Ethnic Divisiveness: Ethnically Challenged

Yesterday, I listed some domestic issues needing significant attention.

First was ethnic divisiveness. There have been some dramactic changes in the U.S. population pattern... especially with the significant increase in the Hispanic population. The Census Bureau prepared a presentation that is most enlightening regarding the statistics about the Hispanic population. Most disturbing are two elements:

• Significantly fewer are becoming U.S. citizens (before 1970 nearly 75 percent; between 1990-2000 less than 7 percent... a tenfold decline)
  
• Significantly fewer have high school educations than the rest of the U.S. population

The overall Hispanic population is concentrated in metropolitan areas with nearly half in central cities.

This pattern is repeated with other ethnic groups such as Arabs.

Now, one might argue that such concentration is normal; immigrants cluster in order to provide social and economic support. That's true. And it is also true that immigrants maintained such social and economic ties for many decades.

What is different now is that there are pressures to accomodate the "uniqueness" of these groups... especially in the area of language and culture. Local and state governments have been burdened with bi-lingual demands especially in the area of education.

Cultural issues also impact government administration and community relations.

Rather than immigrants attempting to adopt the historic U.S. culture, they are attempting to force the U.S. to officially recognize their homeland cultures in law and policy. This trend can only lead to further fragmentation and divisiveness between the various "cultural" groups... and further fragment the U.S. politically.

There is a fine line between diversity and divisiveness. It is not always apparent when the line has been crossed. The U.S. has always welcomed all people and it is a strength of our nation. Immigrants have always accepted their responsibility to improve themselves and become part of the greater blending. We all benefit from the cultural richness added to the "American stew" when it is not forced upon the rest of us and when we are not forced to provide special support or accomodations for the newcomers.

This should always remain the "land of opportunity" for those who wish to live here. We only ask that they join us... not just co-exist... no matter how many or how long they have been here.

The alternative is political fragmentation, increased pandering to special interests, and cultural animosity.