The Pros And Cons Of Multiculturalism

Around the globe all individuals participate in their own cultural practices and traditions. Multiculturalism is an extremely controversial issue that arises from different views and opinions, and is currently under attack by various leaders in our world today. Since the late 1960s and 1970s multiculturalism has been supported, denied, and continuously discussed because of its strong emphasis on cultural diversity and equal opportunities. Multiculturalism is the co-existence of all diverse cultures that include religious, racial, or cultural groups and is expressed in customary traditions, values, behaviors, and ways of thinking. Multiculturalism is also relevant in society through different government policies that enable individuals to have

Multiculturalism is one approach to overcome diversity in a society. It consists of the integration of different people with different beliefs, backgrounds, and traditions. Will Kymlicka, author of “Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights” provides an argument and definition of multiculturalism and freedom. He believes that multiculturalism is necessary and ideal for a liberal nation, which then prioritizes individual rights. The term ‘culture’ has been used to understand “all manner of groups, from teenage gangs to global civilization” (76). However, Kymlicka focuses on a specific type of culture known as a societal culture, “a culture which provides its members with meaningful ways of life across the full range of human activities, including social, educational, religious, recreational, and economic life” (76). These societal cultures are people living together that share a common culture that is embedded in different practices. He believes these societal cultures need accommodation, protection, and government support. The perseveration of these societal cultures is important because culture gives individuals an identity, sense of belonging, self-esteem, and self-respect through the access of choices rooted in freedom. Kymlicka’s theory also relates to the ban of ethnic studies in Arizona schools two years ago. The bill bans schools from teaching classes that are

Okin states that a culture “endorses and facilitates the control of men over women in various ways of life” (12). There are several rituals, matrimonial cultures, and property ownership that make it nearly impossible for women to live independently. Although certain cultures have myths that justify control over women, or “to blame and punish them for men’s difficulty in controlling their own sexual impulses,” (14) several global cultures do not suppress women. Okin does not provide readers with the women’s perspective on their supposable suppression through their culture. An example of how Okin’s claim is incorrect pertains to Middle Eastern women that participate in Islamic culture. Women are required to wear the Muslim headdress, also known as the hijab. Although most individuals would assume that women wearing the hijab are oppressed, treated poorer than Muslim men, and are a symbol of modesty, when in fact the Muslim women wear the hijab to affirm personal identity. Leila Ahmed, author of the Veil debate- Again, interviewed different American Muslim college students regarding whether they personally believe the hijab is required in the Qur’an or not and their personal feelings towards it. A particular opinion from a woman states that wearing the hijab “is a way of affirming my community and identity,” (153) and another women states, “I believe it’s a choice not an obligation. I wear it for the same reason that