 | Underspin (24)
03/24/2006 | At its root, the meaning of the term seems to be at the core of what makes this nation great - a huge variety of cultural diversity that enriches our nation and its people and which makes it a better, far more interesting place to live and breathe. However, in recent years the term "multiculturalism" has instead been perverted into something altogether different, into a far-left academic theory at the heart of political correctness which is inordinately critical of nearly anything related to western culture and which emphasizes group identity over the individual. For more insight on this, check out "Illiberal Education" by Dinesh D'Souza:
http://www.dineshdsouza.com/books/illiberal-jacket.html
(5 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | abichara (60)
01/25/2006 |  By most standards, the US has been very successful in forming a multicultural society that has actually managed to withstand the test of time. The reason why it has worked so well is because from its inception, this country has always been defined by different racial and ethnic groups coming together to form an identity separate from the ties which binded them in the past. True, the process of integration has never been a smooth one, but it can be fairly stated that there is such a thing as an American identity which revolves around an idea and common experiences as well. What makes America unique is that its not tied to traditional ideas on ethnicity and nationality. The reason why there has been no "Balkanization" in America with regards to race is because group identity is weak in this country. There are so many groups here interacting and melding together that the effects of such factional influences just becomes watered down, especially after some time. While our treatment of minorities in the past has been, suffice to say, less than savory, I believe we have also made large strides in civil rights, especially in the past 50 years or so.
(6 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | Djahuti (54)
01/25/2006 | This could be a great strength if we had less hatemongers and xenophobes.I've lived in places that were not at all multicultural,and ones that were very "mixed",and the peaceful mixeture of different kinds of people is an asset to any community.
(5 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
