Background: The notion that America is a melting pot is much older than many Americans realize. In 1782, J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur envisioned an America in which “individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world” (qtd. in Colombo et al. 494). Since 1782, the metaphor of the melting pot has been used to describe the ethnic makeup and race relations in the United States. However, the melting pot extends beyond ethnic relations; it can be used to explore the notion of difference in American society. It can be argued that the melting pot ideal is also used as a way to identify differences as deviant, dangerous, and even monstrous.
Prompt: In a well-developed and MLA-formatted essay, identify a recent or historical example of difference in American society and explain how that difference has been perceived as deviant, dangerous, and even monstrous. You should identify a specific community that is or has been perceived as different and the impact of that perception. In order to make this paper argumentative, identify a counterargument and provide a rebuttal for the counterargument.
You should integrate 1-2 passages from selected secondary sources in each body paragraph, cite them correctly according to MLA format, and explain how they support your interpretation (or convey the counterargument). Your essay should include an introduction, five body paragraphs (or more), and a conclusion.
Your essay should be a minimum of five full pages and no longer than seven pages. Your essay should adhere to MLA formatting guidelines Download MLA formatting guidelines(Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, and one-inch margins on all sides) and should be submitted as a file upload–either a Word document or a pdf. Be sure to provide a Works Cited page that includes all works cited in your essay. You should cite five secondary sources, two of which must be peer-reviewed journal articles. In addition to these five secondary sources, you are encouraged to cite other appropriate and credible sources to support your argument.
Some examples of communities that are or have been perceived as different:
- Perceptions of the formerly incarcerated
- Perceptions of the unhoused/homeless
- Anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S.
- Model Minority stereotype (Asian Americans)
- Homophobia/anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments
- Islamophobia in the post-9/11 America
- Native American boarding schools
- Anti-Semitism in the U.S.
- Perceptions of individuals with disabilities
- Special needs students in the public school system (k-12)
- Women’s rights in contemporary America
- Stereotypical depictions of Latinx individuals in film/TV
- Pachuco counterculture in late-1930s Los Angeles
Here is a mini outline you may use to write your 5-7 page essay:
- Begin by providing a definition and a brief history of the melting pot. (introduction)
- Next, identify a specific recent or historical example of difference in American society and provide a preview of the main points that will be made in your essay about this example. (part of introduction)
- In your thesis, name the specific example of difference in American society and briefly name the specific ways in which that difference has been perceived as deviant, dangerous, and even monstrous. (part of introduction)
- Next, support your argument with appropriate and credible secondary sources, identify and explain the counterargument, and provide a rebuttal for the counterargument. (5 or more body paragraphs)
- Conclude by reiterating your thesis, rephrasing your supporting points, and providing some final thoughts on your topic. (conclusion)
- Finally, include a Works Cited page as the last page of your essay (not included in the minimum page count).
This essay is worth 200 points.
Your essay will be graded according to the following criteria:
Unity/Focus (45 points): The writer presents a cogent analysis of or response to a specific issue related to race in America. The main claim (thesis) should be clear, original, and interesting. The essay is controlled by a main claim, and each paragraph is controlled by a clear topic sentence (supporting claim).
Development/Support/Elaboration (45 points): The writer elaborates on that response with well-chosen examples, in depth and thorough analysis, and persuasive reasoning. The central idea is developed in the essay through well-chosen and appropriate concrete details. The counterargument is identified and explained, and a clear and thorough rebuttal is provided.
Coherence/Organization (40 points): The essay conforms to an organizational pattern that facilitates reader understanding, using organizational patterns to demonstrate the relatedness of ideas and to enhance the power of the argument. The essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, which are related to the main claim. Transitions help the paper to flow smoothly.
Writer’s Style (40 points): The essay displays a sophisticated style that reflects aptly chosen words and rhetorically effective sentence variety. Sentences are mature and parallel. The essay is written in a style and tone appropriate for the audience, topic, and purpose.
Conventions of Standard Written English & Manuscript Citation and Format (30 points): The essay exhibits mastery of both the conventions of Standard Written English and includes a properly formatted Works Cited page, which adheres to conventions of MLA manuscript citation and format.
Grade Breakdown: A – 200-180 points, B – 179.9-160 points, C – 159.9-140 points, D – 139.9-120 points, F – 119.9 points or fewer