Used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States; the melting-together metaphor was in use by the 1780s.
The principle still sticks; Our heritage is mixed. Schoolhouse Rock - Great American Melting Pot - Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
What was the origin of the term "melting pot"? Find the answer here. Take the quiz! -Persecuted for their religious beliefs, a long line of men and women have taken refuge in America ever since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Barred from their homelands as enemies of the state, dissidents have come to America so that their voices will not be silenced.
Americans have changed since the 18th century — what does it mean to be an American today. NPR PODCAST - Philadelphia, The Original American Melting Pot - Joel Rose and Liane Hansen
Immigration Photo Gallery: The Making of the American People 1607-2008. The story of the American people is the story of the world’s peoples. Throughout the United States’ history, hopeful immigrants have arrived to establish new lives in a new world. Whether fleeing oppressive regimes, seeking economic opportunity or simply pursuing personal dreams, each new arrival contributes to the American mosaic.
The United States of America thrives on diversity. A synthesis of the world’s plentiful and varied races, religions, and cultures, America is a home to all, such that no one group can call itself more “American” than another.
"Understanding American Culture: From Melting Pot to Salad Bowl" by Joyce Millet. American history began with waves of immigrants, bringing their own cultures and traditions to a vast new country. No other place in the world has such a diverse population. It is this diversity that makes America what it is and, at the same time, creates the challenges it faces.
The Peopling of America - Pre 1790 - 2000. A timeline showing forces behind immigration and their impact on the immigrant experience.
Melting Pot
Used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States; the melting-together metaphor was in use by the 1780s.Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melting_pot
http://www.pbs.org/destinationamerica/usim_qz.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92155970
http://www.schoolhouserock.tv/Great.html
http://www.worldandischool.com/specialcollection/special-collection-diversity.asp
http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/4110/american_people/
http://www.culturalsavvy.com/understanding_american_culture.htm
http://www.ellisisland.org/immexp/wseix_4_3.asp