David C. Stolinsky
Wednesday, July 4, 2001

For many years, America was called a "melting pot." This term had the advantage of indicating that immigrants were expected and encouraged to integrate themselves into the general American culture. Primary and secondary schools carried out this role — dare one say duty? — by means of classes in American history and civics.

Our past leaders and history often were presented in glowing terms. Sometimes negative aspects were glossed over and strong points exaggerated. As kids matured, there was time to study more deeply and see the other side. All this provided young people, especially boys, with positive role models.

But now, the Boy Scouts and ROTC are being kicked out of schools. Current classes and books on American history often present negative images. If we fail to provide positive role models, kids may find negative ones.

Is it a mere coincidence that the two future murderers at Columbine High School gave the Nazi salute and observed Hitler’s birthday? Is it insignificant that most school kids no longer observe Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays? Is it unimportant that they no longer memorize the National Anthem, the Gettysburg Address, or the Preamble to the Constitution? Has it no effect on kids when they hear their nation and its past leaders described in negative terms?

Is it irrelevant that kids no longer hear patriotic music at school or on the radio on national holidays? Is it meaningless that they cannot identify who Ulysses S. Grant was, other than that he appears on a 50-dollar bill? Is it inconsequential that they never heard of Alvin York or Audie Murphy? Could all this have something to do with the fact that for role models, some kids now choose "Antichrist Superstar" Marilyn Manson or the local gang leader? We depict an American identity as undesirable, then we are shocked — shocked! — when kids seek an identity in gang colors or black trenchcoats.

We are so afraid of producing super-patriots that we are doing our best to produce no patriots at all. Who, then, will be left to defend us from foreign or domestic tyrants? We have not just stopped Americanizing our kids; we are trying to de-Americanize them.

Psychologists tell us that children who are firmly attached to their families are more likely to form lasting attachments to others, and to be healthier emotionally, in adult life. Perhaps the same is true for those who are firmly grounded in their national and religious traditions. Trees that grow deep roots are better able to withstand storms.

In the early 20th century, when the "melting pot" received the greatest influx of immigrants, there were active ethnic organizations and subcultures of Italian-Americans, Irish-Americans, Jewish-Americans and many others. For the most part, immigrants were not forced to abandon their old cultures, but rather pushed to adapt to their new one.

Still, "melting pot" has negative connotations. Bits of metal thrown into a cauldron lose their individuality, and their contribution to the final alloy is unidentifiable. Even if this did not always occur in reality, perhaps it is best that the term is no longer used. But instead of a preferable goal, we now aim for a "diversity salad."

The idea is that bits of lettuce, celery, carrot, and other ingredients retain all their individual flavor and color, yet are combined into an appetizing dish. The notion is attractive but simplistic. It implies that all one has to do is throw ingredients of any description into a bowl. There is no requirement that the ingredients be compatible, that they be in any proportion, or that they be healthful. Indeed, the salad need not even be "tossed," that is, thoroughly mixed. One merely dumps the ingredients into the bowl and forgets them.

There is no recipe for "diversity salad" other than it be diverse. Indeed, there can be no recipe for something that by its nature consists of disparate elements in haphazard proportions. For advocates of diversity for its own sake, this is an advantage. For those who object to recipes on principle, this is admirable. But for those who prefer that their meal be palatable and nourishing, "diverse" is too vague a term.

We would not order a dish that the menu described only as "diverse," for fear it might prove unpleasant or even harmful. Why do we trust our nation’s future, in which our children will live, to those who promise nothing more specific than "diversity"?

"Diversity" of what? Ethnic and racial makeup? Fine. Religious beliefs or lack of belief? Good, within limits. But diversity of political and ethical systems? The term "diverse" could accurately describe a mob of people believing variously in political extremes of Right and Left, and in ethical systems ranging from religious fanaticism to radical environmentalism. But they would be only a strife-ridden mob, not a nation. If "diversity" is our goal, we need only visit the Middle East or Kosovo to get a large serving.

Rather than a salad, a better analogy for America is "salad dressing." Here one combines two dissimilar elements, vinegar and oil, in proper proportions, and then shakes vigorously to produce a tasty and healthful food. But if one becomes lazy and lets the dressing sit, the elements soon separate, and one is treated to a mouthful of sour vinegar alternating with one of greasy oil. The point is that constant effort is required to keep the mixture together. Nations and cultures are like that.

Instead of a "melting pot," the best analogy for America may be a "stew pot." Here one adds bits of meat, potato, and vegetables with no rigid recipe, but with a sense of proportion. As the stew is heated, the flavors meld. Each element retains many of its original characteristics, but it also takes on the flavors and aromas of the other elements. The result is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Moreover, as the "stew pot" simmers on the stove and is partially consumed by the guests, one adds new ingredients — for example, beans and rice, or Asian noodles. The essential nature of the stew remains, but the flavors change in a subtle way to reflect the newly arriving guests and the new ingredients. One must keep the pot warm, yet not let it boil over. One must add new ingredients, and — most important — keep stirring to blend the new ingredients with the old. Continuing effort and attention are required. The stew does not prepare itself.

"Diversity salad" has no assurance of palatability or healthfulness, but it requires minimal effort, so it appeals to those too lazy to cook. On the other hand, a national "stew pot" has a greater likelihood of keeping all of us well nourished. But we have to care enough to work at it.

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