Multiculturalism

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Multiculturalism
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Multiculturalism Defined

• the idea or belief that modern societies should
  embrace and include distinct cultural groups with
  equal cultural and political status
• Really took hold in U.S. during 1960s with civil
  rights movement

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European Legacy Orientalism Said

• Orient East Occident West
• West casts Gaze on East and objectifies it
• wild, unrestrained, savage, unproductive,
  violent, etc.
• Seen in this light, other cultures can only be a
  threat and poison to the noble West.
• Most recently applied to Middle East- constructs
  false collectivities of Islam and The West
  and talks about a Clash of Civilizations

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The U.S. Version Melting Pot

• America has prided itself from beginning as being
  built by immigrants-
• However, general idea was that immigrants would
  merge with mainstream society in a melting pot
  model, which involves
• Speaking English
• Celebrating American holidays
• Accepting American norms re religion,
  sexuality, behavior, etc.
• Dressing like Americans
• While, of course, abandoning the ways of the old
  country ASAP.
• Also, does not really account for indigenous
  underclass such as Blacks or Native Americans

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Controversy Ghettos or Cultural Empowerment
Zones?

• Debate rages over culturally specific pockets are
  a good idea
• Pro offer a shelter for new arrivals where they
  can understand language, have familiar food, help
  getting a job, have access to culture, etc.
• Con Historically established b/c of racism,
  prevent assimilation/ promote isolation, form a
  zone where dissent/ terrorism could get started.

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Controversy English Only

• Currently, a furious debate over whether English
  should be declared the official language of the
  country
• Pro Bonds us together as a people, makes
  business easier, empowers immigrants
• Con Discriminatory, Culturally insensitive, not
  ultimately as useful as proponents say.

"We have room for but one language in this
country, and that is the English language, for we
intend to see that the crucible turns our people
out as Americans, of American nationality, and
not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house.
Theodore Roosevelt
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Controversy Education

• Cultural Issues in Education
• Standards- what culture sets standards on what is
  important to know?
• Assessment- When testing a students ability, are
  there cultural factors that get in the way?
• Instruction- Can people of radically different
  cultures teach/learn from each other?
• Behavior/ Learning styles- is the classroom
  environment of one culture appropriate fair for
  another?

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Racial Speech and Political Correctness

• Should we allow culturally insensitive speech on
  the public airwaves?
• Pros- All voices should be heard, and the public
  should be able to determine whats wrong and
  right
• Cons- This sort of speech enables racists-
  makes this sort of talk more cultural acceptable,
  and adds to oppressive environment to minorities.

Radio personality Don Imus, who recently was
fired for jokingly referring to a womens college
basketball team as nappy-headed hos
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Criticisms of Multiculturalism

• Erosion of American Values
• Loss of National Identity
• Unfair advantage to minority groups
• Balkanization
• Threat to other Progressive Groups
• Threat to National Security
• http//mediamatters.org/items/200611290005

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Discussion Questions

• Do you believe there is a clash of
  civilizations going on right now between the
  West and Islam?
• Do you think America should be more like the
  melting pot or more of a stew- with bits of
  foreign culture floating around?
• Do you think Washington state ought to declare
  English its official language?
• Do you think culturally distinct neighborhoods
  (like Seattles International District) are
  ghettos or valuable cultural enclaves?
• Do you think schools should make a serious effort
  to provide culturally-friendly instruction, or do
  you think this is a waste of time and taxpayer
  money?
• Do you think all speech should be unregulated on
  the airwaves, or should their be restrictions to
  prevent hate speech?
• Do you think the introduction of foreign cultures
  (choose one) dilutes or strengthens our national
  identity?