Viewpoint: Let's Celebrate Cultural Diversity Today

New York, N.Y.   Personally, I have always celebrated multiculturalism and valued living in a cosmopolitan city. So, it was with great pain in 2010, while living briefly in Georgia, that I observed the debate and wrangling in that state over legislation to make English the only language to administer driver’s license examines. It was a thinly veiled attempt to target immigrants.

Supporters claimed that the legislation was foremost about public safety: residents who can’t read English would ignore road signs. Yet, the law would have carved out an exception for illiterate Georgians—many of them residing in the state’s rural area.

That argument seemed hollow. It reeked of xenophobia. I joined the protesters who correctly characterized the bill as anti-immigration and racist. It was one of several pieces of legislation that targeted immigrants (others included access to public colleges and empowering police to question individuals about their status).

A fear of foreign cultures often leads to destructive policies that fuels hatred. So, it is with great enthusiasm that I celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity . After the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001, the U.N. General Assembly declared May 21 the global day to deepen our knowledge of other cultures and to advocate for cultural diversity.

Mongolia's National Ensemble of Folk Song & Dance   UN/Ryan Brown.

Diversity matters because we live in a globalized world in which people, ideas and products flow at unprecedented high levels across physical borders and in cyberspace. A clash of civilizations is perhaps inevitable. But if we could learn to appreciate our differences, this global movement will cause less conflict.

Many challenges abound. Even in a multicultural city like London, embracing diversity is not easy. White Britons with deep roots in London reacted with chagrin after learning that they are a minority in London for the first time . One White Londoner denied having any racial prejudice but said the government allowed too many foreigners to immigrate. Openness and cultural exchange can remedy the tensions that inevitably arise.

Another type of cultural conflict exists when American companies, such as McDonald’s, open in foreign countries. Host countries often fear the impact of the fast food giant on its culture, or the McWorld effect.

(c) Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

But McDonald’s illustrates what can happen when cultures mix: localization occurs . Consumers in India can order a BigSpicy Paneer Wrap, a popular vegetarian meal available only in India. And Mexicans can select a McMollete from the menu, which includes refried beans and salsa.

On this World Day of Cultural Diversity, organizers call on the global community to “ Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion .” The U.N. Alliance for Civilizations encourages people and organizations to take concrete actions to support diversity. The goals are to raise awareness about diversity, build a community committed to diversity, and combat polarization and stereotypes of minority cultures. A Facebook campaign is a platform to share experiences.

Here are 10 simple things you can do to celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity:

1. Visit an art exhibit or a museum dedicated to other cultures

2. Invite a family or people in the neighborhood from another culture or religion to share a meal with you and exchange views on life

3. Rent a movie or read a book from another country or religion than your own

4. Invite people from a different culture to share your customs

5. Read about the great thinkers of other cultures than yours (e.g. Confucius, Socrates, Avicenna, Ibn Khaldun, Aristotle, Ganesh, Rumi

6. Go next weekend to visit a place of worship different than yours and participate in the celebration

7. Play the “stereotypes game.” Stick a post-its on your forehead with the name of a country. Ask people to tell you stereotypes associated with people from that country. You win if you find out where you are from

8. Learn about traditional celebrations from other cultures; learn more about Hanukkah or Ramadan or about amazing celebrations of New Year’s Eve in Spain or Qingming festival in China.

9. Spread your own culture around the world through our Facebook page and learn about other cultures

10. Explore music of a different culture

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