MULTICULTURALISM

DEFINITION OF MULTICULTURALISM:

The term multiculturalism generally refers to a state of racial, cultural and ethnic/diversity within the demographics of a specified place, usually at the scale of an organization such as school, business, neighbourhood, city or nation. Some countries have official, or the Jure policies of multiculturalism aimed at recognizing, celebrating and maintaining the different cultures or cultural identities within that society to promote social cohesion. In this context, multiculturalism advocates a society that extends equitable status to distinct cultural and religious groups, with no one culture predominating.


GLOBAL CENTRE FOR PLURALISM:

Is an international centre for research, education and exchange about the values, practices and policies that support pluralist societies. Based in Ottawa, Canada, the Centre seeks to assist the creation of successful societies and was founded on the premise that tolerance, openness and understanding towards the cultures, social structures, values and faiths of other peoples are now essential to the survival of an interdependent world. It functions as a global repository and a source of knowledge and know-how about fostering pluralistic values, policies, and practices. It aims to work with countries to nurture successful civil societies in which every citizen, irrespective of cultural, religious or ethnic differences, is able to realize his or her full potential. it includes the promotion of democracy and good governance, a more equitable sharing of the world's resources between developed and developing countries, and the projection of Canadian values, such as the rule of law, human rights and respect for diversity.

OFFICIAL MULTICULTURALISM ACT:

The Act for the Preservation and Enhancement of Multiculturalism in Canada was passed in 1985, with minor organizational amendments since that time. Its stated objectives are to:
a)recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve,enhance and share their cultural heritage.
b)It is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada's future.
c)promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all respects of Canadian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to such participation.
d)recognize the existence of Communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society, and enhance their development.
e)ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity.
f)encourage and assist the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
g)promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins.
h)foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Canadian society and promote the reflection and the evolving expressions of those cultures.
i)preserve and enhance the use of languages other than English and French, while strengthening the status and use of the official languages of Canada
j)advance multiculturalism throughout Canada in harmony with the national commitment to the official languages of Canada.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MULTICULTURALISM:
DISADVANTAGES
a)Allienates people
b)Riots
c)Political correctness gone crazy (banning bibles in hospital)
d)Community decision
e)Causes family breakdown
f)Increased crime levels
g)Creates ethnic gangs

ADVANTAGES
a)Larger variety of food

WHAT IS MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION?

Multicultural education relates to education and instruction designed for the cultures of several different races in an educational system. This approach to teaching and learning is based upon consensus building, respect, and fostering cultural pluralism within racial societies. Multicultural education acknowledges and incorporates positive racial idiosyncrasies into classroom atmospheres. Because of Chilean solid economy a lot of foreign people, specially from Latin American countries like Peru, Colombia, Argentina came to Chile to have a better life and those out comers are now inserted in our Chilean educational system without any discrimination at all. The same happens with good and bad students, nowadays they are all mixed up in the same class and they are not divided into levels according marks. Handicapped and disabled students are accepted in normal schools.