NCJ Number
160215
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents a new paradigm for American racial and cultural diversity and suggests its implications for law enforcement.
Abstract
There has been a shift in the structure of American society in the past few decades. In the past, many immigrant groups in the United States were, for the most part, from European countries or East-Asian countries, and they came to the United States gradually and for economic reasons. Recently, immigrant groups have been coming from all over the world and for varying reasons; therefore, the degree of adaptation and adjustments are not comparable, since the cultures, races, and ethnicities of the peoples are different, and the quantity of immigrants and the differences of identities are far greater. The "melting pot" concept that may have been attractive and even possible in the past is no longer a rational expectation for a society with numerous races, ethnicities, and cultures. The paradigm that works best under the current circumstances of American society is the "salad bowl" or "mosaic" concept. The various ingredients or parts exist together to form a whole, but the components maintain their distinct cultural and ethnic identities to contribute to a whole that is richer than its parts alone. Law enforcement organizations are responsible for enforcing the Nation's laws to govern the behaviors of people with diverse behavioral and attitudinal values. To enforce laws and provide community protection and order in the midst of such diversity, police must learn about and develop the skills to communicate with the diverse groups in their jurisdictions. Police interaction with the various groups in American society should result in increased tolerance among all groups and increase citizens' appreciation of people who are culturally different. 23 references, questions for discussion, and suggested student applications of the chapter material