Economic growth seen as offshoot of diversity: Your Say Interactive

By 2060, the U.S. population will be 31% Hispanic, making that group the largest minority in the country, according to the Census Bureau. Add the Hispanic population's growth to that of other minority groups (African Americans are projected to be 15% of the population, Asians 8.2%), and welcome to a majority-minority America (for more details on growing diversity, see the graphics above).

The USA TODAY Network's Changing Face of America project has provided massive amounts of detail on how the country will change over the next several decades, but what about how the country will react to that change? Is racial and ethnic diversity something to be feared (according to one reader, it is) or will it mean a boon to the economy, greater cultural exchange and increased innovation?

GALLERY: Around the world, displays of diversity

Nearly three-quarters of Americans (69%) say that growing diversity will bring a strong workforce and greater economic security, according to a Center for American Progress study. In addition, 65% of Americans say growing diversity will lead to greater acceptance of people from different backgrounds and the establishment of common ground.

But for all the nation's positive comments on diversity, the Center for American Progress study also revealed a large number of negative perceptions harbored by the public, such as the fear of dwindling government resources (held by 62% of Americans) or the loss of a common American culture (held by 36% of the public). For more, take a look at the interactive above.

So, what do you think of the nation's rapidly changing diversity? Do problems involving illegal immigration come to mind? Or do you think of the positive aspects of cultural exchange? Take a look at the nation's conversation above, see what our readers had to say below, then leave your comments in the informal surveys on the page or in the comments section via Facebook.

A nation of immigrants

We are a nation of immigrants. Whether our ancestors came from Europe, Africa, Asia, or South America, they all voted for the USA.

—@newsneighbor

If the wave of immigration includes criminal crossers of the U.S. border, no way is this a good thing.

—@SonnyOfTheMeek

Our immigration policy should be nondiscriminatory. People from Europe and Asia need a passport and visa. Our borders need to be secure.

—@pete4abw

We're called the United States for that reason. We are a nation of immigrants.

—@whoawowwhoa

To me race means ...

We asked our readers to tell us what race means to them. A few of their answers are shared below. Check back for more:

... many different ethnic groups who have made this country a destination for those seeking freedom.

—@JeffOstach

... all humanity, Homo sapiens in all ethnicities. It is mankind.

—@FonteRodrigues

... fear. I hate being called white. I also don't want to be labeled European-American. American is just fine, thank you.

—@trident90