The concerns of multiculturalism are an endless debate, that’s controversial and continuously criticized. This essay discusses three sources examining multiculturalism, all with distinct perspectives that inspire change (Furman, Negri, & Cisnero-Howard 2008)(Von Torne, 2008)(Uddin Amed, and Nelson, 2011). The sources also, show the reality of discrimination, assist in progressive understanding, prompt empathy, and come to the realization for the urgency to change society’s norms (Furman, et al., 2008)(Von Torne, 2008)(Uddin Amed, et al., 2011). “The immigration debate: lessons for social workers” (2008), as the first source selected, describes how social workers can positively contribute to the lives of immigrants (Furman, et al., 2008). The …show more content…
In both “Berliner” (2011) and Von Torne’s (2008) article, they discuss the issues that require change, without truly providing examples. If they were to innovatively design concepts to form tenacious solutions, much like what Furman’s article (2008) briefly pondered, which discussed a couple vague concepts, they could determine a positive outcome. In the “Berliner”(2011) film, the individuals interviewed were generally female, this could be perceived as sexist, as men also experience the discrimination in Germany. Especially since majority were men who came over first to build the Berlin Wall before they moved their families, so they perhaps were the first to experience hate and, therefore could be a valuable source to incorporate (2011). The data provided in the (Furman, et al., 2008) article, is only regarding Latino refugees as opposed to all immigrants that reside in America (2008). Lacking that essential data could obstruct conclusive figures and possible answers to the concerns that social workers face when working with immigrants …show more content…
They also discuss how the policies set in place now are either failing to adhere to people’s basic rights or they are not being upheld in society, this results in the feeling that their new country “is not home” (Furman, et al., 2008)(Von Torne, 2008)(Uddin Amed, et al., 2011). All reference that education is vital for multiculturalism; Furman discusses how social workers can be educated to stay informed and expand viewpoints (2008), In Uddin Amed’s film, it displays that in Germany, the schools are segregated, and that isolation causes a division that leads to “othering” the Turks, so by integrating the schools it would promote tolerance (2011), Von Torne determines that by giving equal opportunities for education, it could contribute to immigrants feeling it is “their society” too (2008). There are some variations between the sources, which could expand or impede the audiences’ views, for instance; all the sources discuss the same topic, yet all have different perceptions and therefore develop different conclusions (Furman, et al., 2008)(Von Torne, 2008)(Uddin Amed, et al., 2011). For example; Furman states, immigrants are afraid to ask for help, and social workers need to help regardless (2008), Uddin Amed’s film contains participant’s personal reflection of
In the article, “Multiculturalism: Battleground or Meeting Ground,” Takaki starts out addressing the difference in philosophy between him and Woodward when it comes to cultural diversity. Woodward strongly disagrees with Takaki when it comes to the topic of cultural diversity. They both are seeing issue threw two difference lens. Woodward attacked Takaki on the issue when Woodward reviewed Takaki’s “Iron Cages: Rave and Culture in Nineteeth-Century America” book in the “New York Review of Books,” saying it was too narrow in focus (Takaki, n.d). Woodward rebuttal was that the book did not contain any balance, and should have touched on “national issues” to have that balance and not just the American south. Woodward even said that Takaki was
...Multiculturalism: Essential Primary Sources. Ed. K. Lee Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth Lerner, and Adrienne Wilmoth Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 353-355. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 11 Apr. 2014
My essay focuses on discrimination as one of the main challenges that refugees face. I discuss some instances of discrimination that occurred in the book, whether based on race or culture,
Rundblad, Georganne and Peter Kivisto. Multiculturalism in the United States. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, 2000.
Kottak, Conrad Phillip and Kayhryn Kozaitis 2012 On Being Different, Diversity and Multiculturalism in the North American Mainstream, 4th edition, McGraw Hill Press, New York: Chapter 1.
