Jose Vasconcelos proposed the assimilation of ethnic groups in Mexico into a new
"cosmic race." This concept is discussed in the readings as well as in The Cosmic
Race. More information can be found with a web search.
After reviewing your text, the linked document above, and others found in your web search, describe what Jose Vasconcelos means by a cosmic race and then evaluate the cultural ramifications of this idea. Compare this evaluation with the melting pot ideal of the US. Use these two examples to infer the role of national or cultural identity to a given society.
The idea about cosmic race of Jose Vasconcelos joints the cultural original virtues (Native
Mexican) with European (Spanish) societies. Out of the four racial trunks of White, Mongol,
Indian and black; Vasconcelos claimed the white race considered themselves superior
(Vasconcelos, 1925)

It is impossible to combine the people of one race. Every human is different from other. The eye shape, skin, body and eyes are different in color. To classify the people, these visual differences have been used for hundreds of years. According to Vasconcelos, the future
“cosmic race” would be the races combination. In the United States, this has already taken place and the people of different race adapted into society (Zack, 2012). It would be like defining homo-sapiens as a race if “one race” is considered.
The races mixture of Vasconcelos would disrespect the values, culture, standards of each particular culture and the loss of each individual’s identity. And this makes each individual unique. The African American observance in the United States does not mean that the person falls into stereo-typed African American. To retain the self sense, it is important to celebrate culture and belief. Even if the idea of Vasconcelos was put into practice, I believe that there will always be a defining factor. The conflict about control matters between rich and poor would still exist.
In the United States, comparing the Cosmic Race of Jose Vasconcelos to the ideal melting pot is like comparing vegetables and meat. People having different belief, nationalities and cultures living together is refer to as melting pot in the United States. I live in Philadelphia and a lot of different people from all walks of life living there in the society. The values of each culture are an important part of life. Areas like “Chinatown” define the culture. The
Vasconcelos’ cosmic race would lose the ethnic background and individuality of people.
In the area of my children’s elementary school where I used to live, we were considered as the melting pot and the children from different ethnic background attended the local elementary school which is known for this. The celebration of every culture’s traditions was included on the Holiday. This was important for my children and me so they can have friends and learn from other ethnic background. Once my child came home and I remember

he said that he wanted to be Jewish because every night Jewish kids got a gift. I laughed and told her the difference and explain that if she wants to be Jewish, I would arrange that.

Reference:
VasconcelosCalderón, J. (1925). The cosmic race, Chapter 7.Retrieved from http://inside.sfuhs.org/dept/history/Mexicoreader/Chapter7/vasconcelos.pdf <as cited in
Zack, N. (2012)>.
Zack, N. (2012). Race and ethnicity. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc