Why is it impossible to accept differences in the US?

Question

There are so many different types of cultures and ideologies in the US. I have said this before" it is safe to say that every country in the world is represented in the US". Why is it so hard for people to be tolerant to other people's beliefs, cultures and ideologies. I get the fact that people disagree about things, why can't people take time out and at least try to understand other peoples beliefs, reasons and rationals?

To Micheal and everyone that agrees with him. Allow me to point something out. How much time do you spend on Yahoo Answers? I usually spend roughly about an hour. It took me less time to go to go to the BBC's website http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ and choose a religon and read unbias information on it. Just to get an understanding there is no way that I would ever be an Athesit or convert the Isamic Faith because I don't agree with it; however, I do respect the ideology.

To bleecrack our country is revolve around freedom and equality our laws evolve from that basic belief and understanding. Our country's government is designed to make sure that 1 person or group doesn't have complete power. The countries you refered to from my understanding are not based on the same foundamental belief. Yes, you are probably correct, hence the reason why we are all thankful and proud to live here, or at least I am guessing that we all agree on that.

Answer 1

Ignorance and not thinking about the source of the problem. Both of these are caused by a lack of education. Many minorities are stuck in a cycle of poor schools, no college and poor jobs, all of which perpetuate the negative stereotypes about them. A lack of education is also the reason why people think that negative stereotypes are inevitable characteristics of an entire group based on their race. Another reason people stereotype certain groups is because it tends to make them feel better when they have low self esteem themselves, or they feel threatened by the stereotyped group.

Answer 2

ok check this out... i think that we (the citizens of the united states) do accept other cultures for who they are and what they do... i mean yeah they'll probably get made fun of here and there but who doesn't right? and you are right you can look at the united states and see that it represents many other different cultures in various areas other than our own. and personally i feel that the citizens born in the US have there own personal cultures and guidelines they abide by. this is a nation of many different races and cultural backgrounds so its common to see others dressed according to their heritage especially if one lives in a major city it may be unusual to look at but nonetheless it is accepted by society as a whole (not individually). now say one of us (a US citizen) goes to any country in the middle east in a large group and try to practice our native religion and form a new society of race culture or religion... for the most part they ain't having that. i would think they would make an attempt to kill someone. because they set the norm that their country is and will be predominantly what ever they are. so really the united states as a whole is the land of opportunity.
Now i don't know if that's the answer you where looking for but i hope i helped you out in some kind of way by sharing my thoughts with you. thanks for your time.

Answer 3

People are ignorant and stupid and scared. Scared that other people don't understand them, don't believe them, don't respect them, don't like them, don't want them... etc etc. You will find that some of the most racist groups are ones that are discriminated against. On the other hand, you cannot expect everyone to just accept EVERYTHING, because we all have principles by which we abide. To compromise these principles just so that we can be more 'tolerant' is also wrong. Sure, we shouldn't grab our pitchforks and run after the satanic cult, but I would lobby against such cults...

Besides, the U.S. only was tolerant and a melting pot as long as white people were the patrons, the majority. Now that California's white population has dropped below 50%, you will soon see that patronizing accepting rhetoric go down teh drain.

Answer 4

That's one of the great mysteries of the ages. I think it's due in large part to some people wanting to feel superior to others because inwardly they feel inferior. Unfortunately, until these sorts of attitudes can either be educated out or bred out of the public, they will continue to be a part of our social milieu. The best line of defense that I can see against these sorts of social ills is for people with more enlightened attitudes to educate others and to stand up and speak in stentorian tones against those who would perpetuate and spread intolerance, prejudice and narrow-mindedness in our country. We have made remarkable progress in the last 50 years or so, but we still have a long way to go.

Answer 5

We are very tolerant of all people. The problem comes when they try to push/shove theres on you. By coming here, you can keep you beliefs but it is expected you will become a part of our culture also. It takes time but the best of other cultures become part of the US. Food is probable the biggest example.

Answer 6

we do tolerate them, each to their own, it is only when other cultures impose their views on other people and play the religion card, that we react against, for example. even in jails they have chefs to cook food for certain religions, well i am sorry, you done the crime now serve your time. and that goes for all. schools have uniforms so there is no discrimination from one pupil to another, abide by these rules. instead of wanting to flaunt your religion, for no better reason that you can, because of all these stupid PC rules and regulations. If i went to an other country to live, i would be expected to abide by their customs and rightly so. practice your culture, religion and ideologies in your own home. but when it comes to integration of mankind, please don't foist your ideals on the country you have adopted. you have to give way a little. accept what you find. and blend in. instead of trying to prove yourselves.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, as the first answer proves. Some people are so terrified by the realization of their own inadequacies, they cannot look themselves in the mirror. So they must find some others to blame, and attack.

Answer 8

Basically, USA is a land of migrants and as such your inverted observation is immensely right! As for differences and intolerance in understanding and accepting them, it is an inevitable aspect of a democratic society such as America which is a land of contrasts!

Answer 9

You are right. I don't know the reason why, but nowadays individuals are too prone tho get cliched on ongoing concerns without too much of research and independent tolerant thinking.

Answer 10

WE are who we are and we have a history and heritage. WE live by that. There are too many others to learn. If you come to this country you need to live by our heritage. That is the right thing to do. If I moved to Japan or China or Egypt I certainly would not expect them to change or understand me. If I move there I will live in accordance to the way they set their lifestyles.