Introduction: Pluralism

Now we explore pluralism. The dictionary defines pluralism as:

"A situation in which people of different social classes, religions, races, etc., are together in a society but continue to have their different traditions and interests" or "the belief that people of different social classes, religions, races, etc., should live together in a society."

An aspect of being a part of American society is pluralism. Throughout its history, America has benefited from the diversity in our society. Due to immigration and the changes in racial birth rates, the U.S. will continue to become increasingly pluralistic. Some fear these changes while others feel more welcome to be a part of the American experience. We are often encouraged to see diversity as a strength and that it can lead to a new day in America.

During this phase, you will:

Distinguish diverse values and ethical stances to make more nuanced and informed decisions in their political and professional lives.

Synthesize and test diverse values and ethical decisions to judge those that best align with democratic principles.

Analyze the role of the citizen in assuming responsibility for and contributing to the improvement of society.

Video & Commentary: Pluralism
https://youtu.be/i3jK02cwDwY

The origins of the Ku Klux Klan, mrgreen1066, 2012

At his inaugural President Abraham Lincoln said, "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Sometimes it feels as though there are those that want to focus solely on the atrocities that can be found in America's history. As a nation, we have made significant contributions to the world including ushering in a form of democracy and capitalism which have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and servitude. We have also pioneered the complexity of building a pluralistic society based on the ideal of equality and free enterprise. We have engaged in wars in which our women and men in uniform gave their lives and limbs to protect the rights of non-Americans. To this day, despite any struggles, hundreds of thousands immigrate to the United States every year in hope of a better life. However, in his landmark study of early American society, Alexis de Tocqueville warns that individualism will breed apathy and dissonance among the American populace. "Aristocracy links everybody, from peasant to king, in one long chain. Democracy breaks the chain and frees each link." (Mitchell, 2008)

In this historic video, we looked at the history of the Klu Klux Klan. Although primarily whites, members of these hate groups can be anchored in many races and ethnicities and they represent a "faction" in our pluralistic society. By examining our history, Americans can learn from our past mistakes. By understanding our past we can choose to steer a path toward becoming the "city upon a hill" that has inspired much of the world for over 200 years.

Among these lessons is the idea that rampant individualism can tear the fabric of society and that unfettered isolation can distract us from aspiring to achieve "the better angels of our nature."

Readings & Research: Pluralism

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/23622657/myths-and-mirrors-japanese-american-citizens-league

https://www.indiacurrents.com/articles/2014/04/14/immigration-predicament

http://ezproxy.bellevue.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xna&AN=251751&site=ehost-live

http://www.14thamendment.us/amendment/14th_amendment.html

http://www.li.suu.edu/library/circulation/Gurung/soc4500sgTheRoleOfStateAgeSp12.pdf

http://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/legacy/files/downloads_and_links/09_immigration.pdf

http://www.prb.org/source/58.2immigrshapingamerica.pdf

http://content.bellevue.edu/cas/la/400-410-420/id/kss/asian-values.pdf

Review the following Required Research Articles:

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/04/04/asian-groups-in-the-u-s/

http://www.pewglobal.org/2016/05/17/global-migrant-stocks/

http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/10/30/people-in-emerging-markets-catch-up-to-advanced-economies-in-life-satisfaction/

http://www.pewglobal.org/2015/02/12/discontent-with-politics-common-in-many-emerging-and-developing-nations/

http://www.pewglobal.org/2013/09/17/global-image-of-the-united-nations/

http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/2015/africa-leadership-transitions?utm_campaign=Brookings+Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=16768935&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_BO0vqKACjcrHCH4GVHcuiiNkThcJq9kYAmZZajD7noho75ELXWmPdJCmhGkwXuhI0t9ZMETldHtGQenNeM8BNpSW8rA&_hsmi=16768935

Videos: Pluralism

Review the following videos:

In this episode, our somewhat sardonic and self-deprecating host explores the influence of interest groups in the political process. These groups try to shape policies which, at times, may not be in the best interest of the majority of Americans. Targeting the Legislative Branch and the Bureaucracy allows interest groups to potentially have an effect on our lives.

https://youtu.be/bOvBA7oIIgc

Interest Groups: Crash Course Government and Politics #42, CrashCourse, 2015

Modern life is complicated and can be stressful. Anxiety and other fears can creep into our lives. The Fear of Missing Out on life's opportunities can be maddening. Yet how do we place value on our time and what is actually important to living a quality and meaningful life?

https://youtu.be/VrC_MSG9zSU

Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), The School of Life , 2015

In a pluralist society do we elect officials to represent our opinions and views or do we elect officials and then allow them to act as they see fit? What is the role of elected officials in a pluralistic society? How reasonable are our expectations of what elected officials can and cannot get done?

https://youtu.be/nGdo3hOGqYo

In America, Does Pluralist Democracy Still Work?, Global Ethics Corner, 2010

Despite the thoughts of Thoreau, for most Americans, the "tenderloin of our life" is spent at work. While a job is necessary, income is the 7th factor in job-related happiness. Most of us want a job that has meaning in our life: one that adds purpose and contributes to a better society.

In America, Does Pluralist Democracy Still Work?, Global Ethics Corner, 2010

Despite the thoughts of Thoreau, for most Americans, the "tenderloin of our life" is spent at work. While a job is necessary, income is the 7th factor in job-related happiness. Most of us want a job that has meaning in our life: one that adds purpose and contributes to a better society.

https://youtu.be/H91JDqeR_jg

How to Find Meaningful Work, The School of Life, 2015

Please note: students will need to locate two credible sources to complete this assignment.

This week we study immigration. The United States is often described as a nation of immigrants. Immigration is a complex issue which is heavily debated by political parties and special interest groups.

Your assignment is to write a brief synopsis of American immigration. In this brief, use this week's assigned course reading materials to demonstrate an objective understanding of the history and the current state of immigration. Then research the immigration policy stances of two organizations: one American political party (Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian) and an ideologically opposing Special Interest group. Use the C3P1 Assignment Chart to compare the similarities and differences between the two organizations by examining their stated policies. (See Attached File)

Q: What is a special interest group? https://www.britannica.com/topic/interest-group

What is an executive summary?

"The summary should include the major details but it''s important not to bore the reader with minutiae. Save the analysis, charts, and numbers. Grab your reader''s attention and let the person know the facts and he or she should read your analysis.

The first paragraph needs to compel the reader to read the rest of the summary. Perhaps you have a compelling "aha! Moment", so you might start with that. If you''ve identified a problem in the marketplace that isn''t being adequately serviced, you might start with that.

Remember, every executive summary is--and should be--unique. Think logically. A two-page summary can be printed on the front and back of a single page. If you can''t tell the essence of your story in a page or two then you probably haven''t thought things through well enough. With that in mind, clear your vocabulary of any superlatives, clichés, or claims that can''t be backed up. The most important element to any executive summary is a clear, concise, and relevant explanation."

Source (heavily edited): http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/09/how-to-write-an-executive-summary.html

Your brief will discuss the past and current state of American immigration. This is provided by the assigned course reading materials. Your brief will also examine two policies that propose future pathways to dealing with immigration. This is provided by your research.

Additional Notes:

This course uses plagiarism software.

Throughout the course, students will submit their assignment work in two places. Students will post their assignment on the appropriate weekly discussion board. This is to encourage interaction and discussion among the students so as to enhance the learning experience for everyone. Be certain to provide a minimum of three substantive comments, each week, on the assignments of three different students.

Students will also submit their assignments to the grade-book. This link is found at the top of the assignment area. Your Professor will use this private forum to provide feedback to students on how to improve their performance.