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Multiculturalism Fails in U.S.

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Stepping away from the homogeneity of societies in the past has been a constant change since its ancient inception. People are torn between the rigors of integration and co–existence of those, who are of a different ethno–cultural background, and the preservation of communal culture and ethnicity. This is the difficult status quo of the 21st century. Multiculturalism has exited as a social phenomenon for a while but its strides and advancement became manifest and apparent at the end of the last century and the beginning of the present one. It is a deviation from the notion of nationhood. This idea is said to be the cornerstone of building countries since it forwards the idea that societies are to be of one ethnicity and cultural background.

Merging of two cultures

Now this is being set aside in favor of a community that is more diverse and multi–ethnic. However, the question is what are the consequences and impact on the integrating culture and integrated culture? The merging of the two often result in negative social backlash. True there are successful multi–cultural communities that exist but there are also those that experience radical social problems due to the sudden incorporation of a different culture.

Social Systems

The working and dynamics of society are built on cultural values and ethnic norms. The problem of multiculturalism this system has to deal and cope with are not just those of a certain culture but of perhaps two,three, or even more. This creates a wide array of social problems, chief of which are confusion as to the communal identity, a misconception as to right and wrong, and on the ideals whom the people should uphold.

These societal difficulties, although resolvable in many cases, cause significant conflicts and upheavals. Violence, conflict, and divisions are heightened and aggravated by these. These symptoms are felt more by countries that have a long history of being culturally homogenous. In the case of Germany, it has struggled to attain a level of multiculturalism that is an almost complete abandonment of its cultural roots.

The Divide

The failure to integrate often creates lasting and deep-rooted rifts among people. This kind of social divisions easily escalates to conflicts and ethnic violence. History is riddled with examples of immense cultural divisiveness resulting in discrimination, ethnic wars, cultural atrocities, and the like. It, in turn, has intensified current socio–political disputes, which magnify the precursors for war, genocide, hatred, political dissent, and insurgent actions.

The Social Experiment

In a recent statement, Chancellor Merkel of Germany claimed that Germany has attempted to attain a significant degree of multiculturalism. The social experiment has begun to show signs of failure and decline. It had not forwarded the kind of socio– cultural evolution its proponents hoped for, instead, it sowed conflict and damaged society. Perhaps multiculturalism’s time has not yet arrived.

References:
http://www.rightpundits.com/?p=7476

http://www.utm.edu/staff/aduncan/The%20Challenge%20of%20Multiculturalism.pdf

November 3, 2010 Posted by cloee chapman | Society | Multiculturalism Fails, Social Systems, The Divide, The Social Experiment | Leave a Comment