Multi Culturalism And Global Consciousness
Since the boom of the technology era in the late 20th century, globalization has
changed our world dramatically. Nowadays, we no longer live in a segregated
world of distinct and close-up economies, but rather see the continuous
integration of different societies and custom. In regions where multiple
cultural traditions and heterogeneous ethnic groups co-exist, multiculturalism
comes up as an idea that people of all cultures, either foreign or domestic, are
all equal human beings; therefore, they must receive equal treatment, respect,
and dignity.
Multiculturalists affirm that no ethnicities are subject to any
other ethnicities; as a result, no cultures should be subjected to racial
boundaries, social hierarchies, or condemnations from other cultures.
Consequently, many people believe that multiculturalism manifests a commitment
to racial equality, the conservation of cultural diversity, and the protection
of freedom of expression as a human right. In many regions, minority groups have
utilized the idea of multiculturalism to demand affirmative action, exclusive
rights, and special privileges so that they can have the same dignity as the
majority body and sustain their traditions. These groups can be a religious
community, indigenous people, formerly colonized people, or ethnic minorities.
Under some circumstances, the rights they demand can even be to exempt
themselves from certain laws of the host country, such as the case in which
Muslims in France demanded the rights to practice polygamy.
What Is Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism, the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly
those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of their differences
within a dominant political culture.
That acknowledgment can take the forms of recognition of contributions to the
cultural life of the political community as a whole, a demand for special
protection under the law for certain cultural groups, or autonomous rights
of governance for certain cultures. Multiculturalism is both a response to the
fact of cultural pluralism in modern democracies and a way of compensating
cultural groups for past exclusion, discrimination, and oppression.
In sociology, multiculturalism describes the manner in which a given society
deals with cultural diversity. Based on the underlying assumption that members
of often very different cultures can coexist peacefully, multiculturalism
expresses the view that society is enriched by preserving, respecting, and even
encouraging cultural diversity. In the area of political philosophy,
multiculturalism refers to the ways in which societies choose to formulate and
implement official policies dealing with the equitable treatment of different
cultures.
Most modern democracies comprise members with diverse cultural viewpoints,
practices, and contributions. Many minority cultural groups have experienced
exclusion or the denigration of their contributions and identities in the past.
Multiculturalism seeks the inclusion of the views and contributions of diverse
members of society while maintaining respect for their differences and
withholding the demand for their assimilation into the dominant culture.
Multiculturalism Theories
The two primary theories or models of multiculturalism as the manner in which
different cultures are integrated into a single society are best defined by the
metaphors commonly used to describe them—the melting pot and the salad bowl
theories. These theories are:
The Melting Pot Theory
The melting pot theory of multiculturalism assumes that various immigrant groups
will tend to melt together, abandoning their individual cultures and
eventually becoming fully assimilated into the predominant society. Typically
used to describe the assimilation of immigrants into the United States, the
melting pot theory is often illustrated by the metaphor of a foundry's smelting
pots in which the elements iron and carbon are melted together to create a
single, stronger metal—steel. In 1782, French-American immigrant J. Hector St.
John de Crevecoeur wrote that in America, individuals of all nations are melted
into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great
changes in the world.
The Salad Bowl Theory
A more liberal theory of multiculturalism than the melting pot, the salad bowl
theory describes a heterogeneous society in which people coexist but retain at
least some of the unique characteristics of their traditional culture.
Like a salad's ingredients, different cultures are brought together, but rather
than coalescing into a single homogeneous culture, retain their own distinct
flavors. In the United States, New York City, with its many unique ethnic
communities like Little India, Little Odessa, and Chinatown is considered
an example of a salad bowl society.
Characteristics of a Multicultural Society
Multicultural societies are characterized by people of different races,
ethnicities, and nationalities living together in the same community. In
multicultural communities, people retain, pass down, celebrate, and share their
unique cultural ways of life, languages, art, traditions, and behaviors.
