Multiculturalism in America and Its Impact on the American Identity - Essay Example

Number] Rogerian Argument In “The Chinese in All of Us”, Richard Rodriguez explores Multiculturalism. Rodriguez talks about the effects that multiculturalism of the American society had on his life. Being the son of Spanish speaking Mexican immigrant parents, he narrates the constant encounters he experienced while growing up in America. In defense of all the labelling and accusations he faced as a reaction to his book, which highlighted issues such as bilingual education and affirmative action, he wrote his understanding of the issue of Multiculturalism while maintaining one’s own ethnic identity. He further elaborates, that though America is a blend of various cultures and it takes pride in it, it still has its own identity. America has its own individuality, its own culture. Multiculturalism in America and its impact on the American identity is constantly debated, where one side calls it the essence of American society whereas the other side consider it a threat to the American identity. (Rodriguez n.p) America is a multicultural society, where different cultures coexists alongside each other. Multiculturalism started as a movement at the end of the 19th century in United States and Europe. The mass immigration of southern and eastern Europeans and Latin Americans were the driving forces behind it. The genesis of multiculturalism was the concept of cultural pluralism. The different features of different cultures often combine and incorporate. In this way a cultural blend is formed which creates an environment of tolerance and respect for each other. In a multicultural society, individuals have freedom to practice their own religion, follow their own dressing code, to eat what they want and participate in cultural practices despite of its variance from the mainstream cultural norms. Since the first half of the 19th century, United States has witnessed a constant mass immigration. These immigrants have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of America. The immigrants having their own values, beliefs and attitudes, created their own perception of the adopted home. The passing of these beliefs and attitudes to their children, made them experience not only the cultural practices of their parents but also those followed by the wider society. The effect that it creates, is a more tolerant and open minded society. In a globalized world, ideas such as isolation and discrimination are not acknowledged anymore. Multiculturalism fosters the idea of inclusiveness, where the society is vibrant and open to change. The different individuals bring their own experiences, tastes and flavors thus making the society diverse and rich. Cultural tends to conflict create conflict, which creates divisions within a nation. Multiculturalism on the other hand strengthens the nation due to its cohesive nature. The philosophy of multiculturalism recognizes the pluralism in the society. It requires the governments and institutions to direct their policies, so as to encourage pluralism. It further requires schools to inculcate a diverse curriculum, for example highlighting the contributions of various ethnic, racial, cultural minorities. In order to create an accommodating environment certain cultural and religious requirements of minorities needs to be catered. Like for instance provision of prayer area, allowing a certain dress code et cetera. The accommodation of minority cultures fosters the feelings of attachment toward the larger polity. Discrimination on the other hand creates an environment of isolation and vulnerability. This disconnect, if left unchecked, creates an environment of uncertainty and negativity among the minority segments of the society. Multiculturalism has many expressions. It is a demographic fact, a set of philosophical ideas, or an alignment of governmental or institutional policies towards the diversity of population. Demographic multiculturalism reflects the pluralism in the society. The pluralism, might be due to the presence of old minority groups, coexisting for a long time within a community. The examples are Switzerland, Canada and Belgium. The second reason of pluralism might be the migration of people of different cultures, origins, languages and religion. Such sort of pluralism is found mainly in the United States, Singapore, France et cetera. The recent debate on multiculturalism is mostly positioned towards immigrants and their offspring rather than longstanding minority groups. The domain of multiculturalism is not restricted to demographic pluralism, instead it is a philosophy which provides recognition and acceptance to cultural pluralism. The philosophy thus provides a direction for people, institutions and governments to follow. In addition to providing an orientation, it also reflects a particular set of concepts. Multiculturalism enhances social equality. It does it through explicit governmental recognition and accommodation of cultural needs of minorities. Bloemraad explains it in his article, “Multicultural thinkers argue that social equality is enhanced when governments explicitly recognize cultural minorities, valorize pluralism and accommodate the cultural need of groups.” Closing of stores and workplaces, to give workers rest, one day a week of their choice rather than making Sunday the closing day can be one such example. Multiculturalism involves governments and institutions to encourage the concept of pluralism, through its incorporation in the public policy. In the United States the cultural recognition of African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics started in the 1960s. Canada on the other hand a policy of multiculturalism in 1971. Consequently governments in Sweden Australia and Netherlands also introduced policies of multiculturalism in 1970s and 1980s. Multiculturalism thus creates a cohesion of both social and political nature. Multiculturalism by many is considered a threat to the American culture. In many European countries, there is a debate on the ill effects of multiculturalism and its impact on the national cultural ethos. Critics of multiculturalism are against the cultural assimilation of different cultural groups in a form of single national identity. It