What do you mean by 'good' exactly? What is good in your opinion about the melting pot, and for whom, and why? Why do you think ethnicity/race/heritage is an impermanent notion? Do you think it's more 'evolved' to be multi-racial/ethnic? What about other countries, like say China or Japan, should they also become more integrated and multi-racial?
(Justifiably) this is what I get for making a broad statement! :)
Seriously, all fair questions Mishelle and I'm not sure I have well thought out answers to them. Mostly this is more a reflection of a worldview I aspire to more than anything else.
My father is 100% Italian (as best we know having not done any DNA analysis in our family as yet). His father came through Ellis Island in the very early part of the 20th century. That side of my family always identified with their Italian heritage but were fiercely "American" in terms of their patriotism and civic values. One of my Dad's regrets is that he doesn't speak fluent Italian. The reason for this was that his parents would not allow he and his 2 brothers (or anyone for that matter) to speak Italian in their house. Their view, correctly or not, was that their kids would only speak the "native" language in America. However, it was clear that they were proud to be Italian Americans and that their Italian heritage played a prominent role in their cuisine, music, arts, etc.
My mom was of mixed European background. Her family dates back at least to the 1800's before you have to hop across the pond. There wasn't any specific European country or heritage to which they closely identified. They had been through the melting pot in the U.S. at least in so much as it was still a mix of European Caucasian (as far as we know!).
My wife is of mixed European heritage as well. Our kids are "really" mixed. So on and so forth it seems it will progress.
So, I don't know what folks like Charlie mean when terms such as "white people" are cast about. Nations of white people have been warring and wronging each other for centuries (just as humans cultures/groups from all corners of the globe have). Many of the supposed group of "white people" did not integrate well at all in this country to start. I'm old enough to remember some of the last vestiges of that. Seems to be largely gone now. I rarely hear someone use a pejorative such as "Mc", or "dago", or "kraut" anymore. To me, from where I sit, it seems to have melted away. (Sorry for the pun.)
So, I question the notion that there are some fundamental differences between people of different heritages, ethnicities, etc. to justify some type of goal of purity. I don't think its practical either way. Globalization seems to be eroding the notion faster and faster.
I'm not suggesting this should be proactive and that people should be forced to "integrate". However, it does feel like its occurring at some level regardless.