It is not Multiculturalism which has left a “terrible” legacy, but the political leadership of mainstream democratic parties, successive governments, the quangos and super quangos which were formed to promote multicultural understanding; by their own failures created the vacuum that has been filled by extremists from across the political spectrum.
It is not multiculturalism, the impact of which has compartmentalised people from different traditions and downplayed the identity of long term inhabitants, but the consistent in-action of our leaders in building and uniting our nations; and the negative comments and political opportunism which has contributed to the development of cultural and religious relativism.
There are many reasons for such eventualities:
Firstly; when we talk about multiculturalism, our unconscious mind immediately jump to conclude that it is all about alien cultures, especially that of Asia and Africa invading Britain to claim prominence at the expense of the traditional British values. It is to be understood that “culture is the practice of certain values common to a group of people in an exclusive setting of their own who are bound the commonality of those values, and it evolves to take many forms during the passage of time.” It is not necessarily confined to the practices of people from Asia or Africa alone.
Secondly; without a clearer understanding of multiculturalism, even great academics, powerful politicians, power holders of prominent institutions, sociologists and policy makers try to evaluate the effect of multiculturalism among the whole spectrum of our populace.
Thirdly; we are not realistically realising that it is unavoidable, and beyond the control of any one or any State, that the discourse of multiculturalism at the present century, especially when we are facing an unprecedented level of global interconnectedness where the movement of peoples, along with them their cultures, traditions and values will undoubtedly be moving to be practiced among the midst of any one and every one in any part of the world, and in any corner of any country and nation. When we enjoy the benefits of globalisation, specifically that of economic advantage beneficial to Britain and our way of life, we have to be in a better position to accommodate cultures and values which may be found to be different from that of ours. It may be an optimistic thought, if we develop a culture of understanding, that there are many concepts in what we undesirably consider as alien cultures, will be much suited if used for our benefits to resolve many of our problems.
Fourthly and mainly; to my recollection, I do not recall any political leader of any of the mainstream democratic and liberal political party had the courage to openly proclaimed the essential need for greater equality, multicultural acknowledgement, acceptance, appreciation, celebration and embracement; in order to improve greater community integration, cohesion and harmony, to unite our suspicious communities to build a multicultural British Nation where every one feels and enjoys the essential belongingness to Britain.
Bringing in Legislation alone does not mean the political discourse is completed, but supervise to see how effectively they are implemented, and monitor the progress.
The comments made under the above article clearly indicates not only the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 (RRAA) is not implemented adequately to produce intended outcomes, but above all, the intention is not clearly understood even by the political hierarchy. The elimination of racial discrimination is only a part of the law and its intention, but promotion of equality of opportunity and the promotion of good relations between people of different backgrounds are the main ingredients. “The statutory duty for public bodies to promote equality” was imposed under RRAA; and still it is not done enough. The failure by all, especially by the political leadership, in understanding the dynamics of race relations, that promoting equality is the first and a parallel step to have been taken before and while taking enforcement actions in eliminating discrimination; is where the impact of the legislation is rendered inadequate.
Also important is the means by which we promote equality. Promotion of equality doesn’t mean it is done at the expense of any one or more sections of our society.
Christianity is the religion of the majority of Britons and it will remain to be so; but as the most multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic Global Nation in the world, the practice of such values are never disputed nor discouraged. But fundamentalism, as is mistakenly practiced by a disconnected minority appears in every religious and political ideologues; and sadly so it preys on vulnerable young minds. Liberal and moderate religious leaders and influential community leaders should be able to induce the misguided youth away from the path of self and common destruction, and towards selflessness and righteousness.
Yet again, I would like to stress a better understanding of the importance of the difference between “faith” and “religion” be clarified for a greater benefit.
While “Faith”, is the belief in something without proof, whether it is a religious or a non-religious ideology; “Religion” is not only a mode of communication with God in deeper union, but also a devise of social control to regulate the masses towards a path of righteousness, truth, love, peace and generosity towards the helpless and the needy and to common humanity. These Social Controls, dictated by the respective religious hierarchies during the period of origin of those religious denominations were formulated to reflect and suit the physical, mental and intellectual abilities, surrounding environment and governing structures of that time and the prevailing cultural values of the masses. These dictates of that time demanded ultimate faith without question, reason or proof, even though there have been some amount of physical, psychological, moral and scientific reasoning for the development of those dictates, for the masses to follow for their own and societal good.
If such a productive debate is held, to enhance the understanding of our suspicious communities of difference about each other in order to create a better environment to unify us all to face common barriers and difficulties, and progress towards achieving our common goal; we will be much united and integrated as a Nation with a sense of belonging proudly felt and enjoyed by all the inhabitants, both long term and short term.
G.A.Lux.Anandarajah