is considered that multiculturalism undermines local cultures and fractures cohesion. Diversity is said to have a negative impact on the social trust. People in such a society, doubt not only each other but even the institutions. When people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds live together, each doubts the beliefs of the other thus creating an environment of contention. Sometimes these tensions escalate in to violence, creating fissures within the society. The most diverse cities of the world are always the most violent and the poorest. When the resources are limited and there is stiff competition amongst the individuals, any newcomer is considered a threat. In American context, the large influx of immigrants from Asia, Africa and Latin America rather than from Europe, over the last 40 years have changed the demographic makeup of America. Not only effecting the demographic composition, it has also effected the American national culture. Multiculturalism is considered a hazard for the mono cultural ideals of western civilization. Tom McClintock, an American congressman expressed his views regarding multiculturalism by saying that the immigrants, in order to become Americans need to shed their cultures and become an American race. If they are unwilling to do it, they should revisit their decision of coming to this country. The critics argue that the establishment of neutral atmosphere in public institutions is not possible. Since the basic rule of democracy is the government of majority, minorities will always be in a position of slight disadvantage, despite the guaranteed rights and freedoms. (Keyes n.p) The best example in this regard would be: that a public schooling system will only use one language or at best a few. The immigrants will always be at a disadvantage because of the language barrier. The histories of societies in which people of different cultures and languages live and where they fail to integrate is often tragic. Today millions in America call themselves as Korean Americans, African Americans, Muslim Americans et cetera. No one call themselves merely as Americans. It portrays as if their loyalty to America is partly. Critics also label multicultural policies as only having theoretical presence, having no practical significance. It is said that multiculturalism creates divisions within a country. These divisions are created as a result of denial from the acceptance of commonly accepted cultural and social norms. Such type of practices creates fissures within a society and divides it into many different groups. It creates a sort of polarization by dividing communities. Some fundamental characters differentiates a country from the other. Each country has its own national individuality, comprising of its own distinct cultural identity. Sias explains it like this: “Where multiculturalism causes a division within the country it is detrimental. Division is created when a specific group refuses to speak a commonly accepted language and resists becoming part of the culture.” (Sias n.p) If left unchecked, multicultural erodes the very basis of cultural identity. Through Multiculturalism immigrants introduce their own cultures, which starts to overshadow the greater national culture. This is what Wilkinson had to say, “It doesn’t matter what policies a government introduces to try to create a harmonious Environment, within local communities there will always be difference of opinion and tension that cannot simply be glossed over.” (Wilkinson n.p) Immigrants flee their countries to find better conditions for themselves to prosper. As the move in they start to disseminate their flawed culture, trying to mutate the prevailing national culture. Multiculturalism, as its critics say is a threat to national integration and cohesion. It divides the society in to fragments of different cultures, languages and beliefs. In today’s globalized world, no country can live in isolation. The contemporary economic, social and political environment of most of the developing countries induce the population to move towards places with more economic and social prospects. Wars and conflicts are also a cause of migrations. The phenomenon of globalization has made the world a comparatively familiar place. Cultural familiarities have greatly increased. Pluralistic ideals which are inclusive in nature are held high. America although having a large diverse population, still has its own national identity and culture. In order to prosper it has to take every segment of its population forward. Multiculturalism though considered a threat, is the only pathway to move forward. However the concept of multiculturalism also requires revisiting. As too much emphasis on diversity only aggravates differences and weakens cohesion in a society. Therefore a right balance of diversity while keeping a guard on the preservation of greater national culture is the need of the hour. The research on the effects of multiculturalism is limited, therefore the predictions on its socioeconomic repercussions is difficult. The effects of multiculturalism on majority groups are also unclear. Does multiculturalism increases their social and political cohesion with immigrant groups is still unclear. Out of 9 recent studies on anti-immigrant attitudes, only 2 have showed a positive trends whereas other have showed negative attitudes towards immigrants. The reaction of majority and minority segments of the society to multiculturalism are varied. The negative attitude of the majority toward the immigrant minority stems from the accommodation of diversity in institutions and public policy. Evidence on the other hand also show greater immigrant sociopolitical integration and public attachment. (Bloemraad n.p) Work cited Irene Bloemraad. “The debate over Multiculturalism: Philosophy, Politics and Policy.” www.migrationpolicy.org. 22 Sep 2011. Web. 1 Dec 2014. Russel Sias. “Negative Aspects of Multiculturalism.” Web. 1 Dec 2014. Michelle Wilkinson. “Drawbacks of being a Multicultural society.” www.lifepaths360.com. Web. 1 Dec 2014. Scott Keyes. “GOP Congressman Argues against Multiculturalism.” www.thinkprogress.org 14 Aug 2013. Web. 1 Dec 2104. Richard Rodriguez. “The Chinese in All of Us: Mexican American explores Multiculturalism.” Read More