If context matters, and different populations are...well...different, then as a multicultural society, all U.S. citizens needs to study other cultures and population groups to help them better understand their own culture.
American culture is a panoply of other cultures. Most of us are immigrants, and that diversity should be a source of strength. If we take the opportunities to explore the true international heritage of our society, we will garner a better perspective on our strengths and weaknesses.
This is not just good for social cohesion, but it is great for our economic well being as well. The broader our perspective and knowledge base becomes, the greater our ability will be to innovate and solve complex problems. If the same group of people always comes up with the same conventional solutions, do you think anything will ever change?
While I think this is destined to happen in the future given the changing demographics of this country, it would be to everyone's benefit if this were not imposed upon our society, but rather accepted, embraced, and acted upon starting today (See future post on ACCEPTANCE vs. TOLERANCE).
Start by taking the time to learn about those that you might claim that you don't understand. Then, when you think you understand them, have the humility to realize that you DON'T, and collaborate with them so that they can fill in the missing pieces.
Multiculturalism requires symbiosis. The first step is learning to work together. The second is relying on each other.
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