Multiculturalism, Has It Failed?

2201 Words9 Pages
‘Multiculturalism is increasingly under attack in Europe as having ‘failed’ to integrate minorities.’ Discuss this accusation. In this essay I will discuss the accusation that multiculturalism is increasingly under attack in Europe as having failed to integrate minorities. It is hard to make a sweeping generalisation on this topic due to the many factors involved and pros and cons of multiculturalism. It encompasses such a large number of people who are affected therefore there will always be exceptions to the general trends but I will be looking at both sides of the argument. In writing this essay I will examine the efforts made by governments to integrate people of ethnic minorities into Western society by means of government policy and government bodies set up to aid this integration. I will draw material from a variety of sources to get an all-rounded view of the reality of multiculturalism, or lack thereof. I will look at the problems or obstacles that hinder the representation of minorities in public bodies and if it is indeed a true reflection and representation of the communities themselves. I shall discuss the suggestion that the government’s efforts to create a multi-cultural society contributes to the public’s perception of ethnic minorities as being different, creating an ‘us’ and a ‘them’ mentality, which may reinforce racist tendencies and produce racial divisions within the society. I will of course be including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron’s assertion that multiculturalism has failed and the controversy regarding this statement that ensued, as well as Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy’s statements to the same affect. I will look at the recent rise of Islamophobia and the consequences it has for the treatment and perception of Muslims living in Europe. I will examine multiculturalism as a whole and discuss the ideas
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