Separation Or Assimilation? :: essays research papers

Separation or Assimilation?     Our country, The United States of America, was essentially founded onthe principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through solidarityof human kind. In Bernard R. Boxills article, "Separation or Assimilation," hefundamentally poses the Hamletesque question to assimi new or not to assimilate. resultant to the dilemma of some black heathen nationalists, whom not only contest for enculturation of the black American populace, but also believe thatthis assimilation into white culture is inevitable, against cultural pluralism.Cultural pluralism, which was initialized by W. E.B. Dubois in the late 19thcentury, is founded upon the peculiarities of races, living harmoniously in onenation-state, and lacking transcendence or inferiority. Consequently to posingthis question one dictates that there dwell certain boundaries between culturesin our American society. Where do these boundaries come from and atomic number 18 theyindeed necessary? Is integration of these cultures indeed inevitable?     The goal of cultural pluralism as stated by Boxill are to establish feel in ones own race, to maintain the authenticity of ones own culture, andfinally to benefit the demesne populace. Through pride, the disdain ofinferiorities along with self respect, one adopts an attitude of self-segregation. Boxill argues for pride as a means of preserving ones race,overemphasizing differences between individuals because of the color of theirskin or cultural differences, is a great defense to assimilation.     Understanding Duboiss concept of cultural authenticity is to delve intothe mysteries of self-actualization, that is to realize ones own potential. Heasks himself, as an African American, whether his true identity lies in thejungles of Africa or in this land of America. He is of the opinion that theseare his only two options. He concludes that his true identity goes be yond hisAmerican birth, citizenship, political ideals, language, laws, and religiondeep into the heart of Africa where a timeless culture was born and should bepreserved for its beauty and use to benefit the world populace. "...the Negropeople, as a race, acquit a voice to make..."(Dubois,p244) The "Negropeople" as a race, have certainly had a peculiar world condition throughout timeand have had the ability to lend privileged insights into the human condition.     The whole of humanity consists of some(prenominal) parts. From the culturalpluralist perspective, this whole can be benefitted most by the contribution ofgifts from each race of humanity. But does not true diversity hold out inindividual persons rather than in large groups of unique individuals. It would be obvious that the greatest degree of solidarity of humanity can be achieved