By: Shirley Olatunji
Imagine a world where we all dance to the same tune and beat, a world where no one stands out, or everyone looks alike, sounds alike, does things the same way, has the same food, has the same language and has no innovation; that is what a world without multiculturalism would be. However, just a slight change in food, language, the establishment of another culture, or a new innovation makes the world more beautiful and filled with unique personalities, people, countries and more. People become excited to move from the usual norm to experience a different life. This establishes the importance of unique people and cultures, making life rich and unique.
As humans, we yearn for recognition, connection and relationships, which define us as whether we are seen or not. This feeling does not make us terrible, but is rather a feeling that becomes natural even as we stand out in the world. Everyone wants their uniqueness out in the world as one of the human needs is self-actualization, where we want to feel and see the extent to which we have grown and how far we have achieved our goals and aspirations. Remember that you are not alone if you feel the urge to be seen.
Many people see the beauty of multiculturalism in festivals, multicultural events, singing and dancing in different languages and cultures, and colorful outfits particular to different cultures. I put it to you that it is a lot more than that. Multiculturalism is not about recognizing that our differences are only showcased or coexisting with those different cultures, but should give meaningful connections, understanding, shared experiences, strength, empowerment and hope for the bright future ahead of us.
Highlighting the importance of multiculturalism and its value to our society is imperative, especially among students.
Vast culture and global awareness: Multiculturalism brings about a wide range of cultures, clothing, traditions, languages, food and more that allows individuals to learn from one another, thereby expanding their knowledge and understanding. This vast culture helps foster appreciation and valuing of diverse cultures, creating global awareness.
Inclusivity: Multiculturalism promotes creating environments for people with diverse backgrounds to feel accepted and respected. This inclusivity not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities and institutions.
Building a Supportive Community: Multiculturalism allows individuals to connect with others with similar cultural backgrounds. This connection helps to provide a sense of belonging and support.
Cultural Celebrations: The cultural events and traditions that are celebrated allow one to foster a sense of pride in one's culture during those events and festivals within the community.
Remember that our differences are not weaknesses but strengths that make us unique and stand out. This is the multiculturalism that we should celebrate and experience in our community. Let's embrace a society where we feel seen, heard, respected and valued because multiculturalism defines the beauty of our society.
Let's keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts on the importance of multiculturalism and feeling seen in the comments below.