Is multiculturalism a better social model than assimilation? |
Multiculturalism is progress, assimilation is suppression.
Assimilation is not cooperation between cultures, it is dominance of one culture over another. We cannot hope to gain anything by suppressing minority practices and beliefs. The only way humans will ever achieve world peace is by attempting to understand one another. Only through tolerance and careful listening can we all come to an agreement on the ideal model for society. Conformity is one short stem from assimilation. In the United States everyone has different backgrounds, and everyone’s values are different, no matter if they come from across the globe or had ancestors on the Mayflower. Yet we try to accept everyone, try to get along, and agree about respecting everyone’s beliefs and personal rights. One culture cannot hope to bring others to light by threatening them; unjust practices will only truly die out once those who practice them can choose to change rather than be forced to. And change, albeit gradual, will result from multiculturalism. Perhaps one day we will have a global culture that is defined by multiculturalism, rendering the term meaningless: a culture in which anyone can chose what practices to follow, regardless of their ancestry or country of birth, and as long as their choices do not infringe on others' rights they will be accepted by society.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe multiculturalism is a greater social model than assimilation because without diversity, we have nothing to learn.
Multiculturalism is a greater social model over assimilation because diversity is what our society is built from. Without diversity, America would not exist. Our society was built from an array of different people who all sought a better life. Today, America is still known as a "melting pot" for in any given place, you will see people from all walks of life.
Posted by: OneyP34chI am opposed to assimilation, I believe that unique cultural differences are what build a society and make it stronger.
When people assimilate in to a culture they tend to loose their own cultural pride and traditions. You can be in a different culture and blend in with that culture while still preserving your own individuality. Its important to pass on traditions throughout generations so people do not forget where they come from. A wise man once said "you cant get to where your going if you don't know where you come from."
Posted by: C0ImEIiteMulticulturalism is a more open-minded society, but only if it lacks a dominant culture.
Multiculturalism allows for a more open-minded society. It brings together people with different views and forces them to work together and communicate with each other. A single-culture society tends to get a closed view of the world and has trouble accepting other cultures' values and customs. But, multiculturalism only works if it lacks a dominant culture. Otherwise, the dominant culture will always be fighting to enforce its own values, fearing that other cultures will influence or change it.
Posted by: KnownEvanMulticulturalism is a great social model, because it promotes peace and harmony.
When people are forced to assimilate to a culture, it causes them to feel resentment, and they are likely to maintain their cultural heritage in a furtive manner. In a society where multiculturalism is embraced, all people are encouraged to practice their cultures in the open. This allows people from a variety of cultures to get to know each other, and what they are all about. In the long run this leads to a greater understanding, and peace and harmony in the community.
Posted by: TaintedHamelNo peace without multiculturalism.
Every culture has something unique to contribute, by sharing our knowledge and ideas we can take the best out of every culture. The more we get to know one another, the more likely that peace will occur between all human being. Ultimately the separation of cultures divides us all unnecessarily.
Posted by: AnonymousMulticulturism is a better social model than assimilation, because individuals are able to express varying degrees of individuality.
Multiculturism is a better social model than assimilation in that it teaches others to be tolerant of different views. Multiculturism includes more than just religion and education. Cultures experience and view the world differently linguistically and cognitively. This allows us the opportunity to exchange ideas and find alternative solutions to community, as well as world problems.
Posted by: CarIoBIackenMulticulturalism is a better social model than assimilation because no one way of life is better than another.
Multiculturalism is a better social model than assimilation because no one way of life is better than another. One can assimilate to a society that isn't deserving of it. With change and variety, we all learn from each other. Learning is in everyone's best interest. There is no good reason for us all to look, act, dress, think, and eat alike.
Posted by: H0bi3InvaderA multicultural society benefits from some of the practices of each separate culture contributing to the whole of society equally; some mutual assimilation may be inevitable either way, but no domination by a single group should set the standard.
The United States has a rich multicultural history, and attempts at dominant assimilation by this republic have in most instances gone badly for those the dominant culture attempted to forcibly assimilate, without taking the time to learn the non-dominant culture's rituals and history. Immigration of other cultures to the U.S. consistently benefits this nation, providing all of its citizens a bevy of unique skills to exploit. I do believe assimilation is inevitable, but not the kind where all who come to the U.S. have to change their names, diets and practices to seem "more American." Only through positive influence and equally shared cultural values has American culture become unique in this regard. It is more multicultural, with a slight hint of assimilation and a lot of social evolution, which influences the society as a whole.
Posted by: ChillyColumbus36The multiculturalism model is preferred to the assimilation or melting pot model because it allows individualism to flourish and it enriches a country culturally.
