It seems unreasonable to expect that the world, through the process of globalization, is moving relentlessly toward a single, benevolent, culturally homogeneous nation-state. News media every day report cultural differences throughout the world, with each group operating from its own unique cultural heritage and narrowly shared values and interests.
If the many cultures of the world are not becoming a single homogeneous megaculture, a more workable approach would be some type of multiculturalism-that is, an official policy that recognizes the worth and integrity of different cultures at home and abroad. Such an approach requires the basic anthropological understanding that culturally different people are not inherently perverse or immoral. Rather it is possible to live together in peaceful coexistence, provided we understand the logic of culturally different people and are willing to negotiate with them in good faith and without exploitation.
The alternative to multiculturalism is a world that is fragmented into ethnic enclaves: selfabsorbed, provincial, fearful, uncooperative, militant, suspicious, and mean spirited. Multiculturalism remains the best hope for enabling all people to get the security, prosperity, and freedom they crave and deserve. And yet multiculturalism should not be seen as a totally selfless and altruistic philosophy. Rather it should be considered a win-win opportunity. The only way we can be safe and prosperous is if we enable our neighbours to be safe and prosperous.
Globalisation led to the assumption in that the world would become:
