On The Third Hand

02 December, 2001: "Cultural adaption VS Multiculturalism"

I've decided, after seeing the damage that the idea of "multiculturalism" has done, to stop calling myself multicultural. It really does not fit. The fact that I can 'blend in' (to some extent) in other cultures actually makes me the exact opposite of those who espouse the idea of "multiculturalism". What they want is for everyone in every culture to stick to their original culuture, and make no attempt to adapt.

I like learning proper table manners... whether it is which fork to use, or how to eat politely with my fingers. If I go to another country I make an effort to learn their language and social customs, and follow them. If someone else comes to my country I expect the same of them. That is simply courtesy.

This mulicultural "cult" results in people of other cultures being marginalised and put in little "cultural groups" that don't interact. That is not American. My neighborhood is American... my next-door neighbor lets off fireworks on the 5th of May... and on the 4th of July. We have a neighborhood watch, and that would make a nice piece for the Ad Council -- since we are all colors and religions and we are all Americans. We are not Africans or Mexicans or Chinese or Jamaican or Israeli or European or Arab or Indian (Hindi) first, we are Americans first.

We aren't exclusive, we are inclusive. That is the difference. That is what multiculturalism should be... but isn't.

Replies: 1 Comment

I think this reflects a general redefinition of multiculturalism to make it safe for socially and politically conservative people. Multiculturalism was built as a force to assure equity and social justice. Minimizing this down to table manners dilutes its real purpose. The problem is that some people can't really blend in unless they give up ALL of who they are. As a white male, I have the privilege not to have to worry about that in the U.S...others are expected to blend into me. Who's asked to blend? Who's asked to cross borders? In schools...in the media...everywhere else... The idea of multiculturalism is one of equity. You like learning table manners of other cultures, but will you stand up and fight for their rights even if it might reduce some of your own privilege? Will you cross the borders and make sure that EVERY organization or institution that you touch ensures equity of opportunity and treatment (that's not equality...but equity) to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, etc? A neighborhood watch is a great idea and a good way for people to connect, but what do you do about racial profiling, police brutality, sexual violence, hate crimes, and other things that oppress certain people and in doing so actually elevate the status of others? Those are the questions that progressive multiculturalism asks. That wast he spirit with which the multicultural movement began (through the civil rights era). It's nice that you and your friends are getting along, but what about equity and justice?Paul
Posted by Paul Gorski @ 12/03/2001 07:26 PM EST

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