However, the unjustified discrimination in America is often represented by the hard transition that immigrants face when they move to America. This statement is exemplified in the short narrative piece, “American Dreamer” by author Bharati Mukherjee. In “American Dreamer” Mukherjee reflects on her own experiences of being an immigrant and her transition into becoming an “American”. Most people think of America as a cultural melting pot where other cultures are accepted perhaps even celebrated. In spite of this, what America actually celebrates is harshly debated. America likes to say that is prides it self on being “multiculturalists”, yet Mukherjee points out that even multiculturalism, “leads to a lack of respect for individual differences within each group.” (358) The idea of multiculturalism seems like a good idea, but this is rather not true since the idea of multiculturalism, “implies the existence of a central culture.” (Mukherjee 358) Much of the unjustified discrimination in America comes from people from other cultures not fitting into the “central culture” that the US seems to have adopted. This has led to an “us” vs. “them” mentality (Mukherjee 359) in America. Many people in America seem to rely on discrimination since they don’t like the idea of America’s culture changing. However like Mukherjee states America shouldn’t be afraid of the culture changing and instead should embrace that America’s culture is “constantly reforming.” (Mukherjee 359) I hope like the author that one there will be less discrimination towards immigrants. I believe that if more Americans can accept that it our culture is constantly changing and that it is a good thing it is changing, there can be less unjustified discrimination. I truly think that discrimination can never be
Although many of the policies in place seem more focused around the children of immigrates and the opportunities they are offered. Such as: “ensure access to higher education for the children of immigrants” and “ensure appropriate immigration-related services to undocumented minors in foster care and, if they are eligible, adjustment of their status before they leave foster care” (NASW, 2015, p. 179). When it comes to working with immigrates: “social workers not only need to be aware of the special needs of this population, but also need to understand the dynamics of migration and the interface between immigration and immigrant policies” (NASW, 2015, p. 178). The immigrates that are coming into the United States are coming from all different cultures, and as social workers, we should do our best to attempt to understand their different customs and
Immigrants must overcome many barriers to succeed in America. First, migrants frequently must learn a new language. Inability to communicate is a critical barrier for accessing the health care system (Urrutia-Rojas, Marshall, Trevino, Lurie, & Minguia-Bayona, 2006). Second, the processes of work and schooling for themselves and their families can be daunting. Lastly, immigrants use the established social network of longer duration residents for reference and knowledge (Nandi, Galea, Lopez, Nandi, Strongarone, & Ompad, 2008). For purposes of this report, there are three different types of immigrant: legal, undocumented, and refugees or persons seeking asylum. All three types of residents want to succeed and achieve their personal dream.
...aced the Japanese in camps, discriminated the Chinese and placed anti-Asian laws to stop their immigration into this country, as well as the segregation against blacks just a few decades ago. In recent years, we have seen laws in states limiting Latino rights as well and gay rights. There will always be restrictions placed upon new faces, as there have always been. What this article reinforces is that we are no different to those of the past. History is doomed to always repeat itself, and restrict that which is different. We always hear of our country being a melting pot and multicultural. But what we do not always hear about in classrooms is the hardships people must go through in order to be included and rise above the discrimination. This type of article would serve well as an opener for discussions about tolerance, transnationalism and acceptance of all cultures.
Providing social services present an essential part in immigrant policy. Throughout the stories of these immigrants, we can see how important it is that they also receive social services to meet their primary areas of need. I understand that they are here illegally, but many came after the NAFTA took effect because Mexico failed their promise to improve their economy. Policy makers have to understand the importance of the earlier immigrant group experiences to their adaptation to their country of destination. Immigrants deal with several of stress-producing events that end in the requirement for assistance and support; such events involve separating from family and community, long traveling journeys, different levels of danger, and relocation difficulties related to finding housing and employment. As immigrant population grows, so too does the argument as to whether or not they should receive social service assistance as provided to American citizens. Some Americans claim that undocumented immigrants should not receive services because they do not pay federal taxes; they are "illegal" residents and a drain on government services and the economy. Rejecting public services to undocumented immigrants, they argue, will discourage them from coming to the country. Such thought will not stop immigrants from coming to the United States. Most immigrants come to the U.S. for better work opportunities and higher wages, not services. It is essential to understand immigrant access to government assistance, the degree to which immigrants utilize social services to meet their needs, and the additional approaches they use to
Bloemraad, Irene. “The Debate Over Multiculturalism: Philosophy, Politics, and Policy.” www.migrationpolicy.org. September 22, 2011. Web.
The mention of the abolition of multiculturalism for a “new” post-multiculturalist approach becomes difficult to understand. It claims, “to avoid the ‘excesses’ of multiculturalism” (47), however where does this notable governmental and social switch take place? How is the term coined, and how is it understood in theory versus in practice? How is it different from its predecessor? Even the classification of history struggles to define what is considered to be modern, let alone post-modern, and yet the term suggests a positive approach to alleviating difficult assimilation projects similar to those faced elsewhere (47). This notion may developed on the grounds of “someone else’s problems” ¬– in regards to its Canadian context – as a means to label, or justify, miscellaneous aspects of multiculturalism. However, with the government-wide commitment to policies and programs, in conjunction with social understanding, it naturally becomes subject to a wide array of differing opinions. As both immigration and citizenship policies change, its public reception often shifts as well. Especially since the channels referred to within the ‘multiculturalism...
The topic in hand is the unfairness toward illegal immigrants in the United States and the lack of acknowledgement to their contribution to the country. This topic has constantly arised when immigration reforms are being discussed, most states speak negatively of immigrants; how they take American jobs, infiltrate the welfare, do not pay taxes, etc. When on the contraire they are the ones negatively being affected due to the necessity of a social security number. America is known as the “land of opportunity”, however the opportunity is not being given to immigrants in search of a better life, the values of the country – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness— is now limited, which should not.
multiculturalism hype is not all it is cut out to be and segregates communities rather
In his article “The Failure of Multiculturalism”, Kenan Malik uses the diverse European culture to study and explain the irony of multiculturalism. He defines multiculturalism as “the embrace of an inclusive, diverse society” (Malik 21). Integration between cultures is practically inevitable, but several nations view this as a threat towards upholding their culture. Due to this, many countries have made attempts at properly integrating new people and ideas while trying to prevent the degradation of their own. This can result in unjust regulations and the reverse effect of an intended multicultural society.