[Clemenza]

"Segmented assimilation" is nothing new. Blacks, Chinese, Koreans, etc. have assimilated while remaining distinct groups.

I don't exactly see white folks rushing out to intermarry or bring Central Americans into the fold either.

In New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois, the second generation speaks English (and Spanish, largely to their parents), root for the local teams, and listen to crappy American music.

Being an "American" does not mean acting like Ward Cleaver. Besides, if you are on the lower/lower middle strata of society, the only "white" portion of society that would be available to you would be redneck culture, something alot of white folks don't exactly aspire to either.

The first generation NEVER fully assimilates, unless they are the only one in their community, and even then, it is difficult. The second generation adapts to America, and in doing so, changes it as much as it changes them.

[TypeZoNegative]

I’m living proof that you’re wrong.

[Yardstick]

The second generation adapts to America, and in doing so, changes it as much as it changes them.

No, if the melting pot is working as it should, America changes the second generation much more than the second generation changes America. It isn't an even trade. Just look at language. By the second generation America has replaced their native language with English, and in return English picks up a few colorful ethnic terms.

It's all about the melting pot, man.