THUONG MAI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGLISH
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DISCUSSION
AMERICAN CULTURE

ETHNIC OF RACIAL ASSIMILATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Lecturer: Phan Tú Lan

Class: 241_ENTI0511_02
Group: 04

Ha Noi, 2024
GROUP MEMBERS’ TASK
Presenting Name Student Task Grade
order code
1 Nguyễn Phương Nam 21D170025 I. “Melting Pot” and
“Salad Bowl”
II. The establishment of
Dominant Culture

2 Đào Trần Trọng Nam 21D170218 III. What group has the
strongest influence on
shaping the dominant
American culture?
IV. Why does that group
assimilate to US culture
more than others?
V. The African - American
experience
VI. The assimilation of
Non-Protestant and Non-
Western Europeans
3 Trần Kim Ngân 21D170265 VII. The Civil Rights
Movement of the 1950s
and 1960s
VIII. Race Relation after
Civil Rights Movement
4 Vũ Thị Hoài Ngọc 21D170176 IV. The universal nation
Word
 INTRODUCTION

Ethnic and racial assimilation in the United States is a multifaceted process that has
shaped the nation's cultural landscape for centuries. Early European immigrants,
particularly from Britain, Ireland, and Germany, were able to assimilate more easily due
to linguistic, cultural, and religious similarities with the dominant Anglo-American
culture. Over time, these groups contributed to the nation's development through their
traditions and customs. In contrast, non-European and non-Protestant groups, such as
African Americans and immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, faced greater
challenges due to historical discrimination, legal barriers, and social inequality. African
Americans, in particular, experienced unique hardships due to the legacy of slavery,
systemic racism, and segregation, which impeded their integration into mainstream
society. Despite these difficulties, assimilation efforts, including government policies and
cultural adaptation, have gradually reshaped America's demographic and cultural
diversity, highlighting both the struggles and successes of various ethnic and racial groups
in achieving social inclusion.

ETHNIC OF RACIAL ASSIMILATION IN THE UNITED STATES

 I. THE BEGINNING OF DOMINANT CULTURE

The creation of “American culture” and the development of metaphors like the "melting
pot" and "salad bowl" to describe it are the result of centuries of immigration,
colonization, and cultural blending. As people from diverse countries settled in the
United States, they contributed to both the formation of a dominant culture and the
preservation of distinct cultural identities, which have collectively shaped the unique
identity of the nation. Let’s break down how this process unfolded.

1. Colonial Foundations and European Influence:

The early foundation of American culture was laid by European colonists, particularly
those from England, Spain, and France. These settlers brought with them their religious
beliefs, languages, laws, and political systems, which shaped the emerging American
identity. The dominance of English settlers ensured that English became the primary
language, and Protestantism became a central religious influence. Many of the
foundational values that remain central to American culture—such as individualism,
democracy, and the rule of law—originated from the European Enlightenment and
English common law traditions.

However, the arrival of settlers from other European countries, such as Germany, Ireland,
and the Netherlands, introduced additional cultural influences that would eventually blend
into the dominant culture. These immigrants added diversity in terms of religious
practices, culinary traditions, and other aspects of daily life.

2. The "Melting Pot" Metaphor: Assimilation and Blending of Cultures

The "melting pot" metaphor emerged as a way to describe how people from various
countries, primarily immigrants, came to the United States and gradually blended into a
single, unified culture. This idea was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, as millions of immigrants arrived from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the
world.
The concept of the melting pot suggests that over time, immigrants assimilated into
mainstream American culture by adopting common values, language, and customs. In this
process, individual cultural identities were supposedly "melted" into one cohesive
national identity. The metaphor reflects the idea that immigrants contributed their unique
traditions and experiences to the formation of a larger, more homogenous culture, where
the blending of cultures resulted in something new and distinctly American.

For example, Italian immigrants brought pasta and pizza, which have since become
staples in American cuisine, while German immigrants introduced traditions like
Christmas trees. The music of African Americans, particularly jazz, blues, and later hip-
hop, significantly shaped the global perception of American culture.

3. The "Salad Bowl" Metaphor: Preservation of Cultural Distinctiveness

In contrast to the "melting pot," the "salad bowl" metaphor highlights how different
cultural groups coexist within American society while retaining their unique identities.
This metaphor emerged as a more modern perspective on how multiculturalism functions
in the United States. Rather than fully assimilating, many immigrant groups have
maintained key elements of their original cultures, such as language, religious practices,
holidays, and traditions, while still participating in American society.

