Multiculturalism - the failed experiment
Posted: November 2nd, 2005 | Author: Aaron | Filed under: uk |Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is a theory (albeit vague) about the foundations of a culture rather than a practice which subsumes cultural ideas. (Harrison, 1984)
There are not many public institutions that do not adhere to the principle of multiculturalism, the tenet that the social structure of the United Kingdom can sustain multiple communities of differing cultural backgrounds. The theory of Multiculturalism has become the dogmatic approach to ethnic integration in post-imperial Britain, not allowing dissent or debate of its virtues.
Is this healthy and is this democratic? To stifle debate because of some essence of imperial guilt is contrary to democracy and equally contrary to human progress. In this time of heightened ethnic tensions we should debate seriously and honestly the contribution to the UK of Multiculturalism.
Birmingham riots
Last months riots in Birmingham were the result of tribal differences between two minority communities; shops were ransacked, people attacked with 35 injured, and one person killed. It appears unsubstantiated information was broadcast via a pirate radio station that Pakistani men had raped a 14 year-old Jamaican immigrant in a beauty store. The event has highlighted rising tension between the communities in the area of Lozzels Road in central Birmingham. The economic success of Asian businesses - which Blacks argued did not employ them - has caused increased resentment and disquiet in relations, this episode seems to be the symptoms of a long-running complaint.
What was interesting was the mainstream media response to the violence. The BBC among others was careful not to make value judgements about the event, also citing that this was an isolated incident. The printed press however are not as tightly wound in and reported on the simmering hostilities in the region. From the Times: -
We have been pushed around for too long. That lot, he [a black youth] said gesturing towards the Asian shops where some Asian youths were gathered, “think they can do whatever they want, including rape our women. Now they know they can’t.”
This conflict had been largely unreported until violence broke out this week; there is however a dangerous level of anger within both communities; the same article quoted messages from BlacknetUK where one contributor commented “I hope Asian women are getting their throats cut as we speak.”
Further inquiry by The Guardian discovered that up to 300 Asian men were mobilised in nearby Aston and were ready to clash with the blacks, it was reported that police had blocked their access (although contrary reports suggested an Imam dissuaded them).
Can we continue to accept this level of civil disharmony?
Why multiculturalism?
There are 3 differing but heavily convergent models for the integration of immigrants.
The first model is Monoculturalism, which argues that economic and political migrants should assimilate and concur to the indigenous cultural heritage and customs. This is increasingly being adapted in France where the country’s passionate commitment to secularism is enforced by the insistence that religious garments be banned in French schools. There are no democratic countries that operate a pure version of Monoculturalism although some Islamic states such as Saudi Arabia do.
Multiculturalism is the model adopted by many social democratic nations, and like Monoculturalism it is state enforced. Canada led the world in multiculturalism when it embraced its French population (in Quebec) with the adoption of twin national languages. Britain adopted this model to integrate its rising levels of immigration following the dissolution of its empire, the consensus being that society would benefit from a tapestry of differing cultures, a supposition that is increasingly being questioned.
The third and final model rejects the social engineering of the previous versions. The Melting-Pot system that is loosely followed in the US does not involve the federal government in the integration of immigrants (there are some token assimilating procedures such as citizen exams, and some individual states do embrace multiculturalism). Ethnic communities within the US do appear naturally but are usually the result of economic realities, such as ghettos, and commercial and cultural expedience (such as ‘China Town’). Again one could argue that the US does not strictly follow this paradigm, as federal intervention exists in positive-discrimination legislation.
The UK
The British adoption of Multiculturalism as I have outlined above is a product of a post-imperial evaluation. The progressive movements of the past few decades have embarrassed the British people into forgoing part of their cultural primacy as compensation for centuries of imperial oppression. Advocates also argued that Britain could only benefit from exposure to differing customs, people, and traditions.
There is little doubt that cosmopolitan towns and cities are enriched by cultural diversity. Music, food, and art are just three areas that have improved as a result of this exposure, but as with all social experiments there are unwanted side effects.
We have seen in the UK severe disparities in educational achievements between ethnic groups, as highlighted in last month publication by The Centre for Market and Public Organisation: -
Actual GCSE attainment by ethnicity
Ethnicity
Actual percentage of pupils obtaining 5 or more A-Cs at GCSE: -
Black African 48.24%
Black Caribbean 32.55%
Black Other 38.06%
Bangladeshi 47.98%
Indian 64.97%
Pakistani 41.57%
Chinese 76.25%
Other 53.93%
White 52.68%
REPORT: The Dynamics of School Attainment of
England’s Ethnic Minorities
http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/CMPO/workingpapers/wp130.pdf
As the report states there is no evidence that genetic differences are related to academic aptitude; so are we to assume society - the multicultural society - is failing these children?