The characteristics of multiculturalism often spread into the community's public
schools, where curricula are crafted to introduce young people to the qualities
and benefits of cultural diversity. Though sometimes criticized as a form of political correctness, educational systems in multicultural societies stress
the histories and traditions of minorities in classrooms and textbooks.
Why Diversity Is Important
Multiculturalism is the key to achieving a high degree of cultural diversity.
Diversity occurs when people of different races, nationalities, religions,
ethnicities, and philosophies come together to form a community. A truly diverse
society is one that recognizes and values the cultural differences in its
people.
Proponents of cultural diversity argue that it makes humanity stronger and may,
in fact, be vital to its long-term survival. In 2001, the General Conference of
UNESCO took this position when it asserted in its Universal Declaration on
Cultural Diversity that ...cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as
biodiversity is for nature.
Today, entire countries, workplaces, and schools are increasingly made up of
various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. By recognizing and learning about
these various group, communities build trust, respect, and understanding across
all cultures.
Communities and organizations in all settings benefit from the different
backgrounds, skills, experiences and new ways of thinking that come with
cultural diversity.
Challenges to Multiculturalism
There are two primary objections to multiculturalism. One is that
multiculturalism privileges the good of the certain groups over the common good,
thereby potentially eroding the common good in favour of a minority interest.
The second is that multiculturalism undermines the notion of equal individual
rights, thereby weakening the political value of equal treatment.
Multiculturalism raises other questions. There is the question of which cultures
will be recognized. Some theorists have worried that multiculturalism can lead
to a competition between cultural groups all vying for recognition and that this
will further reinforce the dominance of the dominant culture. Further, the focus
on cultural group identity may reduce the capacity for coalitional political
movements that might develop across differences. Some Marxist and feminist
theorists have expressed worry about the dilution of other important differences
shared by members of a society that do not necessarily entail a shared culture,
such as class and sex
How Culture Connected
The term global village was coined by Marshall McLuhan, a Canadian philosopher
and a public intellectual, in the beginning of the 1960s. He had a vision of
technology reducing the size of the globe to that of a village, with information
floating freely and simultaneously from one end to the other. McLuhan believed
that interconnectivity on such a scale had the ability to heighten human
awareness and bring together all political and social functions.
These days, the notion of the Global Village can be applied to a variety of
settings: within every workplace, community, or family, we see this extension of
consciousness through connectivity and communications. The world becomes a
prominent global hub that houses a wide range of people from various backgrounds
and paths of life. Any major city in the United States can be perceived as
microcosm of the entire country — it is constantly evolving and expanding; it is
always ready to embrace new cultures, new experiences, new life. However, only
by remaining mindful of our changing environment and community can we bring all
of these cultures together and enable them to coexist peacefully and to
contribute to each other's development. Mindfulness is the key to any
communication, to using technology to connect and to reaching out to our Global
Village.
To me, this poignant piece is all about the value of communications within our
Global Village. It showcases our desire to reach out to the world, connecting
via technology. Wherever we are, we overcome potential obstacles and rejoice in
our union of like-minded souls. The emerging globalization movement touches and
affects every workplace that has long become a melting pot of various cultures
and ethnicities.
Such multicultural environments are not only vital to driving
innovation in business, they are also a key part of employee satisfaction and
development.
Many workplaces now reflect the global multiculturalism that we see in
institutions like the United Nations. They present a colorful blend of different
cultures, customs and values, and only by remaining mindful of such diversity,
can we meet the needs of an increasingly global customer base. Every leader,
every manager of an organization within either the public or private sector can
benefit from the diversity of their workplace and create an environment that
takes into account different perspectives, ideas and solutions.
In our Global Village, we need to embrace new experiences — realize that it
takes dozens of communities and hundreds of years for each culture to evolve and
develop its own values, morals, business practices and ethics. As our
multicultural environments expand, often our nonverbal differences such as
social, educational, and economic discrepancies, power dynamics and spiritual
beliefs, become the leverage for our communication.
