Multiculturalism - Right or Wrong?
What is multiculturalism? According to Wikipedia, it refers to the acceptance of multiple ethnic cultures. So, what is so difficult with accepting others ethnic cultures? What are the challenges of multiculturalism and is multiculturalism is wrong? Just from the articles I read I don't think there will be one answer and for some the answer will be yes and for some no. I believe this will continue to be a debate that will never end.
In the article, The Challenge of 'Multiculturalism' In How Americans View the Past and the Future by Taylor, I believe he is saying that with multiculturalism we are changing the way children are being taught about American history and are embarking on a journey of changing history lessons to that of numerous national ethnic identities. Taylor also discusses how white Americans definition of multiculturalism is perceived differently by those of a different ethnic background or race. I believe most white Americans definition of multiculturalism is that of acceptance and inclusion yet many non-white Americans understanding of the word is that of separation and not unity. My definition of the word is acceptance, understanding, and unity of differences in cultures all around the world.
As an educator, I believe my job is to teach the children in my classroom about history, our differences and acceptance of those differences. Hasn't America always been a country represented by diversity through a variety of races and ethnic cultures? Why is it so difficult for us to learn and accept each others cultural and ethnical backgrounds? When I sit here and write this reflection, I think of the numerous cultures represented within my classroom. Some of my students are Arabic, some Hispanic, and Russian yet when we are here we are all just five year olds in a classroom. Many of my students speak other languages and yet they find ways to communicate with one another as well as get along. They are accepting of their differences. So why can't adults do this?
So, is multiculturalism wrong? In the article, Why Multiculturalism is Wrong by Treanor he discusses how it limits our freedom, possibilities, and futures. The information which is provided in the article is from the Netherlands. My understanding of the article is they wanted the Netherlands to retain their culture and language and not be accepting of other cultures or languages. In my opinion, this is not multiculturalism and therefore would be wrong.
Though I know our country exist of numerous ethnic and cultural backgrounds, I don't know if we have truly embraced the relevance and need for multiculturalism within our societies. Yes, I believe it is taking place in our classroom, but what about when they walk out of those classroom doors. Have we as educators done our job and truly shown and demonstrated multiculturalism so it will go with them beyond the classroom doors, or when they walk out those doors at 3:00 they will divide and remain one with their culture and race?
Taylor, Samuel. The Challenge of Multiculturalism in how Americans View the Past and the Future. The Journal of Historical Review, vol. 12, pp.159-165. Retrieved on September 30, 2009 from http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v12/v12p159_Taylor.html .
Treanor, Paul. Why Multiculturalism is Wrong. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/multicult.html .
