What are the benefits of the exposure to racial, ethical, and cultural diversity in the US?

Question

Are there any negative aspects of living in such a diverse enviornment? (predatory?)

Answer 1

Cultural diversity (race mixing) causes lesser races to gain more than they lose, but causes higher races to lose more than they gain.

Cultural diversity programs are therefore almost universally applauded by the members of the lesser races, but they are condemned by members of the higher ones who have not let propaganda from the mass media persuade them as to what virtue is, or as to what has value and what doesn't.

This is about as you might expect. Suppose that someone offered you a trade deal in which he would clearly benefit while you would certainly come off worse. You might wonder why that person expects you to agree to sacrifice your interest so that he can gain. That's what race-mixing does. It asks the higher race to sacrifice its interests to the supposed "greater good" of mixing it up. And why mixing it up is anything good is left unexplained.

Why should anyone want to accept the problems caused by the inclusion of another culture, simply because it would allow him to understand that other culture a bit better? Isn't that like burning your house down just so you can see what a big fire looks like?

Answer 2

Negative or Positive, all experiences can be beneficial. While racial, ethical and cultural diversity does, at times, cause unavoidable problems; it is a definite necessity to the survival of our society.

Positives:
1) Cultural changes, especially near the borders (i.e. Mexico / Texas or Canada / Washington) allow for better trade systems. In a predominantly English speaking country, many Americans without a taste of these cultures can not achieve maximum communication efficiency.
2) Racial diversity allows for a wider market consumer range. Though this may seem superficial, the economy thrives on the ability to sell goods to all aspects of society. Without racial and cultural diversity, products would be predictable. There would be monopolies. Look at the Amish: One way of life for the whole community, which is fine, but there are people within the community monopolizing trade on goods. One man gets sick/ hurt, and that business no longer provides for the community. Economy slows.


Negatives:
1) Pressure and belief involved with the idea that everyone should be treated equally. This is an impossibility.
This little part of our brain called the ego, does not allow for this type of behavior. Some will always feel as though they are better/more important than the others. Because the human psyche is fragile and defensive, people from all different walks of life feel they must defend their culture/ race, especially from slurs and epithets (Michael Richards). Because of extreme media coverage and political standpoints on such occurrences, it is commonplace for different backgrounds to become predatory.

2) We get stuck having these kinds of conversations, instead of just enjoying life and each other's company,

3) Having a diversity of such a wide spectrum instills fear of the unknown. Fear instills hate which leads to crime. Now, this fallacy is defined as a "slippery slope". But I may have to argue that experience has proven that it is true.

Answer 3

What happens is usually the development of biculture. I think biculture is has it's benefits and flaws as well. Basically, biculture enhances an adapatation of newer cultures an believes. However traditional backgrounds of culture are slowly erroded. Take for example the Chinese culture that emphasizes the concept of filial piety. I am sure many ABC's (american born chinese) don't adhere to those rules of social conduct but in Asian cultures that's a strict protocol. I think another benefit is probably the broad spectrum of cultures that one is exposed to. Since America has such a broad spectrum of races, (depending on where you live), one can get to know backgrounds from other cultures. Actually comes in handy if you're travelling to other nations.

Answer 4

Legislative actions seek to bring balance between all peoples, and to atone for the past wrongs of our forefathers and foremothers, and to establish methods to ensure it is eradicated from our culture and society.

This may not effect change in the minds of those who are now paying for the past grievousness's of our fore-parents, but it does provide acceptable boundaries so that those who were adversely affected can obtain their right in their pursuit of happiness. Today in the workplace, tomorrow in the heart of people, to build a bridge all can walk across and enjoy the pleasure of each others company. Perhaps the first step towards the building of natural and rightful personal relationships between all people, regardless to color of skin, religion, or cultural disparity.

take away the human body and we're left with the spirit, boundless to such social injustice, for we then see ourselves as we naturally are, Gods children.

Answer 5

By being exposed to diversity helps us understand each other more. We can better understand the motivation behind actions of others. It also helps with tolerance of those that are different than what we are used to. We can learn from each other, and in doing so, hopefully grow and become more open minded.
There are negative effects as well. People can feel they are losing their heritage and background and become territorial about it. And sometimes it pushes our tolerances to the breaking point as well.