Multiculturalism: A melted pot or a tossed salad? A Student's Viewpoint

We live in the era of globalization, which has resulted in a rainbow-like society. India has always been a pluralist society, comprising of various castes, classes and religions. Rather than creating a homogenous society where cultures merge and mix like a melted pot, ours is more like a tossed salad of various communities - an analogy I encountered somewhere while reading about this topic and dearly related to.

A nation, democratic or otherwise, naturally divides into majority and minority, required to co-exist together and make collective decisions, which might not always be acceptable to all. Multiculturalism, in this context, becomes an important normative abstract - a hallmark of a truly just and democratic society. It is necessary that the Government is not only responsive but also accountable to all of its citizens, regardless of their race, gender, class, caste, or religion - whether they are majority or minority.

Though decisions taken by pluralism may not be truly democratic, a contestatory mechanism such as judicial review or public discussion forums can act as a sort of check in majoritarianism. Minorities, whether quantitative or qualitative, need to be seen and heard, as they are important political voices and should not be silenced by majority opinions. It's not just a matter of representation or political participation, but also a more important matter of self-esteem. Be it the Maori tribe or New Zealand, the Aboriginals of Canada, the Afro-Americans of USA or the Dalits and Adivasis of India - their sense of self has been eroded due to generations of oppression, suppression and exploitation, and still continues to impact their lives - something which affirmative action cannot solve in a few decades. Multiculturalism in a democracy not only makes them recognized and heard but also ensures their collective participation in governance by making them important stakeholders in the society. It sometimes also implies special privileges or protection alongside formal equality of opportunity - through reservations, welfare policies, and wealth redistribution via taxation. All communities, despite lingering tensions, are thus able to co-exist while simultaneously maintaining their unique identities, values and cultures.

For multiculturalism isn't just a passing trend - it is the new normal.