Revija za sociologiju, Vol. 29 No. 3-4, 1998.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Whether Multiculturalism Is Melting the Melting Pot or Not?
Milan Mesić
; Odsjek za sociologiju, Filozofski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Sažetak
The article is concerned with the actual controversies relating to the question whether or not the famous American model of assimilation, known as
'Melting-pot' is still operating? Or, has multiculturalism (already) succeeded to impose a new concept both of national identity and integration of the newcomers? In order to make it easier for a reader to follow various aspects of the current debate, the author introduces us to historical heritage as to American identity. Traditionally, two competing concepts had been developed: 'Meltingpot' and 'cultural pluralism'. Melting-pot assimilation was vigorously criticized by American philosopher H. Kallen, who established that it was not working, as imagined, and besides that it was not desirable as an ideal. His concept of 'cultural pluralism' has from the end of 80s been taken over by multiculturalism. For its advocates multiculturalism is a cultural conception which rejects European cultural dominance and Melting-pot assimilation, and promotes recognition of cultural diversities. In that spirit it seeks for the new alternative metaphors for the American cultural and national identity, as 'mosaic' or 'salad bowl'. For his opponents it is an anti-American and anti-European ideology, which, under the cover of cultural relativism, negates the cultural achievements of the Euro-American civilization. The author restrains himself to give either positive or negative answer to the question from the title. He expects rather that the opposing cultural processes perhaps lead to a kind of an inter- model of identity designated as La Raza Cosmica.
Ključne riječi
multiculturalism; assimilation; melting pot; cultural pluralism; cultural identity; national identity; migration; America
Hrčak ID:
154424
URI
Datum izdavanja:
31.12.1998.
Posjeta: 1.412 *