The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Editor:

Assimilation or accommodation?

A famous jazz pianist once sang, “I like you, but your feet are too big.” Some would have us all assimilate to what they say is normal.

Seems to me that freedom of speech, religion, the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness point toward everyone being unique, toward the accommodation of social diversity. So, how do we protect individuals’ rights and insist on assimilation at the same time? When is being different, being unique Unamerican?

I like the cultural diversity that allows me to eat Chinese food, Mexican Food, Thai food, Venezue...