There was a time when America celebrated its rich diversity. Well, sorta…
Believe it or not, there once was a time when America welcomed immigrants, celebrated it’s diversity…
Back in 1977, Schoolhouse Rock! – the animated musical educational program – aired “Great American Melting Pot,” which told the story of immigration from the Old World of Europe to the New World of the United States with the clear intention of celebrating the diversity of the American experiment.
As The Critical Media Project reports, the video “suggests that immigrants of different backgrounds have come together in America, bringing with them their own traditions and values, but ultimately becoming part of one ‘Great American Melting Pot.’ The chorus sings: ‘Lovely Lady Liberty/With her book of recipes/And the finest one she’s got/Is the great American melting pot.'”
However, The Critical Media Project also condemns the clip in their summary critique which notes:
The idea of the “American melting pot” has been criticized for ignoring cultural difference and forcing assimilation toward a white norm upon people of diverse backgrounds. Some have suggested that the “salad bowl” metaphor is more appropriate, as it takes a more pluralistic approach in which ethnic difference is recognized and maintained, but unity in purpose is still the ultimate goal. The salad bowl metaphor itself has come under criticism, as some have argued it continues to perpetuate an American norm of whiteness that treats minority groups as second-class citizens.
My good friend, Wojtek Wacowski, put it more succinctly writing: “In 1977 even a progressive video could conveniently omit the extermination of the native population and all the slaves brought from Africa…. but hey – KISS ME I’M POLISH!”
Watch the clip and then share your thoughts with us in the comments, below:
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