Multiethnic perspectives on mainstream America.

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.