In the "salad bowl" model, different cultures coexist like ingredients in a salad: each
retains its distinct flavor and identity while contributing to the overall mixture. For
instance, Chinese Americans celebrate Chinese New Year, Indian Americans observe
Diwali, and Mexican Americans honor Día de los Muertos—all while being part of the
broader American society. This perspective acknowledges the diversity within the nation
and sees the preservation of cultural differences as a source of strength.

The "salad bowl" metaphor captures the idea that America is a multicultural society,
where people from different backgrounds do not have to give up their cultural identities to
be part of the larger community. Instead, they contribute to the richness of American
culture by maintaining their distinct traditions.

4. Successive Waves of Immigration: Building Multiculturalism

Over the centuries, the U.S. has experienced numerous waves of immigration, each
adding new cultural layers to the national identity. Some notable examples include:

 19th Century European Immigration: Immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and

Italy brought their languages, customs, and religions. Irish Americans helped shape
American politics and labor movements, while German immigrants contributed to
the development of education and industries like beer brewing. Italian cuisine and
Catholic traditions also became deeply rooted in American life.

 African Americans: African Americans, largely descendants of enslaved

Africans, have had a profound impact on American culture, particularly in the
realms of music, literature, art, and activism. Jazz, blues, and later hip-hop became
cornerstones of American music, while the civil rights movement led by African
Americans reshaped the nation's political and social landscape.

 Asian Immigration: Chinese and Japanese immigrants arrived in the late 19th
century, contributing to the construction of the transcontinental railroad and
bringing distinct cultural practices like Chinese cuisine and Japanese art forms. In
more recent decades, immigrants from India, Korea, and Vietnam have enriched
American society, particularly in the fields of technology, medicine, and business.

 Latino and Hispanic Influence: Immigrants from Latin American countries,

particularly Mexico, have had a significant impact on American culture. Spanish is
the second most widely spoken language in the U.S., and Latino traditions, such as
Mexican cuisine, music (like salsa and reggaeton), and holidays like Cinco de
Mayo, have become mainstream aspects of American life.

II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DOMINANT CULTURE

The dominant culture in the U.S. emerged as a blend of these various influences, but with
certain overarching values and traditions rooted in the early European settler experience.
Key aspects of the dominant culture include:
  Language: English is the dominant language, though Spanish is increasingly
widespread, and many Americans are bilingual or multilingual.

 Religion: Protestant Christianity has historically been the dominant religion,

though the U.S. is home to a wide variety of religious practices, including
Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, reflecting the nation's
diversity.

 Political and Legal Systems: The U.S. political system, based on democratic
governance and individual rights, is rooted in European Enlightenment ideals and
British legal traditions.

 Cultural Traditions: Many American cultural traditions, such as Thanksgiving,

the Fourth of July, and Halloween, have their origins in European and indigenous
practices but have evolved to reflect the multicultural nature of American society.

1. Cultural Exchange and Adaptation

Throughout American history, cultures have not only coexisted but also influenced and
adapted to each other. Immigrants often integrated elements of American culture into their
own practices, while mainstream American culture adapted elements from immigrant
cultures. For example, the widespread celebration of St. Patrick's Day (originally an Irish
holiday) by Americans of all backgrounds is an example of how immigrant traditions
became part of the dominant culture.

Similarly, American holidays such as Thanksgiving are often celebrated with diverse
cultural variations—Latino families might serve tamales alongside turkey, while Asian
American families might incorporate dishes from their native cuisines.

2. A Dynamic, Evolving American Culture

The creation of American culture is the result of the contributions of people from many
different countries, each adding to the evolving mosaic that makes up the United States.
The "melting pot" metaphor represents the blending of cultures into a unified national
identity, while the "salad bowl" metaphor illustrates how individual cultural identities
have been preserved and contribute to the nation’s richness.

The establishment of the dominant culture reflects both assimilation and cultural
preservation, where foundational American values—such as democracy, individualism,
and freedom—are shared, while distinct cultural practices continue to thrive. American
culture, therefore, is not static but an ongoing process of cultural exchange and
adaptation, shaped by the people who make up the country.

III. WHAT GROUP HAS THE STRONGEST INFLUENCE ON SHAPING

THE DOMINANT AMERICAN CULTURE?

The strongest influences on American culture came from northern European cultures,
most prominently from Britain, Ireland, and Germany.

