Understanding Diversity and Citizenship in the U.S.

1. Vocabulary • E Pluribus Unum- Latin for “Out of many, the one”. This is printed on our money. • Assimilate- To encourage foreigners to adopt “American” culture in favor of their own. Known as the “Melting Pot Theory”. • Multiculturalism-The encouragement of cultural differences. Known as the “Tossed Salad Theory”. • Self-Determination- The act of citizens making their own choices.

2. Warm-up? • What is diversity?

3. The right to a trail by jury for a criminal defendant is guaranteed under which amendment? • 1st • 6th • 7th • 9th • Voting, volunteering to help with a campaign, and running for county commissioner are all examples of what? • Participation in the judicial system • Participation in the political process • Participation in political protests • Costs of public service

4. Issue & Responsibility in US Society

5. Citizen Responsibilities • In addition to civic responsibilities & duties (voting, taxes) citizens have other obligations that must be met. • All of these responsibilities take time, money and often conflict

6. Personal Responsibilities • Responsibilities one has to oneself (family, job) • Fiscal Responsibilities • Financially supporting one’s family or saving for college • Legal Responsibilities • Obeying the law • Moral Responsibilities • Following religious beliefs or keeping a promise

7. Legal vs. Moral Responsibilities • These responsibilities can often conflict • Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s & 60’s • Black & White citizens had to choose between obeying segregation or opposing racist policies

8. Diversity • The US is made up of people of many different cultures. • E Pluribus Unum • Latin phrase that means “from many, the one” • Found on many of our nations seals

9. Conflicting Theories • Melting Pot Theory • US society is best served when people abandon their cultural differences • A more unified society will be created when people assimilate • Become like mainstream US society

10. Tossed Salad Theory • US society benefits when people keep their cultural identities • Referred to as multiculturalism because it encourages cultural differences rather than assimilation • People who believe in these theories often disagree over issues such as immigration, affirmative action and bilingual education

11. Problems with Diversity • Racism • Discriminating against people because of their race • Sexism • Unfair treatment based on gender • Ageism • Discrimination based on age • Bias • Feelings for or against something

12. Negative Stereotypes • Pre-judgments about people based on a person’s race or nationality • Other forms of Discrimination: • Religious differences • Physical appearance • Disabilities

13. Other Public Problems • Unemployment • Underemployment education • Poverty and homelessness • Substance abuse • Law and order • Disease • Immigration • National Security

14. Natural Disasters • Pollution • “greenhouse effect” and global warming • Acid Rain • Waste Disposal • Taxation • Graft and political corruption

15. Needs of Citizens • Many conflicts that arise in the US are because of insufficient resources • Income, heath care and gas • Social Security • Program that pays income to retired people over 65 • “Baby Boomer” and the “graying population” • Baby Boomers are nearing retirement and improvements in medical tech. enable people to live longer

16. Characteristics of Effective Citizenship • Informed Electorate • Citizens who take the time to learn about issues that are causing problems and are willing to seek solutions. • Voluntary Compliance • Complying with laws of society to maintain order • Community Spirit • Perform community service or donate to a charity • Respecting Others Rights • Respect others individual and property rights • Treating other citizens who choose to live/believe differently practice Tolerance

17. Benefits/Consequences of Freedom • The ability of citizens to make their own choices is self-determination • Self-determination is a product of Liberty • Citizens are free to make their own economic and political choices • After taxes are paid citizens may choose how to spend and invest their money • Because of this economic freedom citizens are not confined to one socio-economic status • Citizens are also free to join a political party and engage in political activism

18. Costs of Freedom • Being able to make one’s own choices also means bearing the responsibility of one’s mistakes • Handling economic losses • Ex: Losing $ in the stock market • Political Freedom means taking time to become informed and being responsible for who is elected to office

19. REFLECTIONS • WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES? • WHAT ARE HISTORICAL EXAMPLES OF CONFLICT CREATED BETWEEN OUR LEGAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITIES? • SUMMARIZE THE DIFFERENCE B/W MELTING POT AND TOSSED SALAD THEORIES • WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITHIN DIVERSITY? • WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC PROBLEMS? • HOW HAS THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION AND THE “GRAYING OF AMERICA” IMPACTED SOCIAL SECURITY? • WHAT ARE CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE CITIZENSHIP? • WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND CONSEQUENCES OF FREEDOM?

20. Closing? • What is the difference between citizen responsibilities and citizen duties? Give an example of each.