The concept of multiculturalism is a recently introduced one, and is rapidly gaining popularity in all parts of the world. . This idea not only promotes the coming together of different cultures, but also helps eradicate discrimination against different races, and people from all walks of life.
In todays rapidly evolving world, strong emphasis is being placed upon the importance of creating a global village. Thus, in order to do so, the world will have to behave like a village itself, by removing any forms of discrimination, or violence that may exist. We must learn to accept each other for what we are, and overlook any issues of racism, grudges, or hatred we may hold against each another. In order to achieve such a purpose, it is important for people to understand one another, and to understand the different types of cultures and backgrounds people may have.
This not only helps to overcome ignorance, but also promotes tolerance, and respect for humanity. Religion is the basis of most cultures. It is the root from where people pick up values, beliefs, behaviors, and ideas, and learn to act upon them. Thus, it is no wonder that society tends to discriminate people from different cultures. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jewish all believe in God. Yet, their Gods vary in numbers, and in form of existence, and hence, their attitude to the other inferior religions.
In theory, all the religions seem to be preaching pretty much the same ideas to be good human beings, and to learn to love one another, regardless of race, color, or creed. Festivals also signify peoples cultures the events they celebrate, the clothes they wear, and the food they eat. Each culture or religion, also celebrates its distinct beginning of a new year. The Muslims have their Eid, the Hindus have their Divali, the Jews celebrate Yom Kippur and the world in general celebrates its new year according to the Gregorian calendar. Apart from that, cultures and religions may also have particular holidays, according to their own beliefs about a special event that took place on that day in history. We must learn to over come our grudges against one another, and give due respect to all schools of thoughts.
Most people, from educators to philosophers, agree that an important first step in successfully joining multiple cultures is to develop an understanding of each others background. In conclusion, in order for us to function as a whole, we need to start thinking of the world as a whole. With just a basic understanding of other cultures, and most importantly, the tools and background to think critically and make our own decisions not based on color, sex, religion, or national origin, but on information that we actually pick up during interaction with different kinds of people, we would be better equipped to work at achieving harmony in a varied racial world. .