Britain’s colonial legacy has left an indelible mark on American culture. English, the
nation’s dominant language, is a direct descendant of Old English, spoken in England
during the Anglo-Saxon period. The American legal system is largely based on British
common law, with its emphasis on precedent and case law. Moreover, the American
system of government, featuring separation of powers and checks and balances, is rooted
in British political traditions. Finally, British authors like Shakespeare and Austen, as well
as British musical traditions, have had a profound impact on American literature and arts.
Irish immigrants, particularly during the Great Famine of the 19th century, brought
their rich culture and traditions to the United States. Their influence is evident in
American folklore, music, and literature. Irish folk music, with its distinctive melodies
and rhythms, has shaped American genres such as bluegrass and country. Irish authors
like James Joyce and Flannery O'Connor have made significant contributions to American
literature. Additionally, Irish Catholicism played a crucial role in shaping American
religious demographics and culture.
German immigrants, who arrived in large numbers in the 19th century, brought their
language, customs, and traditions to the United States. German was once the second most
widely spoken language in the nation, and its influence can be seen in many American
place names and words. German cuisine, including sauerkraut, bratwurst, and pretzels,
has become a popular part of American culture. German musical traditions, such as
classical music and polka, have influenced American music. Moreover, German
immigrants often established schools and universities, contributing to the development of
American education.
IV. WHY DOES THAT GROUP ASSIMILATE TO US CULTURE MORE
THAN OTHERS?

Historical timing played a significant role in the assimilation of early European

immigrants. Arriving as the United States was expanding and developing, these
immigrants found greater opportunities for assimilation. Socioeconomic status also
influenced the ease of integration. Immigrants with higher socioeconomic status or
educational backgrounds had better access to resources, networks, and educational
opportunities that facilitated their integration into the dominant culture. Moreover, the
cultural similarities between early European immigrants and the dominant culture also
aided in assimilation. Many shared Christian values and languages tied to English, which
helped bridge cultural gaps. Additionally, early American government policies, such as
the Naturalization Act of 1790, encouraged the assimilation of European immigrants by
granting citizenship to "free white persons" who had lived in the United States for at least
five years.
V. THE AFRICAN - AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
1. The Enslavement Period (1619-1865)

This period was a dark chapter in American history marked by the forced
immigration and brutal exploitation of millions of Africans. The first Africans arrived in
the American colonies as indentured servants in 1619, but by the early 1700s, slavery had
become a dominant institution in the southern colonies. Slavery was a central feature of
American society for over two centuries. Enslaved Africans were forced to work on
plantations, in factories, and in domestic service. They endured harsh living conditions,
including inadequate food, shelter, and medical care. Families were frequently separated,
as enslaved individuals were bought and sold, leading to emotional trauma and loss of
familial bonds.
Resistance to slavery was widespread, taking many forms, including escape attempts,
sabotage, and organized rebellions. The most famous slave rebellion was Nat Turner's
Revolt in 1831, which led to the deaths of dozens of white people and sparked a wave of
racial violence.

2. The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)

The Civil War was fought in part over the issue of slavery and was a turning point in
the history of African Americans. The Union victory led to the abolition of slavery in the
United States through the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

However, the Reconstruction era that followed was a time of great turmoil and
uncertainty. During this period, African Americans gained the right to vote and held
elected office for the first time. However, white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux
Klan used violence and intimidation to suppress African American voting rights and
restore white dominance.

3. The Jim Crow Era (late 19th century - mid-20th century)

After Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era saw the rise of racial segregation and
discrimination throughout the South. Jim Crow laws mandated racial segregation in
public facilities, such as schools, transportation, and restaurants. African Americans were
also denied the right to vote through literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory
practices.

Lynching was a common form of violence against African Americans during the Jim
Crown era. Thousands of African Americans were lynched by white mobs, often for
minor offenses or no offense at all. Lynching was a tool of terror used to maintain white
supremacy and control. Millions of African Americans migrated from the rural South to
urban centers in the North and West, seeking better opportunities and escaping the
oppressive conditions of Jim Crow.

4. Civil Rights Movement (1950s - 1960s)

 The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was a nonviolent struggle for racial
equality and justice. African Americans, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.,
Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, organized protests, boycotts, and sit-ins to challenge
segregation and discrimination. The Civil Rights Movement culminated in the passage of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed racial
segregation and discrimination. These landmark achievements marked significant
progress in the fight for racial equality in the United States.

