of societal segmentation experienced by Native Americans.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: American Indians, Native Americans, US society, colonization, cultural identity, Navajo, melting pot, salad bowl, societal segmentation, history, contemporary issues, socio-economic conditions, cultural preservation.
- Citar trabajo
- Saskia Paasch (Autor), 2003, American Indians in US-American society - then and now -, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/32510