Multiculturalism Vs Globalism
Globally, over the last few decades political debate and policies have dealt
with equal rights in relation to both individual and group differences,
especially those in terms of race, class, gender and sexual orientation. With
globalization there has been a significant increase in inequality despite growth
in global wealth in recent years. Globalization has resulted in international
migration and movement of people and business across countries so that
large-scale immigration (mostly in Western countries), refugee resettlement and
travel have made societies very diverse. People are exposed to different
cultures, languages, religions, cuisines and modes of dress.
The movement of
people across borders also means intermixing of cultures that challenge static
notions of single national cultures in favour of fluid, changing and even
shifting and hybrid (mixed) or multiple identities. The new politics of
cultural difference focuses on cultural and political identity as central to the
meaning of democratic representation, and on transforming the monolithic and the
homogenous into new forms of diversity, multiplicity and heterogeneity that
tolerate the contingent, the provincial and the shifting (West 1993). Cultures
are blending and the concept of multiculturalism is no longer one of homogenous
cultures coming together. Rather, people have multiple identities and can have
local, national and global allegiances simultaneously. This implies that the
concept of multiculturalism (diversity) does not theoretically prevent the
development of a national identity (inclusion of differences).
While globalization has led to homogenization of cultures on the one
hand through technology, communication and travel, there is on the other hand a
rise in identity politics in which minority ethno-cultural groups articulate
their felt oppression by asserting their cultural characteristics (essentialism
notwithstanding) in an attempt to counter the homogenizing effects of Western
culture at the global level or the hegemony of mainstream culture within
countries as in Quebec. This has led to arise in minority nationalism in many
regions such as in Scotland, Catalonia and other areas.
Multicultural policies,
although they may have other names, has been one way of accommodating competing
identities. These policies give the appearance of equal opportunities and social
justice. From the economic point of view, neo-liberal discourse on public
policy recognizes diversity and justifies the commodification of diversity
within the competition for global markets. On the other hand, while neo-liberal
doctrine promotes freedom—open borders, free competition—it is an ideology
of individualism focusing on personal money and power at the expense
of group welfare.
Why is Multiculturalism so Important?
Which country first made multiculturalism a policy?[1] Canada! The 1971
Multiculturalism Policy of Canada confirmed the importance of multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism is the recognition of the existence of many cultures within one
country. The value of equality, diversity, and inclusion that Canadian
multiculturalism brings to society and into offices nationwide, I personally
consider to be indisputable.
Equality in the Workplace
A fundamental concept that goes along with multiculturalism is equality; the
respect and acceptance of one another that gives people the same rights and
opportunities. Equality is important to ensure that everyone feels they can
reach their fullest potential. Equality is necessary so no one is held back from
moving the world forward. Equality is valuable because without it, how does one
create mutual respect? The freedom that comes with equality is liberating and
allows people to feel like they can give their all to the tasks at-hand by being
their whole self. The confidence that comes with everyone being on an equal
level means that everyone is able to better contribute their ideas.
It gives
everyone the opportunity to better educate themselves about the world they live
in and resources to thrive in the environment they work in. The dialogue that
opens up when people are equal and feel respected is enormously beneficial for
gaining deeper insights. In the workplace, this same idea prevails. Equality
brings a higher engagement from within people, yielding the best possible
results a team can produce.
Diversity in the Workplace
Canada is known as a mosaic representing a broad range of diversity. It is
accepted and encouraged in Canada to celebrate culture, to continue traditions,
and to be who you want to be. Within this idea of many diverse individuals
existing within Canada, comes Canadian culture. To me, Canadian culture is made
up of all the cultures from around the world. I am proud to be Canadian and to
witness the many cultures around me. I am happy to be able to learn and explore
new cultures right at my fingertips. To me, multiculturalism and the diversity
that comes with it, is part of what makes Canada so rich and vibrant.
