plu·ral·ism
[ploo
r-uh-liz-uhm]
noun
Pluralism can be defined as the capacity to see those from different backgrounds as equals.
How many off us can say that we value people of other races, religions, ethnicities, and beliefs in the same regard as our own? Kudos if you do but I am sure that for most people this is highly unlikely. Maybe its not your fault. A pluralistic outlook on life is not a skill that we are born with. Experience tells us that people are not born with the innate ability nor wish to see others as equal members of society...but this is no excuse. The struggle for people of different races, beliefs and religions to coexist within society is a battle that we have been faced with since the beginning of time and it has taken a huge toll on mankind. This age old problem is now boiling at the surface due widespread globalization which leads to a loss of cultural diversity.
The daunting question: How do we maintain our cultural identities and promote equality?
According to His Highness The Aga Khan, Pluralism is a value that must be taught and it should be integrated into a students education. In His address at the Peterson Lecture His Highness says "Together, we can help reshape the very definition of a well educated global citizen. And we can begin that process by bridging the learning gap which lies at the heart of what some have called a clash of civilizations, but which I have always felt was rather a clash of ignorances. In the years ahead, should we not expect a student at in Atlanta to know as much about Jomo Kenyatta or Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a student in Mombasa or Lahore knows about Atlanta's great son, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.?"
However it is important to remember that Pluralism is much more than accepting diversity, tolerating other cultures and knowing facts and figures. There are four key points to remember.
1. Pluralism is the energetic engagement with diversity. Relationships must be built.
2. Pluralism is actively seeking to understand. Questions must be asked.
3. Pluralism involves sticking to your commitments. Hold on to your differences, identities and culture, not in isolation but in relation to one another.
4. Dialogue is key and conversations must take place. This does not mean that everyone agrees but pluralism involves the commitment to engage in conversation.
Our culture, beliefs, traditions, and values make us who we are. Lets work together to live in society where everyone belongs and feels equal.
I think what you mention about "seeking to understand" pluralism is very important. Many people don't understand how to co-exist within a society as diverse as ours so they simply deem it as impossible. The way I see it, it is important to exist in relation to our neighbours. I see the same problem all the time in our North American society; people expect those who immigrate to Canada to let go of their culture and assimilate to the North American lifesyle whereas some immigrants come here and are not willing to intergrate with the society here. Therefore, I think your point that pluralism involves sticking to your commitments is key since it is important to hold onto what makes us, us but to do so in a way where we still try creating relationships with others of different cultural backgrounds and where we attempt to maintain that level of equality amongst us. This was a great read, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insight! I love your point about how immigrants are expected to forego their culture and assimilate into the North American culture. This is something that is defiantly affecting our generation. Talking about this makes me think about our parents generation who immigrated here from countries such as India and other African countries and how they have managed to hold on to their roots. That is defiantly something we can admire.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Aalia! The concept of pluralism really fascinates me because I feel as though in order for it to be successful, shared meaning between individuals must be established. In my opinion, your last point stating that dialogue is key is probably the most important. Without dialogue amongst different cultures shared meaning and communication cannot be established. I think that is is extremely important for everyone to have the capacity to not only appreciate but more importantly understand one another and our differences ; embracing them rather than scrutinizing them. Thanks for your great insight ! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I just also wanted to say how pluralism, diversity, tolerance and acceptance are all a two-way street. I believe that in order to achieve that 'educated global citizen' - we need to understand that for others to accept our differences we need to be able to accept and understand their differences. It just comes to show how essential dialogue and discourse are in promoting and attaining global equality. It's also why it's so important to read the discourse surrounding cultural relativism vs. universalism in regards to plurality and equality. I look forward to reading more of what you have to say and your insight on international development.
ReplyDeleteWith increasing mobility and globalization, several more individuals will be the "children of immigrants" each day. Pluralism is a beautiful concept. It takes open-mindedness, and yet a strong understanding of one's own values to not only embrace, but also seek to understand another. Your step to create an open platform to discuss Pluralism reminds me of how far many children like yourself, with a history of immigration, have come since their parents first encountered this tide of multiculturalism. It is humbling and admirable. Living in a truly pluralistic society is a privilege today- but one everyone has the ability to enjoy through actively engaging in and learning about other cultures and people.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts are invaluable Aalia :)
This is such an intriguing blog name and definition. Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate your point of view that a pluralistic outlook is not something we start with. I definitely agree with that, as I have found as I matured that I often held various views on other people groups that I was unaware of carrying!
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