Multi-culturalism

by Coded Logic 4 Replies latest social current

• 

  Coded Logic

  For many of us liberals the concept of multi-culturalism is a fundamental underpinning to the progress we've made towards building the sorts of societies we want to live in. Unfortunately, it seems to be the case that many regressives have hijacked the word "multi-culturalism" and now fly the term under the banner of "all cultures are equal".

  However, this could not be further from the truth. That's not what we're talking about when we use the term. Rather, multi-culturalism means equal consideration. It means that anyone can make an argument for why their culture or belief or practice is valuable and what positive aspects it can bring to our societies. As progressive liberals, we are actively seeking to build a culture of cultures. We are cherry picking the very best ideas and refining them with each new generation.

  To have a multi-culture is to scrutinize ideas. Subject them to interrogation and test the effects they have on people. It is NOT a free for all. It is not a "anything goes" mentality. It is not a free pass for bad behavior under the banner of "well that's my culture".

  Every culture is proud. And many cultures are ancient. But being proud and being ancient says nothing about the value of a culture. If a culture doesn't value the well being of sentient creatures - if it doesn't value human dignity or doesn't seek to help us build a better world - then it's not a culture worth keeping.

  I should also add that "Western Culture" is not any one thing either. It is an amalgamation of thousands of years of gathering and hellenizing other cultures. And it is a continued march forward towards new ideas, new ways of thinking and new methods for building more stable and healthier societies. It is the complete opposite of the stagnation in which many other cultures wallow.

  "Western Culture" isn't better because it's ours. It's better because it's subject to revision and continual refinement. It recognizes that it is far from perfect and seeks to better itself. But such claims cannot be made about other non multi-cultures who presumptuously claim their way of living is the very best way. Who view change and modernity as enemies to a life well lived.

  I believe there is a lot we can learn from other cultures. But it is a complete farce when the regressives claim that "all cultures are equal".
• 

  freemindfade

  This is something I miss about New York city (real new york city). Somehow there is so much cultural protection and preservation there without total assimilation, but still it is like one giant family generally. Segregated and not at the same time, you can be anyone there and get along with everyone.

  That'w what came to my mind when you said culture of cultures. Everyone in NYC is pretty clearly defined as to where they came from, but still everyone is considered a little bit Jewish, a little bit Italian, a little bit Irish, a little Puerto Rican, and so on. They can live separately and on top of each other at the same time. You can joke with anyone about their culture even throwing out some stereo types and have the presence of mind to know that you don't really believe it anymore than them, but have a laugh because you are all really one big family. I have been many places and I see NYC as the best at this. That being said most all of the melting pot in NYC are there to become their version of america, and add to variety, not to be against america because its evil.
• 

  Coded Logic

  FMF,

  Well said! I think we can respect people's heritage while simultaneously looking to the future. When neighborhoods or whole boroughs become too vulcanized it can create a lot of problems. But when there's some level of integration and union between different cultures these sorts of communities really thrive.

  I think we're all at our best when there's a free exchange of ideas and sharing of cultures. And we're at our worst when we turn a blind eye towards cultures that oppress women, deny religious freedoms, persecute homosexuals, and stifle free speech.
• 

  freemindfade

  I know this over simplification, but I think any religious system/organization (like our beloved JW Cult) that does not practice freedom of religion, should have theirs taken away. That would either change or eliminate many religions that practice oppression in this day and age.
• 

  Coded Logic

  I think that history has shown us time and time again that the best way to defeat bad ideas is with good ideas. That it is far more effective to educate than it is to legislate.

  Make no mistake, we have our work cut out for us. The simple idea that freedom of religion is not freedom to trespass on other people's rights - seems, at times, to be a foreign idea here in the US. Which is an indication we haven't been effective in communicating this basic fact.

  But we are making progress. Slow progress. But progress none the less. We are dragging Christianity, kicking and screaming, onto a higher moral plane. Women's equality, women's health, LGBT rights, informed marriages (living "out of wedlock" first), etc. These have all been proven to be healthy for our society.

  I don't know if there's been a study on it, but it seems that Christianity in the US is also becoming a lot less tribalistic. It was a huge deal in the 60s that Kennedy was a Catholic. But last election next to nobody cared that Romney was a Mormon. And now this election it hasn't even been brought up that Bernie is a Jew.

  All that aside, I think one of the best possible things we could do is to start phasing out religions tax exempt status. If their doing charity work - then they can show proof of that just like everyone else and qualify that way. I think it would encourage a lot of religions to be more generous. And the ones like the Society who aren't - it would further expose their true colors.