From a kit, supplied by the National Endowment for the Humanities, to help foster a "national dialogue" on the subject of "American Pluralism and Identity," an effort spearheaded by NEH Chairman Sheldon Hackney that is supposed to consist of "thousands of small-group discussions around the country":

The meeting should not go longer than planned without the consent of all present.... The site should be convenient to get to and there should be sufficient parking.... Consider the size and the temperature (not too hot or too cold) of the room.... Chairs should be comfortable and placed so that the participants are able to sit facing each other.... All participants will show respect for the views expressed by others ... name-calling and shouting are not acceptable.... Consider having each session in a different location, allowing each racial, ethnic, or cultural group to play host.... If your community has little racial or ethnic diversity, look for other kinds of diversity. You might find people of different ages, religions, political affiliations, socioeconomic levels, professions, or neighborhoods.... You might need to help some participants overcome lingering feelings that they were invited solely because of their race, ethnic origin, or cultural background.

In addition to the instructions, the kit supplies a list of readings that ranges from Aristotle to Maya Angelou, as well as a list of films: "Casablanca—this World War II classic explores American values in the multinational setting of war-town Casablanca. Pertains to question 6" ["Where do we as Americans belong in the world?"]; "Meet Me in St. Louis—this musical depicts a family's experiences during the year of the St. Louis World's Fair. Pertains to question 5" ["What do we share as Americans?"]; "Shane—a former gunfighter comes to the defense of homesteaders and is idolized by their son. Pertains to question 5."

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