MULTICULTURALISM Introduction What is multicult

What is multiculturalism? In most any discussion of the subject, some authors will note that through multiculturalism, a society and/or an institution can creative positive relationships between people as well as create an environment in which differences between people are recognized and respected (e.g., Harris, 1995, p. ix). However, other authors will note just the opposite. For example, Berliner and Hull (2004, p. 1) call multiculturalism "racism in a politically correct guise" and "a grave threat to American society."

It seems reasonable to state that a reasoned debate on the subject of multiculturalism, perhaps one that included an examination of at least some research on the topic, could do much to settle which side of the issue is correct. However, arriving at a reasoned debate would be extremely difficult because there is literally no accepted consensus as to the meaning of the term, a fact that would also make it difficult if not impossible to conduct a comparison of research on the topic.

The thesis of this essay is that there is indeed no consensus on the meaning of the term multiculturalism. Moreover, the argument will be made that until a more agreed upon definition is formulated, most books, articles and research purporting to discuss the subject are really doing little more than discussing one definitional view of the topic and thereby not providing any comprehensive analysis of the subject matter at all.

Related Essays

MULTICULTURALISM Introduction What is multicult .... Multiculturalism from the margins. New York: Bergin & Garvey. Johnson, F. & Newitz, A. (2004). Introduction to Post World War II American culture and .... (2530 10 )

Theories of Instruction & Curriculum I. Introduction II. .... Multiculturalism has become an important issue in the academic process; a comprehensive theory of instruction has to address it, even if the theory concludes .... (2305 9 )

Theories of Effective Education I. Introduction II. Definitions of .... Multiculturalism has become an important issue in the academic process; a comprehensive theory of instruction has to address it, even if the theory concludes .... (2371 9 )

Leadership, Vision, Teamwork, Change 1. Introduction 1. Introduction: The New Relevance of Leadership, Teamwork, and Change .... of vision creating and implementing include the following: multiculturalism and diversity .... (2683 11 )

Cultural Assimilation or Multiculturalism .... focus on the consequences of culture" (Kauffman, 1993, 12) Multiculturalism is a .... of the Opinnionaire consisted of 20 questions that followed this introduction. .... (2808 11 )

. (pp. 10-11) A third definition of multiculturalism discussed by McKenzie (1997, p. 4) is holistic multiculturalism. This idea is said to stress the notion of cultural pluralism in which a given society works to maintain the modes of behavior, values, and even conduct of different ethnic groups rather than to assimilate them into a dominant culture. McKenzie (p. 4) points out that holistic multiculturalism values co-existence over assimilation and works toward "unity" which is another term that often goes undefined. An example of holistic multiculturalism can be seen in a position statement adopted in 1972 by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) (1973) in its publication, No One Model American: which states that: Multicultural education is education which values cultural pluralism. Multicultural education rejects the view that schools should seek to melt away cultural differences or the view that schools should merely tolerate cultural pluralism...It affirms that major education institutions should strive to preserve and enhance cultural pluralism. To endorse cultural pluralism is to endorse the principle that there is no one model American (p. 264). It should be noted here that the stateme

Category: Philosophy - M