Multiculturalism: some inconvenient truths
Book Review by Barry Thorpe
By Rumy Hasan, Politico’s, 2010, paperback
The left in this country has had the reputation of championing the cause of anti-racism, gay rights and civil liberties, but now it is seen to be blind to the obvious problems with the doctrine of multiculturalism, and even paralysed by the hypnotic term “Islamophobia”, which it has been persuaded equates with “racism”. It is therefore not only reluctant to criticise illiberal and oppressive practices of some minorities, but even manufactures apologetics on the grounds of respect for multicultural differences. Dr Hasan’s book drives a bulldozer through this edifice of double standards, misinterpretation and wilful ignorance.
In his book he distinguishes between multiculturalism on the superficial level, such as cuisine, music, films, and fundamentals such as attitudes to personal freedom in matters of religion, marriage and career. The first is welcome, and the second, insofar as they conflict with hard-won enlightenment values, utterly repugnant. When the concept of culture becomes confused – often as a deliberate ploy – with the practice of religion, which is given certain rights in law, then the danger to society is even greater.
In certain parts of the country, monocultural ghettoes are being created, many of whose inhabitants lead parallel lives, unwilling or compelled to share the way of life of the host population. They live in a state of psychic detachment. One symbol of this is the hijab, which the author investigates in more detail in a later chapter.
Multiculturalism as an apparently benign or even laudable concept is being used as a cover for endless demands for religious privilege, while the accusation of “Islamophobia” is used to silence legitimate criticism of certain cultural practices. Dr Hasan takes up a whole chapter on “Islamophobia” as an offspring of multiculturalism.
The last part of the book discusses obstacles to closer social cohesion (which the last government heavily promoted without in the least understanding that its own policies were the greatest impediment to it). There is a section on the pernicious effects of segregating children in schools by parents’ religion, white liberal post-colonial guilt, and one on the weakness of secularism as it exists in this country (secular people for the most part, distinctly un-secular establishment).
Finally, Dr Hasan suggests some solutions, including the emphasis on a common identity based on common values, instead of stressing — “celebrating” — differences, and the need to break down segregation. He says: “What this discussion points to is unambiguous: the foundational principle of an integrated, cohesive society that is based on justice and egalitarianism must be one law for all [his emphasis]. This sends out a powerful signal that the government is sincere and determined in attempting to build society on the basis of common citizenship ... we can make the case that integration and social cohesion are improved the more religion is confined to the private sphere.”
NSS members will be interested to see the NSS quoted more than once, and that Dr Hasan’s views on “faith” schools are scarcely different from those of the NSS.
This book articulates very clearly the dangers and fallacies inherent in the current concept of multiculturalism, illustrated with example after example. It should be compulsory reading for every MP and every government department.
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