America has long tried to use the melting pot model to mold newcomers into acting, thinking, and being like the then-existing "typical American." This has never worked. As immigrants settled into America they always tended to settle into communities and neighborhoods filled with people who were like them.
This tendency had interesting effects. First, it preserved the rich and unique culture, habits, religious ceremonies, foods and dress of these newcomers. Although this was frowned upon for decades, in the mid-1900's we began to realize that these differences made us stronger, and certainly made us a much, much more interesting people.
In addition to the injection of the cultural differences into our social structure, these newcomers brought new skills, new approaches to innovation.
Any country that tries to "mold" newcomers into being what the existing citizens already ARE will miss out on an opportunity to learn from those immigrants.
We don't need more of what we already have. If we deny newcomers their individuality, as a nation we will eventually stagnate.Posted by: CI3IikeEvery culture has something to contribute.
It's important to learn from and respect all the cultures that make up our country. Just as plants are hybridized to improve them, so do cultures grow stronger when taking the best from all members and making something new and better. It is important to note, though, that the needs of one culture do not override the general good; it is necessary to be careful here.
Posted by: laceymaryaMulticulturalism is a better social model because of all we can learn from everyone.
The United States of America was founded on multiculturalism. Most of our grandparents or great-grandparents came to this country from somewhere in Europe. They brought with them their strong beliefs as well as different cultural aspects of their homeland. One major example is the food we eat here. Most of it originates from recipes our ancestors brought with them to this country.
Posted by: l0nerkatz999
Immigrants who choose to make a foreign country their native new home should be prepared to accept the universal practices and languages of that country.
Multiculturalism is a beautiful theory, but it isn't practical for many economic and social reasons. For example: A country should not be forced to write and print at its own cost, literature that pertains to its citizens in dozens of languages, when one universally accepted language is used most often. Companies should not be resigned to hiring bilingual or multi-lingual employees to make life more comfortable for foreigners who refuse to assimilate by learning the basics of a country's spoken language. If people are not willing to assimilate, then why are they establishing residence in a foreign land?
Posted by: N3vinFaceHistory Repeating itself.
Multiculturalism is not a new idea and it had been attempted many times throughout history.
Ancient empires like Babylon and the Roman Empire both had experienced a short term or temporary benefits and even made them a global power in their day.
However, at the end of the day Babylon eventually fell to the Medes and the Persians and Roman Empire Fell by Division that resulted in the modern day Europe of today with their own culture.Posted by: AnonymousStrength through unity
Being working class and mixing with all cultures this country has apparently embraced, all i have seen is a silent creation of division, resentment and hatred, despite personally accepting cultures i can see more damage has been done than good, the western cultures are being crushed by Foreign culture and due to the influx or immigrants, its undercuts anyone from earning a livable wage, which will have heavy backlash against its government that are responsible for creating this inequality in society instead of defending its people. Greedy sell-outs.
Posted by: AnonymousWe are the borg
We are the borg, resistance is futile, you will be assimilated. On a serious note (star trek quotes aside) multiculturalism, whilst it has it's benefits destroys the identity and traditions of indigenous populations. It also leads to a homogenisation of culture which is likely to eventually form an amorphous monoculture (you mix the mixed nuts hard and fast enough and you'll end up with a nut smoothie that tastes the same, feels the same, looks the same and even causes the same allergic reaction). I am proud of my differences to other people. I celebrate these, it is why I travel - I like learning of other cultures and people, but there is an old quote "when in Rome". Integration/assimilation are much more sensible and cause much less local/regional/national level hostility, whereas multiculturalism causes schisms between people living on the same street... and all levels above it.
Posted by: Bob_DogmanNo, I feel that assimilation is a better social model, not only for the integrity of the culture that is accepting the immigrants, but also for security reasons.
A nation and the people inhabiting it have their own identity. People migrating in from a different country should, up until a certain point, accept and integrate into the culture they have chosen to live amongst. In this way they will learn to respect the native culture and understand the people living within it. Another argument against multiculturalism is that cultures do clash. The effects of two opposing cultures meeting and conflicting in the nation that is accepting the two cultures, in addition to trying to keep its own, can lead to violence and instability. See for example the conflict in Africa after colonial powers reorganized the territorial boundaries.
Posted by: R4yAnychWhen to many peoples ideas come to fruition, in a unstable state, it creates only more conflict.
Middle eastern concepts are always given in changing leaders year after year in cases. Because of the differing ideas and opinions in a unstable region, you have to keep in mind that ideas can and will clash if there is nothing to promote the contentment of people. It also creates more problems, and stigmatism for the rest of a people for the few that are done. The problems of a few end up reflecting the values of the many.
Posted by: BearOut of many, one, creates strength. Out of one, many, creates war.
