In his essay for the Encyclopedia of American Studies, Gordon C. Thomasson asserts that “the melting pot was, from the outset, a deeply ambiguous symbol.” He adds that many “have viewed the melting pot as a normative model of how ethnic assimilation should proceed in America and as a critique of those who have resisted or been denied assimilation.” When and where have you encountered the melting pot concept in your life and education? Do you think the concept remains relevant in contemporary discussions of diversity and national identity, or has it become outdated or problematic?