Analysis David Brooks "People Like Us"
Ivanna Mejia
Professor Andrew Warburton
Essay #3
October 22, 2012
David Brooks’ “People Like Us” Analysis
Many individuals interpret diversity differently specifically in the United States because of its melting pot of distinct cultures and lifestyles. In his essay “People Like Us”, David Brooks’ argues that although the United States is a diverse nation as a whole, it is homogeneous in specific aspects like interactions between people. To some extent, his observation is true; people tend to stick to what or who they are comfortable with. There are also exceptions where the American people attempt to establish relationships with others because of their desire to expand out of their norm. For instance, Brooks excludes the explanation of diversity integration in the United States, where instead focuses on racial integration as the definition of diversity in America. He also makes assumptions that people purposefully intend to segregate themselves and underestimates their capability of living together because of their location, political values and personal appeal.
Because of the United States’ history and the racism that once existed, racial integration is now a main objective in the country. Even though racial integration is a component of diversity, it is not the only demographic that defines diversity. Brooks states, “When we use the word diversity today we usually mean racial integration.”(332) Although for Brooks and for many others, diversity consists only of racial integration, there are other demographics that are a part of diversity including gender, sexuality, religion, education and social economy. Race and ethnicity might be more visible than these other demographics, but it isn’t the definition of diversity. Indeed, he emphasizes on racial integration rather than the other aspects by claiming that, “The number of middle-class and upper-middle-class African-American families is rising, but for whatever reasons- racism, psychological comfort-
Professor Andrew Warburton
Essay #3
October 22, 2012
David Brooks’ “People Like Us” Analysis
Many individuals interpret diversity differently specifically in the United States because of its melting pot of distinct cultures and lifestyles. In his essay “People Like Us”, David Brooks’ argues that although the United States is a diverse nation as a whole, it is homogeneous in specific aspects like interactions between people. To some extent, his observation is true; people tend to stick to what or who they are comfortable with. There are also exceptions where the American people attempt to establish relationships with others because of their desire to expand out of their norm. For instance, Brooks excludes the explanation of diversity integration in the United States, where instead focuses on racial integration as the definition of diversity in America. He also makes assumptions that people purposefully intend to segregate themselves and underestimates their capability of living together because of their location, political values and personal appeal.
Because of the United States’ history and the racism that once existed, racial integration is now a main objective in the country. Even though racial integration is a component of diversity, it is not the only demographic that defines diversity. Brooks states, “When we use the word diversity today we usually mean racial integration.”(332) Although for Brooks and for many others, diversity consists only of racial integration, there are other demographics that are a part of diversity including gender, sexuality, religion, education and social economy. Race and ethnicity might be more visible than these other demographics, but it isn’t the definition of diversity. Indeed, he emphasizes on racial integration rather than the other aspects by claiming that, “The number of middle-class and upper-middle-class African-American families is rising, but for whatever reasons- racism, psychological comfort-
Cited: Brooks, David. “People Like Us”. Pages 330-336. The Writer’s Presence. Atwan, Robert. McQuade, Daniel. "Diversity - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary."Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2012. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity>. -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. Pages 330-336. Brooks, David. “People Like Us”. The Writer’s Presence. Atwan, Robert. McQuade, Daniel. [ 2 ]. "Diversity - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary."Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2012. .