Multiculturalism Generates Mutual Tolerance Between Nations

The Malay College Kuala Kangsar

By

Safuan Sabri

What Is Multiculturalism?• A simple explanation by Andrew Klavan

- Multiculturalism Explained

Why Is It A Priority?

•Mutual tolerance of multiculturalism is a priority because it prevents a misconception of the values that are held by individuals in a vast multicultural society.•Without such understanding and also a

negative perception of ones cultural values will only exacerbate the current situation

Where Is It Practiced?

• Australia- The next country to adopt an official policy of multiculturalism after Canada was Australia, a country with similar immigration situations had similar policies, for example the formation of the Special Broadcasting Service

• Canada- Multiculturalism (a Just Society) was adopted as the official policy of the Canadian government during the premiership of Pierre Elliot Trudeau in the 1970s and 1980s. Canadian society is often depicted as being "very progressive, diverse, and multicultural".

• Germany- In October 2010, Angela Merkel told a meeting of younger members of her conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party at Potsdam, near Berlin, that attempts to build a multicultural society in Germany had "utterly failed", stating: "The concept that we are now living side by side and are happy about it does not work".

• In short, the Chancellor deemed that is failed due to the disruption of economy

• South Korea-South Korea is among the world's most ethnically homogeneous nations.

• India-India is racially, culturally, linguistically, ethnically and religiously the most diverse country in the world. As per the 1961 Census of India, the country is home to 1652 mother tongues. The culture of India has been shaped by its long history, unique geography and diverse demography. India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture and customs differ from place to place within the country, but nevertheless possess a commonality

• Malaysia-Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country, with Malays making up the majority, close to 52% of the population. About 24.6% of the population are Malaysians of Chinese descent. Malaysians of Indian descent comprise about 7% of the population. The remaining 10% comprises:

• Native East Malaysians, namely Bajau, Bidayuh, Dusun, Iban, Kadazan, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Sarawakian Malays, etc.

• Other native tribes of Peninsular Malaysia, such as the Orang Asli and Siamese people, and

• Non-native tribes of Peninsular Malaysia such as the Chettiars, the Peranakan and the Portuguese.

• The Malay Peninsula has a long history of international trade contacts, influencing its ethnic and religious composition.

The General Perception

In Favor.

• A multicultural society ignites a mutual perception of acceptance among individuals with differences that are well tolerated in a particular society.

• It helps people to understand the values , culture, traditions and perspectives

• Thus , resulting in a more open minded society towards any kind of difference that may suddenly be brought up in a society

• The doctrine of multiculturalism rests on a belief that individuals of different cultural backgrounds can co-exist peacefully

In Detest.

• Attempts to build a multicultural society in Germany have "utterly failed", Chancellor Angela Merkel says.

• She said the so-called "multikulti" concept - where people would "live side-by-side" happily - did not work, and immigrants needed to do more to integrate - including learning German.

• The comments come amid rising anti-immigration feeling in Germany.

• A recent survey suggested more than 30% of people believed the country was "overrun by foreigners".

• The study - by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation think-tank - also showed that roughly the same number thought that some 16 million of Germany's immigrants or people with foreign origins had come to the country for its social benefits.

How To Achieve?

•What we want currently is the understanding between nations and races.• In order to learn and understand the

other races, multiculturalism is crucial in achieving the said objective• Thus, we must conquer the stalemate

of mutual understanding

The Catch-22

•Ethnocentrism•Dominant Ideology•Arrogance of a Culture

Ethnocentrism

• Ethnocentrism- The tendency to view things from one’s cultures perspective

• The ethnocentric individual will judge other groups relative to his or her own particular ethnic group or culture, especially with concern to language, behaviour, customs, and religion. These ethnic distinctions and subdivisions serve to define each ethnicity's unique cultural identity.

Where it leads to..

• STEREOTYPES- that is a generalization or belief about a certain group of people• From stereotypes to PREJUDICE- the

notion of preconceived judgments.

Dominant Ideology

•Belief of a MAJORITY in a given society.

• The main problem against the dominant ideology that goes against multiculturalism is that it promotes a stereotypical view of things.•Once a dominant ideology is challenged

a difference. The media usually would support the dominant Ideology.• For what reason….?

Arrogance of a Culture

•One of the many problems that people are facing today is the arrogance of a culture to accept others. • In this example, people don’t see the relevance of multiculturalism.

Overcoming Cultural Misunderstanding to Generate Global Unity

• The diversity and the varied backgrounds of a nation is not an obstacle to peace and prosperity.• Through education is a way to instill such

awareness of misunderstanding.• Providing exposure of other cultures through

international summits.

Multiculturalism Contributes to the Advancement of Society

• Through commerce.• International peace.•Mutual understanding of ones values and

culture.• An open minded resolution to the diversity

in a society, perhaps nations.• A more tighter relationship between races

The Succession of Multiculturalism

• In Malaysia’s melting pot of diverse culture and values, success of Malaysia today was due to the tolerance among its people.•Without Multiculturalism ,There

would be no understanding of culture and value. With no understanding , there would be not mutual tolerance

A Clarification About a Melting Pot of Society• 1Malaysia is intended to provide a free and open forum to discuss

the things that matter deeply to us as a Nation. • It provides a chance to express and explore the many perspectives

of our fellow citizens. • What makes Malaysia unique is the diversity of our peoples. • 1Malaysia’s goal is to preserve and enhance this unity in diversity

which has always been our strength and remains our best hope for the future.

• Differences aside, human beings, regardless of their specific culture of origin, strive to provide the best they can for their family, and to live in as peaceful and harmonious a world as possible. These two goals unite us all. Multiculturalism makes the ideal and altruistic notion of loving our fellow man a tangible possibility, rather than a nebulous philosophical concept.

Le End

I hope this speech will initiate an open and vital dialogue exploring difference in identity, our purpose, and direction. I encourage each of you to understand multiculturalism and the role we must play in its future. Each of us – despite our differences – shares a desire for a better tomorrow. Each of us wants opportunity, respect, friendship, and understanding.

I Accept Multikulti!

You Tolerate It For Global

Unity!