The United States as a melting pot of cultures: universality of human rights

Mary Beth Apker

doi:10.47274/DERUM/42.12

Authors

Mary Beth Apker University of Minnesota, Estados Unidos https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6798-4479

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47274/DERUM/42.12

Keywords:

Assimilation, Cultural relativity, Melting pot, Human rights, Universality, Culture

Abstract

The universality of human rights means ensuring equal human rights to each individual regardless of any differences (race, sex, gender, religion, etc.). The United States has struggled with actively supporting the universality of human rights since its inception. The U.S. is a country built by immigrants and continues to be a destination for opportunity. However, balancing the different cultures from Asia to Europe to Africa has proved to be an increasingly difficult task for the U.S. The country has moved from one extreme (assimilation) to another (cultural relativity) while trying to be a true “melting pot” of cultures. This essay analyzes the costs and benefits of each of these solutions through a historical lens while also examining less extreme options for ensuring the universality of human rights such as promoting differences and ensuring equality.

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