title: Multiethnic perspectives on mainstream America.
abstract: The terms mainstream America and mainstream American are often used but infrequently defined. The purpose of this study was to explore definitions of these terms among a multiethnic sample of 158 college students. Two major themes emerged from a qualitative analysis: 1) an exclusionary definition as U.S.-born, dominated by Whites and of Judeo-Christian faith versus the predominant, more inclusive, contemporary definition of sharing American values and practices within a diverse society and 2) a contrast between highly critical comments (weakened family ties, moral decay, racism) and favorable comments (opportunity, helpfulness, openness and inclusiveness). Responses by ethnic group were also reported.
authors.forename: Ruth M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Tappen
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rosselli
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012938:Social Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult