Mosaic or Melting Pot?

In our Canadian History class we are learning about the idea of Canada being referred to as a mosaic. This term implies that many different cultures are mixed in the same country while each keeps their own unique identity. In the United States we have been named the land of the melting pot, where all of these different cultures and backgrounds have merged together in one to create a universal culture. Based on what I’ve seen in Canada so far, I would be more apt to believe that the United States is very similar to Canada in which our country is more like a mosaic than a melting pot.

Like many large cities, if you were to walk around Montréal for a little while you could pass through China town, the Irish section, the Italian section, and others. While many of the people who live in these sections of town are native born Canadians, they keep their heritage roots alive by surrounding themselves with their native way of life. From the cuisine to the shopping, walking down the street you can get a taste of another culture.

There are many cities in the United States that are similar to Montréal in which they have the “mosaic” feel to them. If you were to go through New York City you would find the same sort of thing. Living in Vermont I would say that it’s inevitable that our population is more of a melting pot than a mosaic due to the lack of cultural diversity. Many Vermonters are from Vermont or surrounding states, few come from other countries. So it is refreshing to go somewhere that not only am I surrounded by an extremely diverse population, but I am also surrounded by their culture.

It’s exciting that every day I have the opportunity to have a taste of many countries such as China, Italy, Ireland, and of course Canada. I never expected to experience such a cultural difference less than 2 hours away from my home in Vermont!