On Common Ground World Religions in America

Author(s): Diana L Eck
Publisher: Columbia University Press New York

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ON COMMON GROUND Guide for Teachers and Students
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Can America really become one people from so many peoples? Is there too much pluribus and not enough unum?
Or is there too much unum and not enough room for pluribus?
Explore Historical Perspectives with these questions in mind. You might, for example, look at the debate over Chinese exclusion, with some people contending that the "civilization of Christ" and the "civilization of Confucius" are like oil and water and cannot mix. Read the document excerpts from the Chinese exclusion debate.
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What other voices have insisted that America is threatened by various kinds of diversity? Look at the essay "Xenophobia: Closing the Door" and its related documents.
What groups do these other voices fear? What fears do they have for America? What voices have taken a more positive and confident approach to America's diversity?
What differences do you think matter most? Those of race, ethnic group, or religion?
Watch the movie Voices of America, and discuss it in light of the questions raised by the motto E Pluribus Unum.