"I hear that melting-pot stuff a lot, and all I can say is that we haven't melted"

In this quote by Jesse Jackson, he is describing the principle of the "melting pot," which is typically utilized to explain the United States as a location where individuals from various cultures come together and assimilate into a unified society. However, Jackson is suggesting that this concept of complete assimilation or "melting" hasn't fully occurred. He suggests that variety and distinct cultural identities are still preserved within the nation. By stating, "we haven't melted," Jackson is asserting that the special contributions and voices of various communities still exist and are essential, challenging the notion of a fully absorbed society.