Review of "Diversity in Americ"

Diversity in America, Vincent N. Parrillo
What is America? In many respects, it is the courageous English, mostly men who staked a claim on this country and all those who did the same. Over the years, “white” broadened to include western European immigrants and then reluctantly eastern European immigrants. Maybe one reason we as a group of American’s resist plurality is because we are afraid of a broader expansion of ideas, cultures and the creativity that awaits us. If we “allow” the mixing of all people into what is “American” we risk established perceptions and controlled baseline from years of assimilation. Integrating or allowing immigrants to become a part of our country concerns many Americans today because they anticipate greater unemployment, displaced and misused federal funds, as well as an expansion on what it means morally, politely, religiously and culturally to be “American.” This fear, from the majority race has been constant for 200 years.
In Vincent N. Parrillo’s book, Diversity in America, he begins a discussion about “race and ethnicity in the United States and the interaction of gender relations within that context” (preface). He says his main objective is to give “a moderate approach to a volatile subject with the goal of demonstrating that multiculturalism is neither a new social phenomenon nor a threat to U.S. society” (preface). With much congratulation, I believe he achieves this objective and teaches the basics of American history in the process.
This country became an international player early in its development when it created canals, roads and railways. America pushed quickly in advancing technologically and communication with the world. At the same time, America hid her dark thread of racism within her woven fabric by displaying it in plain site. Most of the land advancement came by the hard work of black slaves and Hispanic and European immigrants. We are America because of our freedom, opportunity and democratic process, but we are also America because of our slavery, oppression and displacement of Native Americans and Hispanic American immigrants.
When I toured Bihar, India, in 2001, I was hard pressed to find “all-American” gifts for my host families. Remembering the impact of the German, Irish, African and European immigrants to our country and their gifts of music, art, languages, stories, and religion, I offered our culture to our Indian hosts instead. We told stories about Western expansion and cowboys, dreams of success and Hollywood movies. We also talked about the injustice of black slaves that later brought us the richness of gospel and jazz music.
As I read Parrillo’s book, I was struck with the consistency of power through each generation of advancement; western expansion, industry and technology. We love our independence and our rights that support our independence, but the undercurrent of manipulation that controlled and dehumanized many cultural people groups hardly gives us an unblemished flag to fly on the 4th of July. As our country was formed, we were all immigrants who forcefully invaded the Native American population. We gathered in groups of English, Irish, and Germans among others to form our communities and organize our farms and town in the traditions of our native lands. Through the expression of each culture, we found both peace and security during the rough birthing of our nation. Why are we so surprised to see the same from the current flow of immigrants? What is the threat?
Diversity in America is a good book for a class on leadership. It offers a realistic historical view on the growth of America and the author offers sympathetic commentary on the development of minority groups and their struggle to establish a place in the U.S. story. Unfortunately, minority groups are still fighting the ideas and biases from 200 years ago. As a leader and an American, it is important to know the history of this country, as well as the path of her old demons of racism and discrimination. With this knowledge we have a responsibility to seek equality for all as America progresses.
Diversity in America gives theological perspectives on the subjects of multiculturalism, pluralism and the assimilation of people in the United States by engaging our thoughts about justice and equality among all people in the Kingdom of God. Leadership that is incarnational seeks relationship and understanding and it works to find better ways to live as a diverse group of people. The circumstances that led to Irish and German immigrant poverty and the marginalization and displacement of Native Americans are criminal. This was not loving your neighbor as yourself or respecting the image of God in His creation. Neither is forcing non-white citizens within the U.S. to assimilate; become “more like whites” during the years of our nations’ formation. And unfortunately, much like one Christian approaches to evangelism, we see assimilation as the preferred option.
Diversity in America challenges our personal ideas about a pluralistic or assimilated nation. I am an “Inclusionist.” I agree that everyone should find themselves and their culture in the history of America as well as have the opportunity to express themselves in their native language, culture and national background.
To conclude, Parrillo says, “When immigrants come to the United States, they come to join us” (171). This is true in relationship with God, marriage, community and cultural development. We are our own and yet One. As the U.S. grows in diversity, it will not be long until the majority becomes a minority. As citizens of the U.S., maybe we should begin to address our duties as hosts; listen to our guests, share their language and offer a safe and caring place for them to experience their dream. Through their cultures, we will find more of ourselves.