The
diversity that exists within Canada is spectacular and with this comes diversity
of thought. This valuable diversity of thought that is brought into initiatives
and brainstorming within the office is a product of celebrating multiculturalism
within our communities. Imagine the solutions and the conversations that are had
because of the many different views that contrast and cause further ideas to be
brought to the surface.
The backgrounds and different understandings that exist
from people being encouraged to continue their ethnic traditions and explore
their interests are assets. The many different perspectives, viewpoints, and
backgrounds that everyone in a room has, means that these people have different
insights. These insights are a product of these people's past experiences that
have shaped their knowledge. This wisdom can be brought together, and
discussions can reach a greater depth than otherwise would be possible and more
informed decision-making can occur. Diversity brings about individuality and
innovation. Diversity can reach its full potential when multiculturalism is
celebrated.
Inclusion in the Workplace
Inclusion is the third valuable piece that arises from multiculturalism. Human
capital is a huge resource for many firms. By respecting and encouraging the
continuance of individual cultural practices, everyone feels more welcome and
comfortable being themselves. This capital is worth more when everyone is able
to thrive. I believe when everyone is truly included then there is the power to
bring values above self-interest.
When people feel this way, there is less
resentment and there is increased respect for each other because people
understand that people can and should do things a little differently from one
another. The inclusion that comes with multiculturalism means that people do not
feel like they need to give up a part of themselves and they live how they want
to live without needing to conform. People are more empathetic and more
receptive to each other, opposed to being exclusive of thoughts other than their
own. With multiculturalism comes a smaller divide between what people assume of
others and what they learn about others.
There is less ignorance when
multiculturalism persists because people are more inclined to accept one
another's differences. The existence of many cultures and including everyone
from these cultures, means that cultural barriers disappear because people
accept one another and move past the surface to get to a deeper level. This
translates into an office setting, when people listen and truly hear what others
say or when people pay less attention to the surface and grasp at depth. When
people recognize the value of including everyone then teams are more cohesive
and workplace culture is more enjoyable. Multiculturalism provides a basis for
inclusion, in turn creating an harmonious environment.
I truly believe multiculturalism brings unity within a community and a
compassionate attitude amongst Canadian citizens; we feel the pain of others
because we understand that beneath the surface differences, we are made of the
same humanity. Individuals are more likely to act with their peers in mind when
they recognize the connections that exist between one another and when they
understand the support that everyone is able to offer each other. In my life, I
have experienced the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion and
multiculturalism is important because it brings these notions to the forefront
of society.
Multiculturalism and impact of globalization.
In order to understand the content of this blog, we need to first understand
what globalization is and the degree to which it affects our lives. The
definition of the term itself is the increasing interaction of people through
the growth of the international flow of money, ideas and culture. It is mainly
an economic process of integration within the world and the social and cultural
aspects that come with it are bi-products of this integration.
The first large-scale globalization was recorded in the 1820s but the most
recent and more relevant to us began in the 20th century. The term
‘globalization' itself was coined recently, only establishing its current
meaning in the 1970s.
Another distinction within globalization is cultural globalization, which refers
to the transmission of ideas, meanings, and values around the world in a way
that extends and intensifies social relations. The transmission occurs through
the internet, popular culture media and international travel
The birth of the internet means that it is now possible to be anywhere, anytime
without actually being there. As a result, the processes of quality exchange and
colonization have come into place, which also has a long history of carrying
cultural meaning around the globe.
A growth in the international economy also means that travel is hardly a dream
anymore and is easily within grasp. With so many options and opportunities to
move around from one country to another, transference of culture is inevitable.
It is also much easier to move around as English is the most common language in
the world and the average traveler no longer has to worry about translation
services.
Looking at multiculturalism in Australia itself, although most immigrants have
always been from Anglo-Saxon cultures like Britain, Ireland and New Zealand, the
influx of other cultures included has made ours a truly multicultural society.
Specifically, multiculturalism is most evident in the food industry.
