Analyzing Diversity Within The Workplace - 1061 Words

Introduction The United States is often referred to as a â€Å"melting pot† because of the diversity of its people. People from hundreds of countries with different cultures, languages, religious beliefs, and different ethnicities have come to the United States seeking a better opportunities and a better way of life. Melting pot is defined as â€Å"a place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole† (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). For the purpose of analyzing diversity in the workplace, it is necessary to also define â€Å"cohesion.† Cohesion is defined as the act or state of sticking together tightly; especially: unity† (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Is the United States truly a country where people regardless of their†¦show more content†¦In the United States diversity in the workplace has become a priority for human resources managers, (Diversity in the Workplace, n.d.), however, this was not always the case. To ensure diversity and equality, the federal government has enacted laws that provide equal protection to people based upon race, age, disabilities, as well as sexual orientation and identification. Immigration to the United States Between 1815 and 1915, approximately 30 million Europeans immigrated to the United States and by 1880 there were 300,000 Chinese immigrants in the United States (Wills, 2005). Immigrants came to this country looking for greater opportunities that would provide a better way of life; many believing the streets were paved with gold. Immigrants were discriminated against for the most part, but it was the Chinese who received the most hostile treatment. The hostility resulted in the Chinese Exclusion Act passed into law in 1882 prohibiting further Chinese immigration. The act was to last 10 years, but was extended in 1892 and then made permanent in 1902, but was repealed in 1943 (Ma, 2000). Historical Legislation The Civil Rights Act of 1964 On June 11, 1963, Alabama Governor George Wallace attempted to prevent two black students from enrolling at the University of Alabama. That night, President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation on television and with an improvised speech called on Congress to