The Concept of Multiculturalism in the Modern Society

Multiculturalism is a concept discussed by Siapera as regards media, but it can be used in many situations (48). Multiculturalism is the mindset which makes all people understand and respect traditions and values of other nations. All films and stories (including the texts by Fadiman or Tan), where people are not judged or presented in a biased way, but where people are ready to live in peace, are based on the concept of multiculturalism.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Concept of Multiculturalism in the Modern Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Identity is a very important concept for the modern society as people often have to live in another country and adopt new traditions, but they need to know who they are. Siapera stresses that identity is what construct’s people’s behavior and mindset (48). Identity helps people find their way in a new society as they can know for sure what is accep table for them and what is not, and how to behave in different situations. The concept of individuality is also very important as it plays an important role in the societies (Siapera 49). This concept can be used to make people (who are the majority in the society) understand that people who are seen as minority have their right to be slightly different. All people want to have their right for individuality (for example, teenagers try to express their individuality through wearing different clothes or listening to certain type of music), so having a bit different traditions is also a type of individuality. Tan (50) considered the concept of limitation concerning language, but it can also be used to discuss cultures, traditions, etc. For example, many people do not want to make an effort and try to understand people coming from a different place and they often think that newcomers have limited knowledge of language and limited understanding of what to do in the new country. However, these newcomers are not limited as they are simply different since they have to mix different values and different languages, and their language (mindset, etc.) is not limited but more complete. Language of intimacy is another concept considered by Tan (47). Language of intimacy is the language which is spoken by people who are close to each other (relatives, close friends, spouses, etc.). This language can be a bit different from the language spoken in the country as this is a kind of code for those who are close and this is another proof of their close ties. Cultural adaptation is a concepts mentioned by Fadiman who provides different examples of people’s adaptation to new ways of life (9). Of course, people coming from a different country have to adapt to be accepted in the new society. In the case of Hmong people this adaptation is giving American names to their children, but there are lots of examples in the real life where people start wearing the same clothes, speaking the same language, sharing similar values.Advertising Looking for essay on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The concept of connectedness is mentioned by Fadiman as the author stresses that it is important to look into lots of details to understand something (13). Cultures can be understood if numerous historical events are discussed and analyzed. Some people say that this or that nation is a group of lunatics, but they simply do not know historical events that led to the tradition which they think strange, even though they tradition may have deep routed and is quite logical and necessary for some reasons. Works Cited Fadiman, Anne. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collisions of Two Cultures, New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012. Print. Siapera, Eugenia. Cultural Diversity and Global Media: The Mediation of Difference, Malden, MA: John Wiley Sons Ltd, 2010. Print. Tan, Amy. Mother Tongue. n.d. Web. Web. This essay on The Concept of Multiculturalism in the Modern Society was written and submitted by user Mustafa Stephens to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.