Out of many, one, creates strength. This was a Roman motto, and it became the United States creed. While diverse cultural understanding may come from those who leave home and join a new nation, creating separate, side by side populations in one nation does not help. Think of the Balkans, where each society disintegrated into war and then into their own feuding countries. Think of India, which avoided a massive civil war only by separating into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh - and still has border feuds with Pakistan. Separate and parallel societies within the same geographic area creates warfare, as each tribe either fights for resources or to merely unite its own people. Out of one, many, creates war.
Posted by: Pir4AndAssimilation is better, it brings people together.
Assimilation is good because you can bring cultures together and also give a better life to people who don't/didn't have a good one. If for example you are adopting a small child from Africa into Canada, you would then be raising that child in a better environment. You can learn about different cultures and religions and bring the world together.
Posted by: Anonymousassimilation is the need for the hour
Assimilation is the right one to settle in any foreign country. We can respect every culture and their customs. Countries like America follow the bringing together culture. So it is important to mix with the mainstream more than understanding the cultural differences. They should understand assimilation is the part of their life in alien land.
Posted by: nirmalaAssimilation is good.
Assimilation is good because you can bring cultures together and also give a better life to people who don't/didn't have a good one. If, for example, you are adopting a small child from Africa into Canada you would then be raising that child in a better environment. You can learn about different cultures and religions and bring the world together.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat you don't realize
When multi culturalism is in effect in the us for example it washes out white ethnic culture. Yes we must understand each other but, white culture must also be preserved, respected and understood. Plus if multi culturalism is so good then why do government programs exist to push it forward? Why is it constantly rejected yet forced on us again? Because it doesn't work.
Posted by: AnonymousMulticulturalism is not a better social model than assimilation, as it creates a divided society with no common beliefs or values.
Multiculturalism is a terrible social model and the source of many of today's ills. Many western societies have tried this model by trying to accept and accommodate all cultures, no matter how different they were from each other or the host country's culture. The results have been a divided society where various groups of people share no common values and, thus, no respect for wider society. This leads to religious extremists, riots and criminality.
Posted by: EminentBennett93Assimilation is a better social model than multiculturalism, because multiculturalism implies competition between the cultures, while assimilation allows cooperation between the cultures.
Assimilation is a better social model than multiculturalism, because multiculturalism implies competition between the cultures, while assimilation allows cooperation between the cultures. With multiculturalism, one culture will always be superior, while others are inferior. But, with assimilation, all cultures are equal. Assimilation encourages immigrants to seek like countries, creating less difficulty.
Posted by: jackprague94Mutliculturalism is good in theory IF the "new" cultures bring in ONLY good things like food, dancing, music, creative/progressive ideas, etc.
However, in practice, it comes with a lot of BAD!
Examples of bad: In various parts of Europe where there is a significant Muslim population, there are public Friday calls to prayer, which disrupts traffic (but it was approved by Council due to freedom of religion/culture reasons); local religious courts that run illegally in parallel to legal system (but nothing is done about it since it will offend the rights of their religion/culture); Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day, so employers have to accomodate them and PAY for it while their non-Muslim counterparts are working. Animals killed for food have to die by having their throats slit and blood drained out while alive (while this would normally be an inhumane practice of killing animals, it is allowed under freedom of religion/culture); Many public schools are now required to serve a more expensive form of meat called halal since the animal is supposedly killed while saying a prayer.
All this happens in many parts of Europe with VERY liberal multicultural policies. Give it a few more decades and there will be no "European" culture to speak of.Posted by: anpmpMulticulturalism is watering down the individual differences and uniqueness found in different nations.
Multiculturalism is not a better social model because it waters down the uniqueness and individual differences that a nation possesses. It is much better for people to assimilate into the chosen society they are joining is better than trying to find of multicultural mix that takes away the individuality of the nation.
Posted by: TasticBranNo
Multiculturalism creates division. Someone always feels discriminated against or treated unfairly due to their culture. Assimilation is a better way to go.
Posted by: medic0506Multiculturalism takes away the identity of individual countries.
I believe that multiculturalism should not go so far as to endanger the individual identities of different countries. This is one of the things that make the world interesting. Our country was founded on assimilation and I believe that it is still a good practice. Immigrants come to our country and others because of something that appeals to them there. Since this is true, I think it would be best if they assimilated into our established culture.
Posted by: R0d0FerdyThere does not have to be one or the other, and there should be a combination of the two.
Some cultural traditions are desirable and advantageous to the people, and they can be enjoyed forever. Other areas should be assimilated, such as education, work and hobbies. The society should be smart and keep the good, while letting go of the bad segregationist aspects.
Posted by: DisillusionedGilberto67