From the report: -
While there is no evidence that genetic factors such as systematic differences in innate ability play a significant role in ethnic test score gaps (Nisbett 1998), the importance of other non- school factors such as family background in the relative achievement levels of different ethnic groups has been widely recognised since the 1966 Coleman Report. There is conflicting evidence, however, both on the extent to which such factors are important, and, more specifically, what precise factors may contribute to the systematic underachievement of certain minority ethnic groups. General societal attitudes to ethnic minorities may also play an important role.
Multiculturalism is supposed to create a progressive society where the tolerance of cultural identity provides equality and opportunity for all. Practices such as positive discrimination within public institutions are designed to engineer a change in attitudes, to create a society comfortable with diversity. But these practices have themselves become divisive, creating animosity within the indigenous population.
Matthew Parris of The Times has asked if multiculturalism is apartheid by another name, questioning the wisdom of culturally divided communities living side by side, and the natural inequalities and conflict this will naturally create. Indeed the Lozzels Road incident was it appears, an economic dispute enforced by the unconfirmed belief that Asian men were preying on Black women. Divided ethnic communities where economic prosperity is in short supply, are always going to compete for wealth, and this competition will on occasion spill over into violence.
The premise that ethnically divided communities will descend into violence has never been accepted by the acolytes of multiculturalism, in fact the reputation of poet and Conservative MP Enoch Powell was destroyed after his infamous ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech in April 1968, Powell was labelled a racist and sacked from office. Powell could have felt harshly treated, as he was also a fierce critic of the British maltreatment of the Mau Mau in Kenya.
Powell’s statement - ironically delivered in Birmingham - was conveyed in intemperate language, which angered many, although its message has some resonance in modern society. Powell talked of the rapid ‘colonisation’ of streets and areas as ethnic minorities were introduced, and the resentment of the indigenous white population. Racism however distasteful is a natural phenomenon fuelled by ignorance and suspicion; multiculturalism has failed to address this instinctive xenophobia. In fairness to Powell he was speaking at a time when interracial violence was at its height in the United States, and 1960’s Britain was experiencing a significant increase in migration from the Commonwealth (that the speech was delivered on the birthday of Hitler we should put down to carelessness rather than intent).
So if we are to make immigration a success it is right we should question the ethos of multiculturalism, which it could be argued is failing to create equality and social harmony. Many ethnic minority children are being failed by our system, which not only affects the social cohesion but the productivity of our country. Why are Indian children 20% more likely to succeed at school than Pakistani or Black children? Why is such inequality so evident after decades of the multicultural experiment?
Socially liberal multiculturalists will argue that inherent racism in society limits the opportunities of ethnic minorities, but surely multiculturalism - by encouraging cultural division - cements such attitudes. Holding up the richness and value of a culture is all well and good, but not when it’s at the cost of unity and collective prosperity. Dianne Ravitch, the conservative US scholar and author, has argued that the celebration of Multiculturalism masks liberal/intellectual hostility towards the mainstream.
So what should we do?
This essay is not arguing for an end to immigration, far from it, immigration is important to the economic future of this nation as we come to terms with the population stagnation within all European countries. This essay is arguing for greater integration and cohesion and an end to the apologetic counterproductive excesses of multiculturalism.
In 2004 Trevor Phillips the chairman of The Commission for Racial Equality began blocking funding to ethnic minority projects that do not promote ‘Britishness’ or integration. Phillips - who appeared on BBC Radio 4 last week to argue that the divisions in the Lozzles area of Birmingham had been brewing for some time - has also dismissed the usefulness of multiculturalism claiming that “separateness” is no longer useful in modern Britain.
I would have to agree with Phillips. The Multicultural Experiment is failing; failing not only society but also the very minorities it is has been employed to aid. We need to create a unique collective identity for modern multi-ethnic Britain. A true sense of ‘Britishness’ that is inclusive and progressive. Much like the American shared identity that ignores - in principle - origin and ethnicity in favour of idealistic values and opportunity.
We should not allow the Hard-Right to define Britishness, who will ensure it is the exclusive preserve of the white Anglo-Saxon indigenous population. So therefore we should not be embarrassed of celebrating our history, identity, and values. Britishness can be reclaimed and become a notion of tolerance, fair play, justice, adventure, opportunity, and liberty.
