How Assimilation in the U.S. Affect People of Color

How does assimilation in the United States affect people of color and their cultural and racial identities? Assimilation is enrolled without notice to non-diversify society by their social norms being very present today while new generations grow up being assimilated. Combating assimilation is much needed to encourage diversity in the states as it creates a safe space for everyone.

Assimilation is encouraged by racial and ethnic inclusion with one assimilation and one ideal. You can find assimilation in schools, the workplace, and many other public spaces. In most public spaces most who don't associate with American assimilation is often looked down upon or discriminated against. The typical American is English speaking, non-diverse, American culture, and a norm that isn't represented by diversity and skin tones. Examples of assimilation could be having to speak English when communicating, pledging allegiance to the flag in government-run settings, and those with light complexions may be encouraged to pass as white in the modern day. Social constructs are the biggest influence on assimilation where dominant cultures or popular cultures are how society runs. Most cultural groups that are growing generations in the U.S. are often more similar to the assimilation where they may be left to question their identity making it harder for most to differentiate themselves.

Assimilation affects people of color to question their heritage of identity and conform to lacking diversity and culturalism. In American culture, most people of color are found themselves as an 'other' if not appropriated as Americans. Most cultures are at a disadvantage where language barriers, appearance, and traditions confuse American culture.

In an interaction of a close family member named Celia Avalos, who identifies as a first-generation Mexican woman, she had explained to me that she travels and notices assimilation influences other people’s interactions with her diverse identity or skin tone. Avalos explained in the state of California diversity is encouraged in safe spaces of a home or those who associate with diversity, but outside of those safe spaces speaking Spanish and expressing Mexican culture is quick to be judged, especially in rural states. Michigan was a rural state Avalos has traveled to often for work, while there she has had interactions where she had proudly explained she was of Mexican heritage, but locals explain to her from her light complexion, “you should tell people you are Italian, you look Italian.” These interactions made her uncomfortable to be diverse and gave her a feeling of not being able to fit in with these communities. Many people of color may be exposed to similar interactions as Avalos’ encountered where embracing your culture may be questioned by dominant groups. In daily interaction, no one should feel uncomfortable from their skin or heritage where actions must be taken place. 

Taking action upon these interactions and combatting assimilation in the USA is by introducing diversity in the classroom. In a studies interdisciplinarity is a key to discovering about race the use of nontraditional materials and extensive directed classroom discussion. In this context, we developed an interdisciplinary course on race. Having open diverse classes for young students make it available for safe spaces welcoming ethnic, racial, cultural fluidity at young ages and not conforming to social constructs. What is especially important in these courses’ students can learn more of their own cultural identity and have exposure to other cultures as well. 

Actions to be taken Assimilation in the United States today to combat non-diversified society can be instructed. What is the greatest importance is keeping cultural diversity alive in society and have the respect of cultures as well. In research of assimilation in the United States creating a safe space for everyone is ideal than assimilating to one type.