1.
Cultural Pluralism

2.
 “It is imperative that Americans
understand how we benefit from diversity
and that we learn more about previous
and current contributions of diverse
groups in our society because the real
threat to our nation is not diversity but
ignorance.”
p. 150

3.
Attitudes about Diversity
 Anglo Conformity
 Rejects diversity in favor of homogeneity
 Concept of “Americanization”
 Melting pot, Stews, and Salads
 Color blind
 Separatism

4.
10 things to know about race
1. Race is a modern idea.
2. Race has no genetic basis.
3. Human subspecies don’t exist.
4. Skin color really is only skin deep.
5. Most variation is within, not
between, “races.”

5.
6. Slavery predates race.
7. Race and freedom were born
together.
8. Race justified social inequalities as
natural.
9. Race isn’t biological, but racism is
still real.
10.Colorblindness will not end racism.

6.
Cultural Pluralism
 Right to preserve cultural heritage
 Diversity as a positive attribute of society
 Appreciation vs. tolerance
 Despite significant research and efforts,
cultural pluralism continues to be
overshadowed by Anglo conformity

7.
5 reasons to support pluralism
 Failure of Anglo conformity
 Impact on self-consciousness and self-
determination
 Necessity of human interdependence
 Recognition of diversity as an ideal
 Current existence of diversity

8.
 “diversity alone is not pluralism. Pluralism
is not a given but must be created.
Pluralism requires participation and
attunement to the life and energies of one
another.” (Ecks, 2001)

9.
BIGOT
PLURALIST
CONFORMIST
ACTIVE PASSIVE
Oppressive
Anti-
Oppressive

10.
“It is NOT POSSIBLE to claim to
have pluralistic attitudes and be
passive because passivity
perpetuates social
injustice.”