Who adopted/invented the word "Multiculturism" and what does it REALLY mean?

Question

Discussing immigration last night - the most talked-about and political issue wherever I go - we talked about so-called multiculturism and its reality.

Wherever the indigenous (OK - white) population meets you rarely see a non-white face. The theatre, restaurants, demonstrations in support of local hospitals - it really seems to be the preserve of the white people. Also blood donor sessions, bone marrow donors - a vast shortage of ethnic minority donors.

It seems that, socially, there is very little mixing of races and that we live in parallel with each other rather than alongside - am I wrong or is the concept of multiculturism a myth?

Answer 1

I have lived in central london for many years.
This is a multicultural place. All faiths and colours and traditions seem to thrive here. It is of no special importance, and mostly you don't notice it.

Once everyone can stop being fearful of others differences, maybe they can appreciate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Answer 2

Multiculturalism doesn't necessarily mean ethnic mixing.
It means living with other cultures. It means respecting other cultures. A multicultural society means many cultures. Multicultural competency means working well and having respect and understanding for many cultures. Multiculturalism does exist because obviously there are many cultures in one place such as the U.S. It is important that we learn to respect each others cultures and learn to live as a multicultural society and not try to force everyone to be one culture.

As far as ethnic mixing is concerned. That is true as well. Walk down the street and ask anyone there ethnic heritage, you will rarely find anyone who is one ethnicity. Even White Americans are a mix of several cultures that at one point were strong single cultures such as Italian, Irish, etc...

One reason you may see little ethnic donors (people of color instead of minority) is because people of color have faced a long history of attacks from the medical field. Look at the Tuskogee medial testing. People of color are often tested upon and sterilization etc.. because of racism. Because of this history medical places can seem threatening. That's just one guess at it, although i'm sure there are more reasons.

Hope this addresses at least part of your question.

Answer 3

In theory multiculturalism should work pretty well. It'd be wonderful for all cultures to be able to live side by side equally but what is happening in Britain is British people are not allowed to be British. Were expected to embrace every other culture, which is good but at the same time hushing our own. Think there's allot of resentment that some people are coming just for the benefits. Think it's wonderful for people to come for the work

Answer 4

It means an excuse for immigration