Melting Pot, Awareness, or Both?

Throughout the fall semester I have learned a lot about different cultures. I feel like these past months I have learned more about different cultures than I have known most of my life. When thinking about the possible reasons for my learned knowledge the "melting pot" theory and increased awareness, because of this class, come to mind. The melting pot theory says that immigrants enter the United States and blend into American society (Martin & Nakayama, 16). Throughout the semester I have met individuals from immigrant families who are blending into our society and still have many cultural practices from their family's home country. Meeting these individuals has provided me with learning opportunities about other cultures. This course has introduced me to new concepts of intercultural awareness and communication. While learning about the many aspects of intercultural communication, I have become more sensitive and aware of people that surround me who are a part of different cultures. Some cultural beliefs and traditions that I have learned about this semester are the Jewish death traditions, Hmong death traditions, Hmong wedding rituals, Jewish birth beliefs. It has been interesting to learn about cultural beliefs different then my own. Not only have I learned a lot about others, but I have been able to reflect on my own cultural beliefs and become more self aware. I hope that I will continue learning about other cultures well beyond the end of the semester.