MANIFEST DESTINY AND ASSIMILATION THEORY Term Paper

MANIFEST DESTINY AND ASSIMILATION THEORY - Term Paper Example Assimilation model is where a minority group adopts the values, norms, beliefs, and institutional systems of the domain culture, which the American culture. The Native Americans were not domain because they had to assimilate to the western civilization (Cullen, Lisle, Downs and Colombo 452). Fredrickson explains the assimilation theory proposed by Alex in the following manner. His explanations are based on ethnic relations between religions and races in the history of the US. He asserts that ethnic hierarchy is inevitable because it forms the first pillar of socialization between distinct ethnic groups. In American context, the essay is based on the view that the American race is the dominant group that holds the privileges and right not provided to other races in the society (Cullen, Lisle, Downs, and Colombo 463). Due to this, they view themselves as the superior to those races whom the rights are denied. The system of racial interaction influenced the blacks and Indian races in Am erican society because the whites deemed themselves superior to these races. Fredrickson continues with his assimilation theory using one-way assimilation model. He argues that the only way that other races such as Indians and blacks can pay the Americans is via adapting or conforming to the American culture. ... Fredrickson discuses the theory of separatism in groups by arguing that minority groups should be autonomous, independent and completely separated from the dominant or majority group (Cullen, Lisle, Downs and Colombo 479). Cultural pluralism is the most effective theory because it gives room to people to retain their own culture or ethnic identities without conforming to cultures of other dominant groups. Fredrickson explanation offers a way forward on how social groups can come together and live in unity. These assertions are evident in the manifest destiny and Americas’ expansion to the West. Further, cultural pluralism is demonstrated in the manner in which Native Americans were treated. Americans separated from other groups and followed their own western culture. Due to this, many Americans believed that they had the responsibility of spreading democratic ideals to other parts of the world. During their expansion, the Americans excluded groups with cultural differences tha t were characterized with prejudice and paternalism. This reality made the Americans realized themselves, and their role in the world. The manifest destiny doctrine was the idea that established the United States of America as a nation. Manifest destiny was an idea that influenced American policy in the twentieth century (The Great Nation of Futurity 428). The concept was the motivation behind the tremendous and rapid expansion of America into the West from the East. The idea of manifest destiny was promoted in poster, newspapers, and via the media. The idea of manifest destiny was not an official government policy but it led to enactment and passage of policies