Democracy and Pluralism
By Lorrie C. Reed, M.Div., Ph.D.
America is a multicultural society, a place that is home to diverse ethnic, racial, and national groups. Despite this diversity, the country currently struggles with pluralism and cultural assimilation, which are competing ideas about how to embrace different cultures. Currently, pluralism is losing ground in the ideological landscape.
Pluralism describes a society where various cultural groups coexist, each preserving its own identity while peacefully engaging in a shared community. It emphasizes the value of diversity and encourages mutual respect and understanding among different cultures. Groups interact and contribute to a common society without sacrificing their unique traditions. Pluralism fosters an inclusive environment where cultural differences are acknowledged and valued, leading to a more vibrant and diverse society.
Cultural assimilation is the process where individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of a dominant culture. In this process, the emphasis is on adopting the new culture, often at the expense of one’s original identity. Cultural assimilation can lead to a society where minority cultures may feel pressured to conform to the dominant norms, which can cause resentment or a loss of cultural uniqueness.
The United States was founded on the idea of pluralism, which was a groundbreaking concept at the time. The founders understood that a democracy would inevitably include a variety of opinions, beliefs, and interests. They aimed to build a system that allowed many groups to exist peacefully together instead of trying to suppress diversity.
In 2025, democracy has suffered severe damage. Political polarization risks deepening the ideological gap and boosting hostility among political groups. Restoring our democracy requires bipartisan teamwork, breaking legislative gridlock, and openly discussing complex social issues that need different viewpoints. It’s time to reconnect with the core principles of democracy and care for the health of our diverse society.