Many people like to refer to America as "The Melting Pot" because of it being made up of so many different types of cultures to make up the one ultimate culture that defines the country. The melting pot theory is meant to make everyone of all races feel equal and therefore welcomed. I learned this as a child and thought it was an awesome concept that embodied what America supposedly truly was. As I grew up however I realized that that concept was all wrong and I believe this political cartoon illustrates my point exactly (although a little outdated.) 

This is what a melting pot is. Everyone of all different cultures, nationalities, and social status even, are forced into a tiny pot where everyone is to act the same and differences aren't really welcome. It's even in the name "melting pot" where everyone's differences get melted into a bland mush rather than a bowl of different flavors and unique tastes. I think this cartoon is awesome because it shows how the government wants everyone to become uniform and not have any differences as it may cause problems for them. (The one guy standing up seems to be causing a ruckus.) The spoon that is mixing (or controlling) them has 'equal rights' written across it, which is meant to be perceived as a good thing, however; it can also be viewed as a tactic to keep everyone on the same level. The melting pot is a way for everyone of all cultures, nationalities, or social status to blend, become invisible and disguised under an "American citizen mask." 

That is my problem with the melting pot theory. The salad bowl theory explains what America is (or better said, what it should be) as a much more compassionate,caring, and cultural country. The salad bowl theory suggests the integration of many different cultures much like a salad integrates different ingredients. This allows every culture to be acknowledged and therefore more importantly appreciated.