Discussion Questions: Should libraries offer multicultural programs/decorations, etc. or try to stay as neutral as possible? Should they try to reflect the make-up of their own community or society as a whole?The United States was once heralded as the "great melting pot" which Merriam-Webster dictionary online defines as: "A place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole ."
The problem with this concept, however, is that individual groups must be stripped of the characteristics which make them unique in order to fit into the larger American culture.
Culturalavvy.com describes a different way of seeing things:
"Today the trend is toward multiculturalism, not assimilation. The old "melting pot" metaphor is giving way to new metaphors such as "salad bowl" and "mosaic", mixtures of various ingredients that keep their individual characteristics. Immigrant populations within the United States are not being blended together in one "pot", but rather they are transforming American Society into a truly multicultural mosaic."
But, how does this translate into the real world? And how does it affect the nation's libraries?
In December we see these issues very clearly as we head into the "holiday season". Which holidays are getting displayed at the library? Are all of the decorations for Christmas or are there also decorations for Hanakkuh, Kwanzaa, Yule, etc. Is it better to try to decorate for all holidays? Or do we simply put up "safer" winter themed decorations? Would you be upset to learn that your local public library had turned down the opportunity to be a collection center for Toys for Tots because it is related to a Christian holiday? What if they turned down an opportunity to have a program about Yule traditions because of it's relation to Paganism?
Libraries are community centers and they are also the guardians of intellectual freedom. Libraries provide the opportunity for people to educate one another about various cultural issues which affect all Americans. But, do we take these opportunities, or do we silence the conversation because we are afraid of upsetting people?
Resources:
http://www.culturalsavvy.com/understanding_american_culture.htm
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/melting%20pot
