Cultural Diversity and the Emergence of Pluralism in America: Examples from Diana Eck's "A new religious America"
In the 1970s and 1980s, America experienced a radical change in its population through the sudden influx of immigrants from countries all over the world. Immigrants from regions such as Eastern Europe and Asia established their lives and made America their second home, all as a result from the changing policy of the country towards immigration. The implementation of the Immigration Act of 1965, as well as the increasing incidence of Communism in Eastern Europe and Asia made America the attractive destination for individuals seeking to improve their lives and lived in a freer, more economically-affluent society. The revival of immigration in the country during this period, then, marked the significant change in American population. As a result of this change in population, a corresponding change in culture also occurred. Cultural diversity increased suddenly, and Americans witnessed their community expand from being white- and black-American-dominated to include Japanese, Chinese, Eastern Europeans, and Middle Eastern citizens. Inevitably, with an expanding, multi-cultural society, America became the "melting pot" of various religions. At this stage, cultural diversity becomes a more specific social phenomenon-that is,
Another important factor that made this diversity in religion an important issue is the increasing cultural heritage that America now possesses as a result of this diversity. Many of the religions practiced by the immigrants and native peoples of America have traditions, customs, and beliefs tied with it, so it becomes inevitable for a new culture to be transmitted and be recognized by the society as well. Thus, in accepting the religions of the new American society, people have also come to accept the rich cultural heritage that comes along with these religions. What becomes now of America is a nation that is diverse in culture, religion, and people. The people's exposure to this new kind of society helps them increase their understanding of the differences of each people, culture, or community that we encounter. Understanding and learning to respect, if not accept, other people's religion and culture results to unity and solidarity, and this is the most important function that the new American society can play to the new America. Eck began her discussion of religious pluralism with the thesis that due to the new multi-religious, democratic state that is the United States of America, people should become aware of the social (religious and cultural) and political issues that will happen after she has presented her extensive research of five (5) years about America's various religions. The Pluralism Project, the program under which Eck conducted her quantitative and qualitative studies, provided readers with a closer look at the new 'melting pot' of religions-America. In line with this social phenomenon, Eck's book was a call
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Approximate Word count = 1109
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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