The American Dream: Myth or Reality?

This evening I attended the Unity sponsored Dinner and Dialogue Series. The speaker was Professor Rita Trimble from the Department of Comparative Studies. This discussion, accompanied by a taco bar, took us "beyond the melting pot". We began with a short brain storm on what should be included on a list of universal rights. This took an interesting turn and our discussion centered around assimilation, noting the fine line where individual expression differs from cultural identity. We touched on social norms, looking into both the good and bad connotations to maintaining a status quo. The conversation then diverged to questioning why so-called "non-elites" cooperate in upholding these social norms, and why those who are successfully assimilated be interested in change pointing towards social justice. Finally, we touched upon "identity politics", and how this can be good or bad. This event provided an engaging opportunity to look beyond my personal day to day life and receive a glimpse of the greater social injustices that plague society.