Multiculturalism and the politics of bad memories

Markha Valenta:

'Multiculturalism' entails society offering a full range of prospects, membership, and respect to all its members - regardless of cultural and religious differences -while also creatively accommodating them in a fashion that is both morally persuasive and practically effective for the majority of society. Has Europe ever tried it?

You always know something is up when the leaders of Germany, France and Britain are in happy agreement. Their most recent cheery confabulation is that multiculturalism in Europe has been a failure. In quick succession first Merkel, then Cameron, then Sarkozy seized the limelight and declared diversity's demise. They stated this as a truism rather than as an argument. Equally striking is that these political leaders seem more relieved than troubled: as if, for a while, western Europe had lost its bearings but now is regaining them. Diversity is out, they seem to say, and common sense back in.

But of course, given the diversity of our societies, it is diversity that is common sense.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 30, 2011 1:08 AM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas