In Our Diversity is Our Strength? False, in the short term, says a Harvard professor

CorporateWhoreCorporateWhore Posts: 1,890
edited August 2007 in A Moving Train
Putnam is a liberal professor from Harvard.

PDF of study:

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/action/showPdf?doi=10.1111%2Fj.1467-9477.2007.00176.x&cookieSet=1

"In the short to medium run, however, immigration and ethnic diversity
challenge social solidarity and inhibit social capital."

My question is: what makes the professor think that in the long-term, this diversity will suddenly be beneficial? He points out the melting pot in America and how it helped to smooth out our social solidarity. But, couldn't it be argued that the social solidarity occurred more between Europeans and not Europeans and other cultures?

After all, the Native Americans and blacks had more time to join the melting pot than anyone, and yet, they have not done so. They retain their own social solidarity and when mixed with whites in a neighborhood, you find what Professor Putnam describes: suspicion and lack of social cohesion.

Putnam's study argues against mass immigration from non-European countries, essentially. Immigration from European countries was the only kind that produced the melting pot - third world countries were never allowed during those times.

Diversity is our strength? False. So says the Harvard professor.

This is why I get tired of hearing why my college needs more minorities. That's bullshit. We need more smart people.
All I know is that to see, and not to speak, would be the great betrayal.
-Enoch Powell
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • surferdudesurferdude Posts: 2,057
    But, couldn't it be argued that the social solidarity occurred more between Europeans and not Europeans and other cultures?
    This would be a pretty hard arguement to make. Take a look at the issues regarding immigrant integration in the Netherlands, France and England. In France it's damn near become a recognized sport to riot on the weekend based on ethnicity.
    “One good thing about music,
    when it hits you, you feel to pain.
    So brutalize me with music.”
    ~ Bob Marley
  • surferdude wrote:
    This would be a pretty hard arguement to make. Take a look at the issues regarding immigrant integration in the Netherlands, France and England. In France it's damn near become a recognized sport to riot on the weekend based on ethnicity.
    I was think more in the confines of american society.
    All I know is that to see, and not to speak, would be the great betrayal.
    -Enoch Powell
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