Supermarkets, grocery stores, markets, delicatessens, cafes, restaurants, and
take-away stores offer a wide variety of foods from around the world. The
concept of ‘fusion food' has also come into play as a product of
multiculturalism.
Multicultural food has devised itself into the mainstream Australian staple diet
and has become an integral part of Australia's booming social life. Australians
of all cultural backgrounds indulge in the use of chopsticks and the al-fresco
dining introduced by Italian immigrants. Multi-national corporations like
McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks have brought about a fast-food culture which
means it would hardly make a difference which outlet in the world you go to.
Multiculturalism and Identity Politics: Cultural Concerns
Multiculturalism is a social perspective that is committed to publicly
recognizing and respecting many cultures and cultural identities. Identity
politics is one means by which members of a society strive for public
recognition of their cultures and cultural identities. One conception of
multiculturalism that animates identity politics is that people primarily
identify as members of groups defined by ethnicity, race, gender, religion, or
sexual orientation, and therefore can be expected to pressure their government
for greater positive political recognition of, and public benefits for, their
own group.
Another conception of multiculturalism is critical of identity
politics because it rejects the idea of a one-to-one correspondence between a
person and a particular cultural identity, and views individual identities as
themselves multicultural. Although societies have long been multicultural, the
use of multiculturalism as a term in social and political discourse is
relatively recent. Three kinds of multiculturalism can be identified as
coexisting in the same society: ethnic, linguistic, and national
multiculturalism. Different perspectives on various dimensions of
multiculturalism—personal identity, public recognition, and standards of
assessment—help elucidate the controversies that multiculturalism generates and
the policies that it supports.
Multiculturalism: Causes, Advantages and Disadvantages
Nowadays, due to the economy globalisation, many people come from different
countries with various cultural backgrounds living in same city permanently or
for a period of time, they live with local people together. Eventually, the
mixture of different cultures will lead to multiculturalism. The
multiculturalism refers to a system of beliefs and behaviour that recognizes
and respects the presence of all diverse groups in an organization or society,
acknowledges and values their social-cultural differences, and encourages and
enables their continued contribution within an inclusive cultural context which
empowers all within the organization or society.. This paper is focusing on
three main reasons likely cause multiculturalism, concerned the advantages and
disadvantages of multiculturalism. And a conclusion is made that the
multiculturalism has more benefits than its drawbacks.
International Labour Flow
The international labour flow is one of the important aspects causes
multiculturalism. As a part of the intensive globalization, the total number of
international labour migration increases continuously. They bring their working
skill into a foreign country along with convention and religion beliefs, and the
long-term co-existence make multiculturalism inevitable. Taking Auckland as an
example, as stable development of economy, local labour shortage becomes a
serious problem.
It is reported:
A forecasted 32,000 new people will be
required to work in the construction and infrastructure industry over the next
few years (NZ herald page1). Hence government has to allow employers recruit
skilled oversea worker from various countries on talent visas. In 2014/2015,
8,668 Essential Skill workers were approved with an offer of employment in
Auckland, and the top five source country are as follows: India 21%, China 10%,
Fiji 10%, UK9% and Philippines 9%. (Ministry of Business Innovation and
Employment, 2015) It proves that the Auckland's international labour imported is
diverse both ethnically and culturally. As more and more international labour
forces came to Auckland, Auckland become multiculturalism city.
Education
Besides international labour flow, the international students is another main
stream cause multiculturalism. As worldwide economy uniformity, studying abroad
becomes more and more popular in all countries. Students expect to experience a
high-quality education in other countries and are eager to have an opportunity
to touch exoticness as well. In 2016, there were nearly 5.1 million
international mobile students. Besides learning academic knowledge, overseas
students are affected by local culture, meanwhile, they are showing off their
colorful diverse culture to local folks. London, the capital and largest city
of the United Kingdom, is one of the most attractive destination for
international student. According to website, London is the top choice for
international students looking to study abroad. Over 100,000 international
students are studying in London every year, International students come from
over 200 different nations. Top 5 countries of origin are as follows: China,
Malaysia, United States, Hong Kong and India. Oversea students is making London
a global, vibrant and diverse city. As more and more international students
came to London, London become multiculturalism city.
