The term multiculturalism is handled within the sociological context, as the reality of different cultural customs within the same geographic area. It can be observed then that within a population different societies can coexist, which despite their cultural differences, coexist with each other. This situation was present in ancient civilizations. It is a social model that seeks to recognize and reduce the inequalities built during colonialism and neocolonialism, although there are still strong traces of racism that currently criminalizes different subaltern sectors.
What is multiculturalism
Table of Contents
Multiculturalism is the presence of different knowledge or cultures that coexist in the same physical, territorial or social place. It includes inequalities that fall within culture, racial, religious, ethnic, linguistic, or gender.
Characteristics of multiculturalism
- Places where people of various nationalities, ethnicities and races live are called multicultural societies.
- In these communities, people preserve, transmit, celebrate, share and respect their unique cultural ways of life, languages, art, customs and behaviors.
- Currently in different societies are adapting to multiculturalism in a universal way, always seeking to protect different customs.
- They focus on the frequent unequal relations of minorities with respect to majority cultures.
- The characteristics of multiculturalism are often diffused in public community schools, where the curricula are designed to show young people of different nationalities the forms and benefits of cultural diversity.
History of multiculturalism
The notion of multiculturalism in Mexico has existed since pre-Hispanic times and is prevalent today. The commercial activity that existed among the peoples who lived in Mesoamerica before the arrival of the Spaniards, placed them in a position not only of economic principle but also of mind, open to learning and accepting different ways of life, beliefs, rites and Languages.
The fruit of multiculturalism in Mexico, was successful with the fusion of two cultures that had lived together in the same environment. The multiculturalism that was experienced in Mexico during its evolution has not been synonymous with equality or justice.
For example, when it was determined in the dress code in New Spain, the type of clothing they had to wear according to the caste to which they belonged; the Indians had to design and wear a white suit consisting of underpants and a blanket shirt; the blacks and zambos were assigned white underpants, the peninsulares and criollos dressed in the European style, and little by little a peculiar style was created: that of Los mestizos, characterized by Chinaco and China Poblana.
Multiculturalism in Mexico
Multiculturalism in Mexico, anthropology today, is home to more than 60 indigenous peoples speaking almost one hundred indigenous dialects and languages. In it, more than 12 million aborigines live with other peoples who have emigrated to Mexico from Central America and with groups of African origin, but also with a super population of various cultures, where miscegenation prevails, which are affecting and assuming the different customs.
In this same context, multiculturalism in philosophy, Anthropology and even in Sociology, refer to multiculturalism when in a certain geographical or social place, there are a variety of cultures that share their customs on a daily basis without any exercising too drastic authority over others.
It is important to mention that within this PDF multiculturalism all cultural differences are accepted and recognized, both those of ethnic or racial discrimination as well as religious or linguistic ones; and even multiculturalism is promoted in Mexico, the right to this diversity.
Examples of multiculturalism
Day of the Dead
The people of North America define it as Halloween, in Mexican culture it is called the "day of the dead." In this party they put aside sadness and have a private celebration when a loved one leaves or they want to honor him. In general, it is in the home of their relatives, where they build an altar or a "Day of the Dead offering" with candles, objects used by the deceased, colored flowers, food and drinks.
Typical food dishes
Gastronomy is one of the most representative compendia of multiculturalism in Mexico. The dishes and drinks of Mexican cuisine offer a variety of flavors and origins that are products of cultural miscegenation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Multiculturalism
What is multiculturalism examples?
Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of different civilizations in the same geographical space. For example, in Mexico there are 11 different languages that are derived from the country's many native ethnic groups, such as the Mayas and the Purépecha. Another example considered is the United States in the state of California specifically on the west coast, where multiculturalism can be affected with the famous Italian and Chinese neighborhoods.What is multiculturalism and interculturality?
Multiculturalism is the coexistence or exchange of several cultures in the same place, while interculturality refers to horizontal communication between groups of people, based on the recognition of the identity of each culture.What is the role of multiculturalism in society?
- Promote understanding and understanding between diverse cultures.
- Admit the diversity of all cultures in all areas and spaces.
- Accept, echo and respect the right to diversity.
- Achieve an exchange of respect and tolerance between the communities.
- Share the different cultures in harmony and peace.
