Multiculturalism

Published On: May 11, 2015

The idea of culture and cultural relevance is something that I value greatly. In a society that has been deemed multicultural, which I understand suggests more than one culture, I believe that it is exceptionally important to be aware of how culture influences our lives. That is, culture influences our lives often without our recognition of it. You do not have to be West Indian to feel the influence of Carabana on your life and the lives of those around you. You do not have to be someone who appreciates punk rock, or reggae music to feel the powerful influence of these musical styles on individual’s lives and culture. I believe, as an individual in our society, it is my obligation to the individuals around me and to myself to be as sensitive and inquisitive as possible to their culture.

Impact Of Multiculturalism on Upbringing and World View

Culture and religion have had a huge influence on my life. I grew up in a particularly multicultural city in Ontario, and I am a mixed-race individual. The differences I had experienced in my life between the families that I grew up in, the friends that I had, and the school I learned in, have had a very pronounced influence on the individual that I am today. I have learned to be curious about others because my life was so different from many of the important individuals in my life. If I could leave you with anything important following your reading of this article, it would be a suggestion to encourage you to be curious about the way others live and understand the world. It is extremely important that quick judgment is ameliorated by inquisitiveness and self-reflection if we as individuals want to foster cultural acceptance.

Tristan Price, B.A. (Hons.), MSc. (Candidate)

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