Avtar

Western colonization has resulted in white monoculturalism dominating social functioning and social order. Multiculturalism is vulnerable to extinction when it is greatly suppressed in our monocultural society. Participating in the LICC sessions has introduced me to groupmates with distinct intersectionalities. I was surprised to learn my group mates and I are all members of racialized minority groups; thus commodities of (oppressive) white supremacy. The vulnerable conversations my groupmates and I shared illustrated the overdue demand for fostered inclusion. 

Society is comprised of distinct individuals who unite to create a multifaceted social order; founded on the forceful adherence to white colonial rule. Multiculturalism alludes to the cohesive and harmonious functioning of distinct populations. Canadians have pridefully self-titled our nation as a “melting pot of cultures”, a beautiful metaphor founded upon the rejection of diversity. A melting pot insinuates unwanted cultures will adulterate themselves into the wanted culture (whiteness) thus eliminating multiculturalism.

Concluding the LICC discussions, I believe Canada is a “Charcuterie board” of cultures. A nation where every individual and distinct culture is respected as an ingredient in the cohesive ensemble. Much like a charcuterie board, cultures are extraordinary self-standing however much greater when combined. Monoculturalism is best challenged when approached with flexibility and willingness to challenge oppressive worldviews.

The first step towards achieving multiculturalism is simply acknowledging it; I did this by rejecting stubborn and hurtful biases when speaking to my groupmates. To promote multiculturalism while rejecting white monoculturalism we must take united action. Approaching diversity with curiosity and willingness fosters inclusion. Offering diverse, accessible, and inclusive languages, services, and cultural practices across the nation pushes an uplifting narrative. The traits which white monoculturalism entails (“whiteness”) have conditioned society to deem any dissimilar trait as inferior.

Next, to avoid neglecting diversity, we must destigmatize it. By simply employing superiority to the English language (the mother tongue of the colonizer) society deems individuals who have trouble speaking the language as inferior and unintelligent. We must be patient and understanding when conversing with individuals in English who have difficulty doing so; my groupmates and I became more vulnerable with our discussions when we became aware of the safe space we created for one another. Multiculturalism is destined to manifest a beautiful and vibrant system of dissimilar adherents who accept a common equitable social functioning, we must take action to achieve it. 

Avtar Judge, HR 261, Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford