Blog #3: Nationalism and Multiculturalism

The three articles, "Why Multiculturalism is Wrong," "The Challenge of 'Multiculturalism' in How Americans View the Past and Future," and "Pithissippi Burning: Race, Whate Natinalism and American Culture" represent three views on a continuum of views about multiculturalism in America. The first two clearly oppose the approach of multiculturalism expressing concerns from the idea that multiculturalism actually traps people by placing labels on them to the concern that multiculturalism will distort the teaching of history. In the second article, it is stated that despite efforts to publish textbooks that devote more space to non-white, not-Protestant groups, these other groups are not satisfied and won't be satisfied until the history books eliminate information about whites in the history of America. I think that's a bit extreme. I know there are people who have extreme views, but I am not concerned that we will eventually have no coverage of European colonists' contributions to the development of the nation. I tend to think that people who express these concerns are very uncomfortable with the idea of no longer being in the majority. I do think that there will be less coverage of European contributions as space is made for the contributions of other racial groups and that that is a change we will need to adjust to.

The third article deals with hate groups and expresses concerns that the election of our first black president has angered these people and caused them to be more motivated to take action against what they see to be a threat. This is a concern of mine also. I do think that it is an issue that me must face as a nation. But how? The questions that PJ Tobia poses at the end of the article are good ones: "But what does the other side [those who oppose hate groups] do to advance its agenda? Watch Gandhi? Memorize King's letter from a Birmingham Jail?" In schools, I have heard remarks by students that clearly indicate hate towards people of other races. I have tried on several occasions to make comments that at least get the students to think and explain their remarks. So many times young people repeat what they hear at home. Getting them to think through these remarks by questioning in a non-accusatory manner may be a first - although admittedly small - step to combatting hate.