Let’s create a shared identity that’s inclusive, allowing subscription from all ethnic communities. This will work as a social adhesive, giving communities and individuals a real connection with the country, a chance to build relationships and share in the nations prosperity. We need an end to the counterproductive rancour of unelected community leaders who only serve division and conflict, only then can we be blind to ethnicity and foster real equality. Race, religion, and sex should be immaterial to the concept of Britishness, instead replaced by a loose collection of values that unite us.
There is no future in multiculturalism, as we know it. The continued Balkanisation of British society (see Jewish-Russian Objectivist philosopher Ayn Rand) will spew yet more anger, resentment, and exclusion. Hatred within our Muslim communities is as much about isolation and inequality as it is about Iraq.
We should also be strong and ensure that hate is not propagated within our communities, as I argued in August of this year: -
We must reject the counterproductive excesses of political correctness, and multiculturalism that gives the freedom for radicals to preach hate. Those that exploit our asylum and hospitality while attempting to subvert our justice and social fabric should be deported; of this I have no problem. Those that practice intolerance and fundamentalism are as much my enemies as anyone else’s. And in this group I include the hard right.
Immigrant Imams (first generation) who have no experience of Western Society should not be teaching young Pakistani’s intolerance and loathing towards western values and customs, however only by creating this new ‘Britishness’ can we ensure that these young Muslims feel a secure concrete connection with modern Britain.
Conclusion
Britain has mortgaged the future of its social cohesion at the altar of Multiculturalism, and now in this time of increased tension and instability we must open the debate on our future direction.
We should not allow political correctness to stymie this debate anymore than we should allow the Hard-Right to shape it. If we do not encourage an open and constructive dialogue we will allow those with an insidious agenda to steal the march and choose our direction for us.
The future of our national stability and prosperity are dependent on our response.
Our children are not born to hate, they are raised to hate. ~Thomas della Perut
Further reading
http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/O/origination/features_8.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/society_culture/multicultural/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiculturalism
[...] Nick Griffin, the Grand Wizard of the BNP, has attempted to convey the party’s message in a positive light, rather than the wholly negative message of racism and anti-Semitism. Concentrating on Britain’s white history and previous glories, Griffin hopes to link Britain’s economic and perceived social decline, with its increasing ethnic diversity (yet never highlighting the reality that, following the end of the empire, Britain’s vast reduction in available factors of production, would inevitably lead to an economic deterioration). The BNP are also critics of political Multiculturalism, although rarely for logical reasons. [...]
[...] No doubt, victory in some wards for the BNP, would be a devastating indictment for the failures of political multiculturalism, but on the wider scene, I expect both the Conservatives and Lib Dems to enjoy some success. [...]
The fact remains that white British racism,and that alone, is responsible for the communal rioting (as it was for the Inner City Uprisings). The failures (unintentional or otherwise) of the white run education system, economic infrastructure, the judiciary and the media result in the systematic (institutional) disenfranchisment of all non-white minorities, perpertuating a poverty that is economic as well as of confidence. Hell, even wealthy Asians and Blacks feel excluded,or,are often made to know their place ( with social and economic consequences e.g speak to Mohammed Al Fayed as well as the “disgraced” former owner of Versailles, now languishing in prison) in the racist, immovable pecking order.
Just an example…The vast dollar potential of Britains Black music industry is potentially the saviour of the African caribbean community - if the racist government and racist white music industry will allow it to flourish. As it is, its criminalised by both media and judiciary. There is no getting away from it..British Whitey is to blame.
This Black V Asian is just a laughable smokescreen for the greater sin of state enforced racism AKA mother country colonialism.
[...] Inter-racial relations are tense, and white Britons feel angry and disillusioned at perceived racial inequalities within our institutions. Dog-whistle journalism by the right-wing press has succeeded in convincing sections of the public that asylum-seekers and immigrants are roaming our streets; raping, pillaging, and dealing drugs, they are protected by a political correct society. Faced with a body politic that is unable or unwilling to address the failure of political multiculturalism, they turn to the only party engaged in the debate -the BNP. [...]
I am sick and tired of hearing of racism as an excuse. Here In the U.S. Minorities receive special priviledges In federal employment, Benefits and special protections under the law. But the moment things do not go how they want the same White politicians who appease them become Racist honkies and are Intolerant .I am sick and tired of It especially since I am both European and American Indian, And although The American Indian Is the Minoritie of The Minoritie
They get squat. All Multiculturalism Is A concept that was Invented by the Liberal\Hippie Fringe with no forward thinking In regards to historical ethnic tensions and (They Exist) Cultural Norms And Values That Clash. It Is a shame what these Spineless Politicians Have Allowed. And before some moron plays the race card And calls me racist or whatever else.
