Melting Pot or Salad Bowl?

I have been conducting trainings for several years on a variety of topics, but the most common topic that I focus on has to usually do with issues around diversity.  It could be cultural awareness; the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons; or how to be more embracing and open with others.  It is a passion for me, in that I always want to learn new ways, and teach new ways, for each of us to potentially be more open, compassionate and understanding with one another.

When I first started training many years ago,  I remember hearing at times about America, and our cultural experiences here, equating to a melting pot; many different people and cultural groups all coming together in one large entity.  And, that made sense to me; that each group brings its own qualities, and blended together, influence one another, and become one cohesive grouping.

However, years later, and to this day, the descriptor that I have come to appreciate more is that of salad bowl.

I, for one, LOVE salad.  I love it for many reasons.  One of the main reasons that I enjoy salad, is that even though there are many different ingredients brought together in one bowl, that creates an overall satisfaction of taste, there are also many different, INDIVIDUAL parts that bring their own, unique contribution.  In a salad bowl, there is a blending of flavors; and at the same time, each ingredient maintains its individual integrity.  Its uniqueness.  The qualities that make it what it is, and can at the same time, contribute to the whole.

To me, this is what best describes culture, and the way that I experience cultural difference in my daily living.  I appreciate that we can all come together in a common experience.  However, I also love that we each have a uniqueness that stands alone as well.  So, even when I want to be part of a group, I don't need to give away what is unique about me and important.  I get to continue to stand in my individuality, and support the individuality of those around me as well.

What do you prefer?  Soup, or Salad?