5. Post-Civil Rights Era (1970s - Present)

While the Civil Rights Movement brought about significant changes, African
Americans continue to face systemic racism and discrimination. Economic disparities
persist, with African Americans experiencing higher unemployment rates, lower wages,
and limited access to quality education and healthcare. The Black Lives Matter
movement, which emerged in response to police killings of unarmed African Americans,
has highlighted the ongoing issue of racial profiling and police brutality. The movement
has also called for broader social and economic justice for African Americans.

The African American experience in the United States is a complex and multifaceted
story of struggle, resilience, and progress. While significant strides have been made, there
is still much work to be done to achieve true racial equality and justice.

VI. THE ASSIMILATION OF NON-PROTESTANT AND NON-WESTERN

EUROPEANS

European immigrants into American culture were influenced by various factors,

including cultural differences and the prevailing attitudes of the dominant majority. While
immigrants similar to earlier settlers were more readily accepted, those with distinct
characteristics were often viewed as threats to traditional American values and ways of
life. This was particularly true of the millions of immigrants who arrived in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries, many of whom came from poverty-stricken nations in Southern
and Eastern Europe. These immigrants spoke languages other than English and were
predominantly Catholic or Jewish, leading to fears that they would not understand
American values or change the nation's character.

To address these concerns, Americans offered English instruction and citizenship

classes to teach immigrants basic American beliefs. However, immigrants often felt that
these efforts were inadequate and did not address their most pressing needs for
employment, food, and housing. Political bosses in larger cities emerged as more helpful
figures, assisting immigrants with practical needs and gaining their political support in
exchange.

While many Americans disapproved of political bosses due to their perceived

corruption and destruction of American values, these bosses played a crucial role in
assimilating immigrants into American culture. They helped immigrants find jobs and
housing, paving the way for economic advancement and social integration. The growing
American economy at the turn of the century also provided opportunities for immigrants
to improve their living standards. As a result, many immigrants came to embrace
American values and were eventually accepted by the broader American society.

For white ethnic groups, the sense of belonging to the larger American culture often
superseded their ethnic identity. While they maintained some cultural traditions, they
generally identified more strongly as Americans. This assimilation process was facilitated
by factors such as economic opportunities, language acquisition, and intermarriage with
native-born Americans.

VII. THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT OF THE 1950S AND 1960S

1. The context

This state of affairs remained unchanged until after World War II. Over the million
African Americans had served in segregated units during the war. After the war was over,
black leaders began to lead a civil rights movement for equality with whites.

Photos from this era typically show a stark contrast between the conditions of schools
for Black students and those for white students. Black schools were often in dilapidated
buildings with overcrowded classrooms and lacking textbooks and supplies, while white
schools were comparatively well-maintained and well-resourced.

Little Rock Nine (1957): One of the most famous images is of the Little Rock Nine, the
group of African American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock,
Arkansas, under military protection due to violent resistance.

Segregated School Facilities: Other images depict separate entrances, water fountains,
and buses for Black and white students.
 In 1954, The United States Supreme Court declared that racially segregated public
school did not provide equal educational opportunities for Black Americans and were
therefore illegal. Chief Counsel for the Nation Association for the Advancement of
Colored People argued the case before the court and in 1967 he became the first African
Supreme Court Justice.

2. The goal of the movement

The goal is to bring about the greater assimilation of black people into the larger
American culture. His ideals were largely developed from basic American values. He
wanted greater equality of opportunity and freedom now for his people. He did not wish
to separate his people from American society but rather to gain from them a larger part in
it.

Some black leaders urged a rejection of basic American values and complete separation
of blacks from the white culture. But Martin Luther King, Jr’s Protestant religious beliefs
and his goal of assimilation rather than separation. Most African-Americans continued to
look to king as their leader.

3. Result

Two major civil Rights were passed during the 1960s that removed racial segregation
from public facilities in the South and also removed the barriers that had prevented black
people from voting in that region.

VIII. RACE RELATION AFTER CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

After the civil rights laws of the 1960s, African-Americans made significant strides in
assimilating into mainstream American culture. These laws helped reduce white
prejudice, leading to increased black representation in higher education, politics, and
professional fields. By the late 20th century, African-Americans had achieved notable
success, with figures like Jesse Jackson running for president and many holding
government positions, including mayors, Congress members, and other key roles. A
sizable black middle class emerged, and public attitudes toward the idea of a black
president, such as Colin Powell, became more favorable.

However, racial disparities persisted. Despite making up 13% of the population,

African-Americans remained underrepresented in Congress and continued to face
significant economic inequality. Residential segregation led to racially divided schools,
and many blacks remained stuck in poverty and violence in inner cities. High poverty
rates, single-parent households, and crime were prevalent in black communities, with
some attributing these issues to the breakdown of family structures. While many African-
Americans blamed white discrimination for their struggles, a divide existed in opinion
between blacks and whites on this issue.

