Three Responses to Cultural Diversity

ETHNOCENTRISM

Regards one's own particular cultural as superior; it's perspectives "true;" others as "false" or deficient. Often associated with racism—which defines another race as inferior.

Focus on communities/cultures.

Segregation of groups enforced by those with power.

Racial, religious, cultural hatred



EQUALITY

A commitment to the idea that behind all our obvious differences are common qualities/capacities that define our humanity and are the source of our dignity.

Generally focuses on capacities for autonomous reason and choice.

Focus on individuals (as autonomous in relation to communities/cultures).

Associated with integration.

Racial, religious, cultural blindness

Commitment to individual liberty-—with little regard to power issues.

Commitment to geographical representation.

MULTI-CULTURALISM

A commitment to the idea that there is truth/value in all cultural perspectives and that individual identity is shaped by cultures.

Individual "essence" isn't independent of culture

Focus on individuals-in-community, individuals as culturally formed.

Voluntary separation of groups in name of racial, ethnic identity or pride.

Racial, religious, cultural awareness and appreciation.

Commitment to participation—with significant emphasis on power.

Commitment to group representation.

Getting Started

My friend Jim Winkler at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society sent me an email about his new blog site. I went there, read his first post, and started to log in a comment asking him to keep us posted on his trip to the Middle East. I had to register to post, in the process I said, what the heck I might as well blog too!