In a country w/ people of many ethnic backgrounds, does assimilation need to occur to encourage cohesiveness?

Answer 1

I think it does. Without some form of assimilation people tend to cling together in ethnic and cultural groups which, in turn, isolates them from the general population and causes division. People don't need to turn their back on their cultural heritage to assimilate into their new country, simply learning the common language helps them to communicate with other people which helps break down barriers and leaving behind the negative parts of their former culture (e.g. racial hatred etc.) will go a long way to achieving harmony.
Most people love to celebrate different cultures but not at the cost of national identity.

Answer 2

I think so. To many immigrants assimilation implies a dilution of one's ethnic/racial/cultural heritage. This is unfortunate. Maybe a better word is integration.

All members of the society should susbscribe to a common culture. This is often the pragmatic (non-intrusive) culture of the majority: rule of law, representative government, recourse to the courts for justice, the right to a dissenting opinion, freedom of worship, right to peaceful assembly etc. .

New immigrants will have to imbibe the more pragmatic aspects of their new country's culture. For example, female genital mutilation, which may be acceptable in many African cultures is not acceptable in the West. Hence, new immigrants will have to jettison the practice upon arrival in the West.

As an immigrant myself I think multi cultural public schools are a good way for people from different backgrounds (racial, social, cultural) to integrate because they are forced to sit in the same classroom, become friends and sometimes even date.

Answer 3

I think a little bit of assimilation is required, but not too much. Look at the US. We have cohesion without everyone having to celebrate the same holidays.

Answer 4

i'm of Irish descent with probable a touch English thrown in there somebody some time past. i became born in the US. nevertheless stay in the US, yet spent 2 years in the Caribbean Islands. Born in the jap part of the US, and nevertheless stay right here.