Lack of commitment, lack of knowledge, and lack of leadership allow contradictions between what is professed (appreciation of cultural diversity) and what is practiced (Anglo-oriented monoculturalism) in American education today. The traditional melting pot philosophy has failed to respect ethnic differences, and has consequently resulted in a polarized society and school systems and universities. Multicultural education (MCE) is the first step toward reversing this situation. Without MCE, those in politics, business, civic organizations, churches, the media and the general populace will continue to operate in an ethnocentric way. In order to remove these obstacles, each sector of society must make MCE a high priority, vote for leaders commited to multiculturalism, implement inservice programs, and conduct research that focuses on the positive effects of multicultural environments and teaching/learning styles. Multiculturalism can maximize the potential of a community and the nation. (Author/KR)