Race and Immigration in America It has been said that America is a melting pot in that people from all over come and melt into something that is uniquely American. America has also been described as a salad where people don’t change who they are, they just get mixed in with others who keep their own cultural heritages. In light of past issues with slavery and racism, which statement is truer? Also, what is the best way for America to draw from its many cultural influences to contribute to the idea of American Exceptionalism and to move beyond past issues like slavery and racism?