The Advantages of Multiculturalism


Have you ever come across the term “melting pot”? Basically, it means that there are people of various cultures all in one place, and they are so closely intertwined that they develop a common culture. The opposite is also true – people of one culture developing so many subcultures that they grow new identities.

No one really plans for this – it just sort of happens. Another term that might interest you in this context is the term “salad bowl”. Like the previous one, it refers to the culture in the United States. The salad bowl also presents a situation where there are many cultures, but here, they don’t mix. Both of these situations have advantages and disadvantages. This time, however, we are going to focus on the more positive side of things.

New Blood

Not literally, though, why not? Multicultural societies reap several benefits from its many cultures and communities. These communities are rarely segregated. Instead, people often mix with one another, feel the spirit in which their neighbors were raised, and understand each other better.

Societies whose geographic origins differ sometimes combine the best feature of the people who live in it to come up with the new generation of people with better physical conditions overall. That’s just biology, and completely opposite of the horror that is eugenics.

Education and Work

In education, subjects in official education institutions often adjust to the fact that there are people from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. So, history, for example, is more likely to not only form a broader image but also just stick to facts, ignoring the cultural bias that is inevitably practiced in homogenous societies.

In the workplace, different systems come together to form better and more efficient ways of performing tasks. There is also the issue of the approach towards work. For example, in Japan, work ethic is held in high regard. It is not uncommon for people to burn out, trying to prove their worth or develop the business by being punctual and doing more than needed. On the other hand, people from Spain tend to approach the workload in a lax manner, conserving energy. The meetings are slow and start late. Perhaps these two could learn a few things from each other.

Tolerance

If you lived a sheltered life, you would have little to no understanding of many concepts that are a part of the modern world that are widely accepted. Xenophobia is far more likely in places where a group or nation tries its best to separate itself from all things that belong to outsiders. Conversely, if you live in a mixed environment, you are likely to accept customs, religions, races, and names vastly different from your own. Not only that, but you are also more willing to learn about other cultures of your own volition.

New Food

Foodies are going to get a kick out of this one. Having a bunch of ethnicities together gives way to exquisite delicacies from all the corners of the earth. Let’s say your city is renowned for its barbecue. The locals love it and take pride in it, as well they should. However, without the presence of other cultures in your city, you are being denied the sensational aroma of sweet-and-sour pork, the spicy burrito, the savory gyro, and the mouth-watering lasagna. Think about it. Take all the time you need.