In response to ongoing inequality, some African-Americans, inspired by figures like

Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan, promoted the idea of separation from white society. The
1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C., reflected this growing sentiment of
frustration and the call for self-reliance.
 The Million Man March aimed to bring together responsible black fathers and sons as
positive role models to inspire leadership and change in African-American communities.
While some view Louis Farrakhan as an extremist, his message resonates with many
African-Americans, especially young people seeking a distinct African-American identity
that recognizes and validates their cultural contributions. Many of these younger
generations, who did not live through the civil rights era, focus more on the inequalities
they still face, rather than the progress made in earlier decades.

Historian Alexis de Tocqueville predicted lasting racial tension in the U.S., noting that
while slavery could be abolished, its impact would endure. Nathan Glazer, an expert on
assimilation, argues that African-Americans have faced greater challenges in gaining
acceptance from the white majority compared to other minority groups, which fuels
stronger feelings of racial and cultural separatism. Leaders like Malcolm X and Farrakhan
have had significant emotional appeal among black Americans, a sentiment not seen as
strongly in other minority communities. Despite these challenges, many people of
goodwill from both races are working towards racial harmony and equality.

IX. THE UNIVERSAL NATION

As we have noted, the dominant culture and its value system, established by the early
settlers, had its roots in white, Protestant, western Europe. In the late 1800s and early
1900s, millions of immigrants came from eastern and southern Europe, bringing cultural
traditions perceived by the dominant culture as quite different. By the 1920s, Americans
had decided that it was time to close the borders to mass immigration, and the number of
new immigrants slowed to a trickle. In spite of the worries of those in the dominant
culture, the new immigrants did assimilate to life in the United States. They greatly
enriched the cultural diversity of the nation, and they ultimately did not cause major
changes to its system of government, its free enterprise system, or its traditional values.

In 1965, the United States made important changes in its immigration laws, allowing
many more immigrants to come and entirely eliminating the older laws bias in favor of
white European immigrants. As a result, the United States is now confronted with a new
challenge taking in large numbers of new immigrants who are nonwhite and non-
European. About 90 percent are from Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In addition
to the large numbers of legal immigrants, for the first time the United States has
significant numbers of illegal immigrants.

1. The advantages and disadvantages of assimilation in America

Many worries about what the impact will be on American society. Firstly, this will
cause strain on public services because the large influx of immigrants, particularly
undocumented ones, can place significant pressure on public services such as healthcare,
education, housing, and social welfare programs. This can lead to overcrowded schools,
overwhelmed healthcare facilities, and strained social services, particularly in areas with
high immigrant populations. Moreover, immigrants, especially those willing to work for
lower wages, may increase competition for jobs in certain sectors, such as agriculture,
construction, and service industries. Besides, the rise in illegal immigration has sparked
concerns about national security, particularly with regard to the control of borders. The
presence of undocumented immigrants can also create difficulties in law enforcement, as
some individuals may work outside the legal framework or lack access to legal
protections, contributing to underground economies.

Many Americans worry that this also will be the effect on the traditional value system
that has defined the United States for over 200 years. This causes the erosion of National
Identity. With the arrival of immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean,
traditional European-American values—such as individualism, Protestant work ethic, and
Judeo-Christian moral frameworks—may be diluted or overshadowed by different
cultural perspectives, potentially leading to tension between newer immigrant
communities and native-born Americans who adhere to those long-held beliefs. In
addition, it impacts language and communication. The U.S. has traditionally been an
English-speaking country, but with the arrival of large numbers of immigrants who speak
Spanish, Chinese, and other languages, there may be concerns about the weakening of
English as the unifying language. It also leads to challenges to social cohesion and
community values. The U.S. has long emphasized values like individual liberty, personal
responsibility, and limited government. Some fear that the introduction of large groups
from different cultural backgrounds—where community values may focus more on
collectivism or different forms of government interaction—might lead to clashes in
societal expectations. This could undermine the shared value system of personal freedom
and individual rights that has traditionally defined the U.S. Through the above, it can be
seen that although there is diversity among immigrants coming to the US, it will be
difficult for them to be treated equally as Americans. In fact, racial discrimination still
often occurs in the US in daily life, so it will be difficult for them to have the same
opportunities as other Americans.

