|
Post by newschooled on Feb 5, 2011 1:02:53 GMT -5
So someone sent me this quote...Not sure who it's by, but in my opinion, it goes to show how backwards our societal standards have become in an egregiously overkill effort to become or remain politically correct. "Multiculturalism is the absolute and perfect balance of respect, compassion, tolerance and humility toward all races and religions...As long as you're not white or Christian."Sooooo what do you think? Let's please try to keep this in context, as it's not a white supremacist statement...I guess if one looked at it a certain way, it could be interpreted as such, but that's not the intention. </disclaimer>
|
|
|
Post by austkyzor on Feb 5, 2011 1:07:42 GMT -5
[sarcasm]Multiculturalism is a double standard? Why! I had no idea![/sarcasm]
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on Feb 5, 2011 1:13:51 GMT -5
In true multiculturalism, there is no need for the word multiculturalism.
|
|
|
Post by Lex on Feb 5, 2011 1:55:52 GMT -5
Uhm... Persecuted majority complex?
|
|
|
Post by Ricky on Feb 5, 2011 5:49:48 GMT -5
I'm not sure I agree, I mean here in Vancouver the word "multiculturalism" is used a lot to describe the population, and is not meant to prove any kind of point.
From what I understand it is used by all (regardless of race or religion), and just means that the group you are talking about is made up of individuals of several cultural backgrounds.
It is important to notice that regardless of how one group reacts when faced by another [so even if there isn't acceptance] interactions will occur which shape both groups. (from an anthropological point of view)
By defining that a group has several backgrounds and belief systems, one is able , if desired, to appreciate, study, or become part of the said group. It is important to be accurate in defining it because it plays a part in better understanding how and why it reacts the way it does.
Therefore, yea it is still necessary even in a multicultural setting Ryan, it just doesn't have to mean more than what it is.
As to the quote, Rob, I'm not sure about you, but I just think its kind of dumb...
Yes, multicultural communities do seem to deal better with change and to some degree incorporate outsiders better, but to suggest that one form of communal interaction is "perfect" or that one group cannot be part of it, even though it fits the definition, shows that the speaker just doesn't have the understanding to be making such claims.
Finally I do have to suggest not to come to the conclusion that the individual's views reflects the ones accepted by the rest of the society. Not only because we don't get his/her name or level of education, but because biases might be made from the economical status the person belongs in, the place he lives in, his friends/family/co-workers and even (and to prove that multiculturalism is sometimes a burden) cultural biases.
That is, nevertheless, just my opinion. :]
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on Feb 5, 2011 8:38:32 GMT -5
If you live in Utopia - you call it world. Only when you leave Utopia - do you call it Utopia.
If everywhere in the world was truly multicultural, then the concept of multiculturalism would not be something that would be used to describe any one area, because it would not be necessary, or rather - it would be redundant. Only because our world is not truly multicultural must we use the word. So yes, the word may mean what means and need only have such a meaning, but as far as pure multiculturalism, there is no NEED for it.
I will agree with you though that the quote is dumb and defeats the purpose of multiculturalism as a whole. I can understand its origins though since white people and christian people have more or less exploited and terrorized and judged other races and creeds, but it's not truly multicultural nor is it fair to those who are white and/or christian and are extremely accepting of other races and creeds.
|
|
|
Post by Ricky on Feb 5, 2011 10:25:22 GMT -5
Ryan I think you are still missing some of the point.
To use your own terms. If you were a redhead would you stop calling your self a redhead? Yes if everyone was redhead I suppose we would just call it hair
But I really want to emphasize that I'm not saying that multiculturalism is a quality but just feature. A term used for cultures that are made up of individuals of different backgrounds.
Is Vancouver better than North Carolina because of it? no, i don't think so. It is just something that exists, with its problems and advantages.
One of the biggest debates in one of my Anthropology classes was the case of Multiculturalism vs Globalization (one big culture)
The case of multiculturalism is usually that many points of view exists within its boundaries whereas in a globalized world decisions can be made faster due to similar values in the culture.
so, yea...
|
|
Flappy
Star
Grrr! But not really....
Posts: 577
|
Post by Flappy on Feb 5, 2011 14:19:54 GMT -5
So someone sent me this quote...Not sure who it's by, but in my opinion, it goes to show how backwards our societal standards have become in an egregiously overkill effort to become or remain politically correct. "Multiculturalism is the absolute and perfect balance of respect, compassion, tolerance and humility toward all races and religions...As long as you're not white or Christian."Sooooo what do you think? Let's please try to keep this in context, as it's not a white supremacist statement...I guess if one looked at it a certain way, it could be interpreted as such, but that's not the intention. </disclaimer> Well I definitely disagree with the quote. To not include White people is simply...inaccurate. There are all types of different white people around the world, and they have varying cultures, practices, etc. I think to take away some culture and religion defeats the meaning of the word. I also don't think that "multiculturalism" itself represents any sort of "perfect balance". Multiculturalism is simply a variation in culture, it doesn't even imply any sort of emotional attachment to any or all cultures. (Well, according to the definition anyway). I won't get too much into the religious aspect of it, but Christian culture as well is very varied and practiced differently around the world, and I think it is no different than any other religion in this context. In other words, I don't agree with the quote.
|
|
|
Post by Lex on Feb 5, 2011 18:01:27 GMT -5
Multicultural would mean that being White and Christian wouldn't matter. It wouldn't matter if you were Asian and Buddhist, or Middle-Eastern and Muslim. It's about each culture existing on an equal playing field, and not with the majority culture enforcing their particular cultural agenda.
|
|
|
Post by newschooled on Feb 6, 2011 23:36:32 GMT -5
In my opinion -
Needless to say, I don't agree with the literal statement. But I agree with the sarcastic statement that it makes.
A perfect example is that in Canada, we would NEVER tell a Jewish person that they can't say "Happy Hanukkah. Why? Because it's disrespectful, ofcourse. However, in the mainstream public body, we are being denied the right to say "Merry Christmas" and instead being directed to say "Happy Holidays", because somehow - For some reason - Some uptight douche canoe along the line decided that saying "Merry Chritsmas" was for some reason disrespectful to other religions.
So, does that mean I can't say the words "Toyota Corolla" if I drive a "Chevy Cobalt" instead? Ofcourse not. But both examples could still be identical in context.
|
|
|
Post by Lex on Feb 8, 2011 17:29:21 GMT -5
In my opinion - Needless to say, I don't agree with the literal statement. But I agree with the sarcastic statement that it makes. A perfect example is that in Canada, we would NEVER tell a Jewish person that they can't say "Happy Hanukkah. Why? Because it's disrespectful, ofcourse. However, in the mainstream public body, we are being denied the right to say "Merry Christmas" and instead being directed to say "Happy Holidays", because somehow - For some reason - Some uptight douche canoe along the line decided that saying "Merry Chritsmas" was for some reason disrespectful to other religions. So, does that mean I can't say the words "Toyota Corolla" if I drive a "Chevy Cobalt" instead? Ofcourse not. But both examples could still be identical in context. No, that's a completely different thing. It was trying to get retailers to have their employees say "Happy Holidays" BECAUSE we're a multicultural society. We shouldn't be biased towards one religion or one culture.
|
|