1. Why Is It o.k. For minorities to have racial pride but for White Europeans It Is racist.
2. How are Minorities oppressed when they receive
Welfare, Housing And Employment Preference. Oppression Is the denial of Aid and Rights, The exact opposite.
3. And why would you move to a Country you Hate?
And then have the Audacity to demand the people who have been living there Since foundation change for you? If I went to China and demanded I get Citizenship, They learn English And celebrate my Holidays I don’t think I’d get far Except Arrested. And this applies to all Non-Western Nations
And If you do not Like where you Immigrated to then WHY STAY???? I will never forgive the Liberal\Hippie Boomers for what they have done to
our nation And hope they have a place In hell for
Balkinizing our nation. And I don’t want to hear the race card, If you Immigrate Fine but do not expect us to change for you and hide our Ethnic and cultural heritage.
[...] I wrote about the failure of political multiculturalism last year, in this essay, where I argued, “The Multicultural Experiment is failing; failing not only society but also the very minorities it is has been employed to aid.” Now it seems the government has woken up to the reality that, while a multi-ethnic society is possible and desirable, the use of multiculturalism as a means to integrate minority groups within society is highly counterproductive. [...]
Hi! Just wanted to give my thanks to you for this essay. It´s really very interesting and has served me alot in writing about multiculturalism in general. The comments posted are also very useful and are discussing a very important issue. Thanks again from Norway
A
Excellent that you found some use for the essay.
If you could provide links (one per post, see notes on SPAM below) to your writing, I can read your thoughts.
Thanks for calling by.
:o)
Whoever wrote the “why stay?†article, has pretty much summed up the feeling of what has come to be known as the silent majority, and are called the silent majority for a very good reason indeed. White British people, in my view are the only ethnic group to be oppressed in this multicultural experiment to my knowledge. We have had multiculturalism force fed to us, and this is supposed to enlighten our people to foreign cultures?
Lets examine what we have learned from other cultures; We have learned that Islam, and Islamic states, dislike the so called decadent and debauched society of the West, so much so that so-called Brtisih citizens (British Muslims), are making terrorist attacks against what would be called their own state.
As far as culture goes, yes we now have curry as a national dish almost, and yes we do have mosques and other various places of worship for different faiths, however, what have British people learned about these other cultures? Does anyone in Britain know the difference between a Sikh and a Hindu? More to the point, does anyone care, and furthermore… why should we?
To say that British people would benefit from other cultures also is a rather baffling argument, when anyone looks at the history of Britain, as a nation, we have excelled ourselves in the arts (literature, music, fine art, architecture), scientifically; To name a few inventions Telephone, Jet Engine, The Steam Engine, Television etc, not to mention the amount of times British culture has revolutionised the entire world with things like the magnetic crusade and the industrial revolution. We have Also for centuries fought and died for what we believe in, from the Civil War to World War 2. We are also the first Western Nation to have a female leader. In almost every revolutionary field over the past millennia we have been there at every turn, and revolutionised the entire world.
With the aforementioned all being facts and indisputable, what do we need to learn from other cultures? Cultures we either enslaved conquered or annexed?
If British people wanted to learn about other cultures, they need only pick up a book, go on holiday, or even watch a documentary. Why do we need millions of people from other countries, in our country, to learn about them?
Also another point I would like to make is the fact that Indians and Chinese people excel in our education system, where as blacks and Pakistanis underachieve. Surely the fact that Indians and Chinese people over achieve is a sign that our system does not fail the minorities? 80% of Indians are Hindus, a religion that preaches peace and harmony, as apposed to Pakistan, a Muslim state, whose teachings preach hate, intolerance and generally a disengagement from the western world.
I agree with the article, multiculturalism is a failure. It has been enforced here in Canada without a national referendum and the people who did not agree have always been submitted to the usual —are you racist?? to close any possible debate.
The UK now has a shadow state within the state and that is a network of radical mosque and muslim cultural centers. Their final aim is in the long term with their growing number to slowly change the country into an islamic state in accordance to the teaching of the Coran. We will end up with the same result in Canada if we don`t change…. Multiculturalism goes against all the lessons of History….
Excuse the poor quality of my English my first language is french.