Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. thinks that multiculturalism is “bunk” and that immigrants should assimilate to their new surroundings by learning to speak English. The presentation may be a bit brusque, but the general sentiments span the political spectrum. Arthur Schlesinger Jr. has spoken in more measured tones to the same effect. Personally, I suspect that many persons who do not wish to be “insensitive” on both the Left and Right are also the very same people who would argue for reinstitution of the draft to unify American culture and breakdown the barriers between the citizenry. They must realize the cross-purposes that they work toward now and then.
But, I have made my opinion on this topic clear many a time, I believe that assimilation is the path to national survival, etc. etc. etc. Now I want to focus on the topic of “diversity training,” something that a state representative believes that the governor of Maryland needs to go through. Nevermind the Maoist strain of thinking this suggests, that people need to be “re-educated.” How about really teaching diversity? There is a lot of ethnological diversity out there. I have talked to way too many Argentines who have been presented with burritos as a dinner to remind them of their homeland when they are being hosted as exchange students. Hindus asked about whether they worship Muhammed and Muslims asked whether they worship cows. Japanese who are assumed to be experts on Feng-Shui and Frenchmen who are asked about their king.
“Diversity training” as it is implemented in this day and age is all about the substance of style, words like “ignorance” are flung about, but very little is done to enlighten anyone. America is not a reflection of the diversity of the world, rather, it is a very peculiar re-interpretation of the true diversity. “Asians” from India to Hokkadio become “Asian-American,” Mayan peasants and German Argentines become “Hispanic,” while African Americans construct a mythical “Mother Africa” that exists as a unitary whole, fractured only by the intrustion of European colonialism…the dream goes on….
Posted by razib at 11:16 PM