On Successful Multicultural Living

If present trends continue it is estimated that by 2050 Hispanics would comprise one quarter of American society. Some 1,266,264 persons were granted legal residence in the United States in 2006. This growth occurred since the September11, 2001 debacle and the passing of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. This act makes it possible to screen applicants more thoroughly prior to admission into the country. It provides for the access and coordination of law enforcement, deportability of aliens, and a comprehensive share plan with various agencies. This act ensures for the confidentiality of informants, provides tamper-resistant entry and exit documents.

In spite of these changes multiculturalism continues to have a face as a “melting pot” and/or as a “salad bowl” in America. One only has to think of the diverse culture that has evolved since America was settled by the Pilgrims in 1620. Two high profile individuals that have exemplified such a cross pollination of cultures are the golfing star Tiger Woods and the democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Woods’ father is African, Native American and Chinese. His mother is Thai, Chinese and White, and he is married to Elin Nordegen of Sweden. Obama’s parentage is African and White.

Navigating Cultures

Do you have friends from other cultures? Are you planning on adopting a child of another culture? Are you going to be married to someone of a different ethnic group? Do you live in an ethnically diversified neighborhood? If you do, pay attention to these tips for a successful multicultural living.

1. Make sure to do your research. Learn about your adopted child’s background, your husband, wife, friend and/or neighbor’s homeland of origin e.g., geographical location, customs, culture, and language.
2. Meet the people from your country of interest e.g., at festivals, bazaars, fairs, and community groups.
3. Engage in a dialogue. Communication is essential through verbal and nonverbal interactions.
4. Treat persons from other cultures with respect. Do not denigrate another’s culture. Build your knowledge about it.
5. Pay attention to the similarities and differences between cultures through education and support groups
6. Be sensitive to cultural and religious nuances. Remain open-minded to various faith traditions e.g., Judaism, Islam and Hinduism.
7. Avoid condescending and derogatory remarks. Emphasize what is important in a culture. Take the high road.
8. Accept the way individuals view themselves by learning as much as possible of each views of his country
9. Respect the ceremonies and rites of passages of each culture. Look at the strengths as opposed to the weaknesses. Learn why the Jewish Bar/Bas Mitzvah and the Hopi dances in August and September are important.
10. Be cognizant of the foods and dress and contributions to the mainstream culture e.g., Italian pasta and the Mexican sombrero.
11. Learn more about cultures through the images portrayed in the mass media. Be alert and separate sensationalism from a culture’s true attributes.
12. Travel. Make trips to your favorite countries when opportunities arise to learn firsthand what their culture is like. It is best to experience a culture in its own setting.

It was the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965 (the Hart-Cellar Act) that abolished the system of national-origin quotas that had been in place in the United States since the Immigration Act of 1924. This act of non-differentiation like the pointers above would go a long way in contributing towards equity and the basic standards for successful multicultural living in the United States.