This volume is a unique and provocative contribution to the current debates on multiculturalism in the United States. The author argues that the discourse of multiculturalism has been hampered by a focus on the political and social (secular) implications of multiculturalism, and this has led to a subsequent failure to examine multiculturalism/diversity as existantial and spiritual dimensions of humanity. Issues covered include contemporary public discourse on notions about and roles of culture, national identity, language and education. The author brings a humanist perspective to bear on this analysis - a firm belief that diversity is a human concern that transcends any single ideology or ethnicity. Another strength of this work is its grounding in contemporary public/popular discourse and issues.
Prologue. THE NARRATIVE. THE NATURE OF CIVILITY. The Construction of Otherness. Homogeneity and Otherness. Institutional Beings. The Nature of Dialogue, Politics, Ethics, Economics and Aesthetics. THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE. Universal Grammar. Modes and Rheomodes. Primitive Peoples and Primitive Languages. Different Cultures, Different Perceptions, Different Expectations. Language and Diversity. Reductionism, Holism, and Communication. DIVERSITY AS LIFE. Criticisms and Complaints. Objectivity and Subjectivity. Tribalism and Symbolism. Diversity and Devolution. Technology and Homogeneity. The Nature of Assimilation. The Nature of Toleration. ON WAYS OF BEING. Our Spiritual Quest. Our Meaning Quest. Language and Communication. EPILOGUE. Appendixes. References. Author Index. Subject Index.
