Introduction
Culture is the culmination of language, race, ideas, ethics and practices/customs of a specific region. It varies from place to place around the world. When you look at the cultural practices of a region, there’s not much wrong with it. You might disagree with people of other cultures and their practices, but in a way, you accept their way of life. However, things take a turn for the worse in a multicultural society. It’s a place where people from different backgrounds try together. As long as there are clear rules and boundaries, things are everyday. Still, even the tiniest disagreement can cause significant damage. So, let’s see if it’s the case or whether the rise of multiculturalism is the doom of modern societies.
Rise of Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is fueled by migration from developing countries to developed nations. It is an old way of pursuing a better life for individuals who are in some way lagging behind in their culture. This process is mostly taking place in Western cities, where people from different parts of the world are entering to improve their standard of living.
Theoretically, migration and rising multiculturalism make sense for companies seeking cheap labour or for governments seeking power and votes. But what about the locals or natives? They’re the ones living with people from different cultures. For them, things are not good as most individuals from developing nations reject the idea of assimilation. They don’t want to change their way of life, and it damages the social fabric of the place they’re seeking asylum or opportunities.
Multiculturalism Shifts Demographics
With increasing migration, the various cultures enter a particular region. This shifts the demographics and can have drastic effects on the native population. Since they have to share a vote and an area, their interests collide, further reducing the standard of living. That is why it is essential to control illegal migration through proper methodologies and rules.
Moreover, with the shift in demographics and identity, the culture of a particular place is destroyed. And over time, it is no longer the same place, meaning the different cultures have hijacked the original identity.
Is Multiculturalism a Good Thing?
From an economic perspective, the rise of multiculturalism can be a good thing. There are better workers and cuisines. However, over time, even economics can’t save the nation. For multiculturalism to work in modern society, it needs a unifying principle. Even if it is a language or an enriched document like a constitution. Then only a society with different cultures thrives.
Different cultures can engage in their practices, but at least acknowledge the rules and customs of the native land. If society can do so, it has a fair chance of moving forward. However, different cultures do not acknowledge and respect other values. In that case, the entire society will collapse into anarchy or even worse, civil war.
Negative Impact of the Rise of Multiculturalism
The problem of different cultures living together in a place is not of values or customs but of stereotypes. Inherently, belonging to one tribe means you don’t belong to the other. This is a primal concept, but can be seen in the modern world. Moreover, pair all this with the drastic impacts on social media, and you’re left with hatred. As a result, people see others not as individuals but as members of the other tribe.
Until or unless you acknowledge others with integrity or basic humanity, you can’t expect multiculturalism to work. And in theory, it’s impossible because human beings do not act that way, especially in groups. On top of that, there are people in power who want to rule over others and use hatred as fuel for their personal gains.
The Ideal Way Ahead for Multiculturalism
Every culture is different and unique. Some are better at one thing than the other, and vice versa. But it does not mean that they can’t live together. If the two cultures even share one standard value, then it can work, but in reality, it’s tough. Moreover, the influential people don’t want that as they want to keep people divided. It is easier for them to rule that way.
So, if you want multiculturalism to thrive, then you need to unite things. This could be sports, language or even minor interests. Lastly, the rate of migration should be lowered so that people entering a different nation can get used to the customs of the new place.
Final Thoughts on the Rise of Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism will only rise in the future unless there are policy changes in migration. It is a way for people in power to stay in control. Moreover, it is only the beginning, as in the future migration rates will increase and ultimately lead to the rise of different cultures living in close proximity. Thus, native people need to draft policies that allow for like-minded people to enter, even if they don’t share the same culture.