Refugees
Refugee also makes great contribution to multiculturalism. The refugee refers to
those people who has forced to leave their countries because of war or other
humanitarian reasons. It is a group of miserable people, mostly of them are in
very poor economic status. They have to move to other countries then bring into
their culture and convention. There are 25.4 million refugees in the world (UNHCR,
2018 page 1), the number is enormous.
Germany has taken in the largest number of
refugees among West Country. There were 222,683 refugees came to Germany in
2017, the top 5 countries of origin are as follows: Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan,
Eritrea and Iran (Federal Office for Migration and Refugee, 2018 page 1), many
of them were staying in Berlin. Some of them live in refugee shelter and some
live with local people together. Berlin itself is a multi-cultural city, among
its 3,388,434 population, the Top 5 citizenship origin are as follows: Germany
88.6%, other Europe 3%, Turkey 2.9%,Asia 1.7%,Poland 1%.As to religion
,Protestant 19.2%, Roman Catholic 8.9 and other 71.9%. (City population, 2018
page 1). The coming of refugee increases its level of multiculturalism. As more
and more refugees from different countries coming to Berlin, berlin become
multiculturalism city.
International Law And Multiculturalism
The greatest importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December
10, 1948):
This Declaration is of paramount importance which established a set of civic,
political, economic, social and cultural rights. It is a triumph for human
dignity inherent in everyone regardless race, ethnic group, colour, sex,
language, religion, national origin:
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a
spirit of brotherhood.' (art. 1)
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this
Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or other status.' (art. 2.2)
Cultural diversity: a new approach of the concept of culture
In this field, one must mention the large contribution of UNESCO in terms of
anthropological approach of culture which is innovative, and in the area of
international law production standards. In this sense, the adoption of the
UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity on November 2, 2001 was a
very important step towards multiculturalism, and a vital achievement8.
This
Declaration was followed by a Convention in the same sens which was adopted in
2005, actively supported and ratified by both France and Sweden.
It is said that cultural diversity is The common heritage of humanity', and
that culture takes diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is
embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identity of the groups and
societies making up humankind.' (art. 1).
The importance of language heritage
In this regard, the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples are obviously
recognised and guaranteed, as a visible sign of cultural diversity:
The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from
respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights and
fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights of persons belonging to
minorities and those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural diversity
to infringe upon human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to limit
their scope.' (art. 4 of UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity).
The right of peoples to autonomy, self-government and self-determination
Meanwhile, within a historical short time there has been a significant increase
in the number of States due to decolonization process beginning in the 1960s. In
this connection, I will mention the right of peoples to self-determination which
was absent from the UDHR. The UN Declaration on the granting of independence to
colonial countries and peoples, which was adopted on December 14, 1960,
stipulates in this view:
The subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation
constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary to the Charter of
the United Nations and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and
co-operation' (art. 1)
All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that right they
freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social
and cultural development' (art. 2)
The international society is currently counting nearly 195 states whereas it was
numbering only 58 in 1948. In 1948, 2/3 of humanity was living under the burden
of colonialism. Other peoples remain however deprived of their national rights
and are still waiting for their recognition.
Conclusion
there are three main causes of multiculturalism has been listed, they are
international labour, international student and refugee. It is undeniable
that multiculturalism has its advantages, it makes world colourful, demolish
prejudice, enhance social creativity and benefit economy. However, the drawback
should be mentioned as well, such as social conflict, marginalization etc., the
multicultural societies surely have more benefits than its disadvantages, as
long as it is managed properly. In general, the multiculturalism is a great
opportunity with challenge, such a trend is unavoidable all over the world.
People are supposed to embrace it, with a kind positive comprehensive state
of mind.
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