What Diversity and Multiculturalism Mean To Me?



What Diversity and Multiculturalism Mean To Me?

Introduction

It is quite certain to say that diversity and multiculturalism has become much more than just adjectives and words commonly used to describe gender or race. The term now days is mainly used to identify an individual as unique in the society or his/her uniqueness which differs him/her from a larger group. It also depicts the respect, understanding and acceptance of the uniqueness of an individual in a society (Weisse .et.al, 2009). Diversity is strongly supported by multiculturalism. The term multiculturalism refers to the system that revolves around the promotion of and respect for gender and or ethnic diversity in the community.

It also refers to the communities and societies that consist of multiple cultures. There are two interpretations of this term, descriptive and normative. If a descriptive approach is taken towards multiculturalism then it simply refers to cultural diversity by taking certain factors in consideration such as businesses, schools and cities etc. However, if a normative approach is taken towards it, then it refers to the policies or ideologies that promote and encourage this diversity and provides a great extent of freedom to individuals in order to express their identities in the manner which is most suitable for them.

Discussion

The term multicultural has become very popular in today's world and many people say that it is losing its real meaning. It could be said that multiculturalism defines the status of various religious, cultural, racial and ethnic groups existing in the same community or society. It is quite certain to say that today in America we already live our lives in multicultural and diverse world, where famous cultures has created awareness amongst us to others' music, customs, histories and foods. It has been suggested that cultural infusions and ...