ABSTRACT
Myths of assimilation-from early 20th century myths of the melting pot (incorporation)
to more recent myths of multiculturalism (pluralism)—are among the official interpretive
devices of contemporary U.S. culture.2 Like other comparable devices, these myths
inscribe imaginary paths upon a dominant social landscape that promise the follower of
those paths a visible and meaningful place within the landscape, while justifying the
exclusion of those not willing (or able) to follow the prescribed paths. Myths of
assimilation have immigrants as their objects, and the paths these myths inscribe are
paved with the promises of opportunity, education, prosperity, security and a recognized
ethnic identity for immigrants and their children.
