Multiculturalism is dead
Multikulti ist tot., said Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of
Germany in 2010 amid the growing tensions between new immigrants
and the German-speaking population. At the time, her remarks were
harshly criticized by the most of Western Europe accusing her of
being discriminating and politically incorrect. Since then, a lot
has changed on the Old Continent.
As a consequence of growing euroscepticism, the once minute
far-right and nationalist parties like UKIP, Front National and
Jobbik have gained significant support and power, tensions have
heightened between foreign communities and indigenous people, and
recently, as a result of the numerous shocking acts of terrorism
against civilians in several EU countries, xenophobia has also
reached its peak.
Today, not surprisingly, more and more tend to agree with
Chancellor Merkels statement. But does that necessarily mean the
failure of the 'salad bowl' concept? Are the above phenomena
symptoms of a terminal illness of multiculturalism or rather
anomalies that make us presume that the idea of a world based on
different cultures peaceful coexistence is mistaken?
Either being in favour or against the idea of multiculturalism,
one has to accept the fact that with the revolutionary development
of transportation and information technology in the 20th century
long-distance migration has become unavoidable. Consequently,
different cultures will have to meet even in the most unexpected
places. Thus, the its better for everyone to stay in their own
country principle is simply out of the question as an alternative.
What else is on the table?
The practice of integration and assimilation of immigrants is
actually more commonly used than the multicultural approach. There
is some evidence to suggest that these methods provide a safer way
for nations to live together. Nevertheless, people usually forget
that in the case of integration we cannot talk about nations in the
plural. Forced assimilation unstoppably leads to the loss of
cultural diversity and even more. Second and third generation
immigrants, as it became exposed after Charlie Hebdo, are usually
without roots, in spite of all integration efforts, and thus are
also more likely to become radicals than their counterparts with a
strong bond between them and a culture or a group of people. They
are standing on a borderline, which is the death-zone in terms of
their social welfare. However, this is only one side of the
coin.
Because on the reverse side of it, it is evident that in the
long-run integration can be successful. But in such a fast-paced
and rapidly changing world can we be as bold as not to care about
the near future? Certainly not; short-term answers are absolutely
crucial. What approach is to be taken then? Segregation? It should
not be an option. Thus, surprisingly, what remains is
multiculturalism!
Still, one must not forget to mention that multiculturalism also
creates tension. The whole concept relies on tolerance that is most
of the time the privilege of the well-educated, the intelligent and
those who do not have to fear poverty.
As long as people feel that they can reach higher rungs of the
social ladder in their lives and have financial security, tension
is not likely to occur. By contrast, when people lose their jobs
and their standard of living is falling they immediately blame
others for it. And as recessions are cyclical, and because of that
unavoidable, these problems are constant too.
Albeit by investing in education and providing better tuition
mutual understanding could be improved, which would be an efficient
way of combating xenophobia and cultural intolerance,
multiculturalism would be still far from good in some aspects.
Therefore, we may conclude that the 'salad bowl' concept has failed
or rather is determined to fail.
Still, I would definitely not suggest that it is dead. It is a
very much existing alternative to segregation, integration and
globalisation, which all damage diversity severely. However, given
that it cannot be sustained we have to look for other options as
well. Whether we find any, only time will tell.
