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Is multiculturalism contradictory?

It seems that many who tout multiculturalism (i.e. many cultures living together) also seem to want these cultures to remain separate and not assimilate or mix with each other. Is it asking too much to want multiple cultures to live together but still maintain their own separate "islands" within society? (Cf. the concept of "cultural appropriation", where cultures borrow from each other without maintaining the original culture's framework for what it is they're borrowing. This is seen as a bad thing. But it's inevitable in a multicultural society. I'm seeing contradictory forces at work here).

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Underconstruction · F

I believe that if you live in a foreign country you should learn the language of that country and abide by its rules and regulations.

However, your native country´s traditions, culture and language should be a plus not a drawback.

SW-User

@Underconstruction Fair enough. In that way, there's a minimum level of assimilation that needs to be done: learning the language and agreeing the follow the laws. After that, one's culture can be preserved as much as one wants to.

Underconstruction · F

@SW-User You can adapt and accept the foreign traditions at your own pace. Some people do it sooner others take longer, learning the language helps a lot. What I find odd is how people expect foreigners to forget all they have learned and experienced in their homeland as if it were something threatening and not beneficial.

lily88mercy · 26-30, F

Interesting observation, Riley! It's a subject that fascinates sociologists especially when viewed through the history of immigration to the United States. Ethnic groups do tend to congregate or inhabit a locale together at least through the first and second generation. But with time, the "ethnic identity" naturally begins to dissolve as future generations blend into the larger domestic culture. Where you see "contradictory" forces, I see the "natural" forces of assimilation. Attempting to keep one's original ethnicity or nationalist identity intact may be desired by some, and while this predisposition is neither good nor bad, it is ultimately doomed to take a secondary place to the mainstream culture.

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sighmeupforthat · 46-50, M

no.

i mean many of us (in the wealthier or shall i say less isolated countries... such) are mixed heritage/race.

it happens....

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