Ethnicity. as the most creative form of pluralism. has enriched our society through its numerous expressions. The multiplicity of ethnic groups gathered together on these shores has given this Nation its unique face. identity and strength among the nations of the world. The immigrants came to America to help to build and strengthen the most durable democratic system of government in the worldl And .tin the pastthey were often excluded from policy decision making process! They were only counted onthey now are hopefuilly counted in. 7o emphasize the point which 13 brought up and discussed at many occasions. Henry Fords "melting pot" myth operated in this !Zation at the time of tbe "great lmvmigration": The "natives" thought that all "foreigners" would enter into the great American crucible which would purge away all their differences and erase their "old world" identities. but the melting pot did not perform the functions expected of it. and the impact of American life tended to accentuate rather than obliterate group consciousness. Those occasions when the peasant immigrants were made to Identify themselves by their national originwhen filling out forms for social agencies or employment applicationsoffer an example of how ethnic identity was stamped on them. Since those early immigrant daysAmericas ethnic consciousness hasnt vanished. but rather has grown. It has resulted in an intense search for answers to the questions: "Who are we?"-"Where are we from?"-"Where have we been?"-"What have we contributed to growth of this nation?" This search is the first step to sanity in an age of ever changing and perplexing social and economic issues and events. Ethnicity is thus a tool and an agent for goals beyond Itself.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization that immigrants were excluded from policy decision making.