The majority of Americans see wonderful benefits for their country. For example, the
influx of immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean has enriched the
American cultural landscape. Immigrants bring with them new traditions, cuisines,
languages, music, and art, which enhance the diversity of American culture and broaden
the horizons of native-born Americans. The fusion of different cultures has contributed to
the unique "melting pot" identity of the U.S. Immigrants, both legal and undocumented,
have made substantial contributions to the U.S. economy by filling essential jobs, starting
businesses, and fostering innovation. This will contribute to the U.S. workforce and skills
development. Immigrants diversify the U.S. labor market by bringing a wide variety of
advanced skills in technology, engineering, and medicine. These highly educated
professionals contribute to the growth of sectors such as Silicon Valley’s tech industry,
healthcare, and academic research, making the U.S. a global leader in innovation.

2. The advantages and disadvantages of assimilation in Viet Nam

One advantage of assimilation from other ethnic groups and foreign influences is the
enrichment of Vietnamese culture and society. When the Vietnamese interact and
assimilate with various ethnic groups, such as the H’mong, Khmer, and Chinese
communities, as well as with foreign cultures, they can acquire diverse traditions,
languages, and perspectives. This blending of cultures can lead to new ideas in art,
cuisine, and lifestyle, fostering creativity and innovation. Additionally, foreign influences
often bring advanced knowledge, technology, and education systems, which can
contribute to Vietnam’s modernization and development. For example, foreign
technology and educational exchanges have helped improve Vietnam’s infrastructure and
workforce skills, driving economic growth and global integration.

However, the assimilation of Vietnamese people also brings significant challenges,

particularly in terms of cultural preservation and identity. One major disadvantage is the
potential loss of traditional Vietnamese customs, values, and languages. As foreign
customs become more prominent, there is a risk that younger generations may adopt them
while neglecting their own heritage. For instance, excessive exposure to Western
consumerism or foreign media could overshadow traditional Vietnamese values like
respect for elders or community-oriented lifestyles. Furthermore, the influence of other
ethnic groups or foreigners may cause social divisions, leading to a dilution of national
unity. This could result in conflicts over cultural identity, with some people feeling that
foreign dominance or minority group influence compromises Vietnam’s historical and
cultural integrity. In the long term, these challenges could threaten Vietnam’s unique
cultural fabric and national pride.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, ethnic and racial assimilation in the United States underscores the
dynamic and sometimes contentious nature of cultural integration. Early European
immigrant groups found it easier to assimilate due to shared language, religion, and
cultural values with the dominant Anglo-Saxon population. However, groups such as
African Americans, Latin Americans, and non-Western European immigrants faced far
greater obstacles due to systemic racism, social discrimination, and historical legacies of
oppression, such as slavery. Over time, significant strides have been made through civil
rights movements and changing societal norms, but challenges remain, particularly for
communities that continue to face economic, educational, and social disparities. The
evolution of American society reflects the complexities of balancing cultural preservation
with integration, and the ongoing process of assimilation illustrates both the nation’s
progress and its persistent inequalities. As the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, the
need for an inclusive approach to racial and ethnic integration remains critical to
achieving a more unified and equitable society.
REFERENCES
1st Meeting Minute

1. Time: 10 p.m. on October 1st, 2024.

2. Place: Google Meet (online meeting)

3. Participants:

- Presented: Vũ Thu Hà, Lê Thu Hạnh, Nguyễn Thị Hạnh, Cao Thúy Hằng

- Late: 0

4. Task:

- The group leader announces the presentation schedule and outline instructions
according to the link the group leader has consulted.

- Based on member opinions to create a good outline.

- Divide tasks

5. Leader’s evaluation:

- All members participated on time

- Members actively give comments and suggestions to build the outline.

- All members confirmed accepting the task

1st October, 2024

Leader

Cao Thuy Hang

2nd Meeting Minute

1. Time: 10 p.m. on October 9th, 2024.

2. Place: Google Meet (online meeting)

3. Participants:

- Presented: Vũ Thu Hà, Lê Thu Hạnh, Nguyễn Thị Hạnh, Cao Thúy Hằng

- Late: 0

4. Task:

- The group leader checks what members have done.

- Test run and balance the time.

- Group leaders and members review incorrect or unnecessary parts.

- Leader check all of Word and PowerPoint one more time

5. Leader’s evaluation:

- All members participate fully and on time.

- All members complete assigned tasks on time.

- Point out the unreasonable parts and correct them.

9th October, 2024

Leader

Cao Thuy Hang