Is multiculturalism reality or just wishful thinking?

Question

Can different cultures really get along or is it better to accept that you are different and just keep apart? Of course we all want peace but what is the best way of achieving it?

Answer 1

I have lived multiculturism for many many years.... you get a shorter sentence for murder! It has much to offer the world and yes it does work largely. However it does require a certain amount of acceptance by all parties concerned. Here in the Uk bonfire night (november 5th) meant that fireworks would be heard/seen from about a week before to about a week after that date and with the exception of the new-year rarely at any other time of year. now we have diwali the chinese new-year celebrations & etc etc. so that you can expect to hear fireworks almost any time of year these days. My dog absolutely hates this.
I personally don't mind too much, but tend to get irate when it is still going on till 3am.
For some reason it seems that we are the only country in the world which accepts immigrants and refugees from all over the world and allow them to retain their own cultures festivals religions lifestyle cooking style and so on.
That is all very well and I agree entirely right and correct.
However where problems occur, here at least, it seems to me, is when they (the immigrants) insist that they wish to be exactly as they were back home and make no allowance for the accepted practices and customs of their adopted country.
Providing they do conform, to these established customs of their host country or at least tolerate them then they are all welcome as far as I am concerned.
Where I draw the line is where they want special priveleges and rights because of their own customs or religious practices.
It is for them to conform to the native customs of our country.
If they do not do so or are unhappy to do so or if they wish to flout our law because of their customs and religions or cultures. Then they should return whence they came. If they flout our law they should be deported, and any wealth they have achieved by being here should be taken away.
We have enough problems already without taking on theirs.

Answer 2

The problem with Multiculturalism is when the numbers of immigrants and their cultures get to such a level the indiginous population are taken over This then becomes a real problem to those who previously accepted controlled asimulation of the races. We actully went to war to prevent such an occurance in Bosnia, in fact we would not tollerate ethnic cleansing at any price. But what exactly does ethnic cleansing mean, it means the replacing of one socitety with another. Multiculturalism has ceased to exist in Britain and the Ethnic cleansing programme set out by the main stream parties is in full swing. Jack straw believes in the Jewish communities right to exist but he does not belive the English, Scots and welsh have a right to exist and and has said so publicly. I am English and this is my country I therefore I have an interest in making sure that my people survive. The only way I can do this is throgh the ballot boxes. On the otherhand I also get along with any body what ever race they are after all it is not their fault the goverment have betrayed their own people. Race has to be looked at in a rational way but as said previously in Britain Multiculturalism has passed the point of an argument for evidence that the indiginous people are happy with the demise of our own race, that is certainly not the case, however, it is hard to understand why the indiginous people will still vote for a goverment (whatever main stream party in power) that will crucify there own people to acheive there ideals

Answer 3

Part of the beauty of this world is learning about different cultures and how people's culture effects different situations.

It is often said that when people from a different culture move to a new country they should adopt the culture of that country. Surely yes to a certain extent but they also have to remember their own background.

This is just my opinion obviously but I feel multiculturalism will never be fully achieved as not everybody is able to accept differences.

Answer 4

I think for multiculturism to fully work the host country needs to accept differences in lifestyle and cultures coming in to the country need to adopted some of the hosts practices. This shows a willingness to adapt and accept.

We have a Polish neighbourhood close by. They have integrated quickly, learning English, joining local groups, drinking with the locals in the pubs and generally being friendly. They still have their own food, customs and practices, but haven't distanced themselves.

Other cultures can be distant and don't want to make changes or adapt at all.

Unless all cultures adapt and are will to change a multiculture society wont work.

Answer 5

Multiculturalism is a fact. Can different cultures get along? Sure, there are plenty of examples to be found among married couples and cities around the world. Unfortunately, there will always be some who hate others different from them.

Answer 6

Multiculturalism is just a pain in the @ss, it's never gonna work. different cultures just don't mix. there are too many barriers language, social/religious believes,terrorism,immigrants on free benefits hell even down to the clothes we wear. As a none voter i sometimes wonder why people moan about parties like the BNP, take a look around is there any wonder they exist

Answer 7

I think for muticulturalism to truly work, all the people need to want it to work and want to live side by side, I do not think that most religions and cultures don't want to, but even some of will not get on with 'lower' forms of their own culture so what chance does it have of working with other cultures...

Answer 8

different cultures do not always get along, but the worst thing you can do is segregate the different groups in different areas, this enforces tribalism and racial conflict.

Example a large foriegn population immigrates to your country do you
A) send them all to live in a run-down part of the neighbourhood out of sight out of mind
B) spread them throughout all neighbourhoods to assimilate with the locals

Answer 9

Only when they all leave their original culture and adopt something that works with everyone.
Not really multiculturalism...

Answer 10

Some cultures don't go well with multiculturalism I think we know who they are!