An interesting example of how the traditional hold on values in middle America is being transformed by the expansion of Wal-Marts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/20/b...age&adxnnlx=1150808670-wzsTVQCe0+d6mvlEEThLQA
This is the story throughout America and not only with new Jewish arrivals. Cambodians, Vietnamese, Nigerians and Mexicans are building enclaves in America's heartland. This creates proximity which creates acceptance and out of this stew will emerge a new cultural form.
The alternate is pluralism or multiculturalism which is Canada's model. This policy is based on the premise that it is the government that has to coordinate and manage the flow and settlement of groups. It regulates settlement so the process whereby people get to know each other as neighbours and pass and borrow ideas and traditions back and forth is interfered with. Invariably this policy impedes the formation of a new culture.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/20/b...age&adxnnlx=1150808670-wzsTVQCe0+d6mvlEEThLQA
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Residents of Benton County, in the northwest corner of Arkansas, are proud citizens of the Bible Belt. At last count, they filled 39 Baptist, 27 United Methodist and 20 Assembly of God churches. For decades, a local hospital has begun meetings with a reading from the New Testament and the library has featured an elaborate Christmas display.
Recruited from around the country as workers for Wal-Mart or one of its suppliers, hundreds of which have opened offices near the retailer's headquarters here, a growing number of Jewish families have become increasingly vocal proponents of religious neutrality in the county. They have asked school principals to rename Christmas vacation as winter break (many have) and lobbied the mayor's office to put a menorah on the town square (it did).
This is the story throughout America and not only with new Jewish arrivals. Cambodians, Vietnamese, Nigerians and Mexicans are building enclaves in America's heartland. This creates proximity which creates acceptance and out of this stew will emerge a new cultural form.
The alternate is pluralism or multiculturalism which is Canada's model. This policy is based on the premise that it is the government that has to coordinate and manage the flow and settlement of groups. It regulates settlement so the process whereby people get to know each other as neighbours and pass and borrow ideas and traditions back and forth is interfered with. Invariably this policy impedes the formation of a new culture.