L'interculturel: théorie et pratique
17 mars, 2008
Interculturalism 101: Theory and practice intercultural
Victor Armony
The terms for societal models of integration are much more than just labels to describe the type of government policies in place against immigrants and minorities.
Expressions like "melting pot", "melting pot of races" or "multiculturalism" condense a way of conceiving the unity and difference in society. Beyond the concrete and specific aspects of each model of integration, cultural societies heterogeneous seek to represent, to justify and distinguish their approach.
Therefore, even if it is unclear how the model 'intercultural' Quebec is, in practice, different model of "multicultural" from the rest of Canada, we must take as a starting point for collective debate about the management of cultural diversity in Quebec society.
That does not prevent them from criticizing the accuracy of the term itself, although it is difficult to propose one to replace him. We can say, for example, that the word "interculturalism" leaves heard by the particle "inter" not only an interaction (which would make the difference vis-à-vis the 'multi', which may suggest the pure juxtaposition without common denominator), but also reports on a footing of equality. So when we say "interfaith dialogue", we do not assume that religion occupies a central place and that others should be deployed in a peripheral position.
However, Quebec's minority cultures must "converge" in a common public culture. Certainly, interculturalism "official" calls for "an understanding mutual cultural differences "and" inter-exchange, but the idea of a "focus for collective identity" remains a key element. Not only the French language is the "point of convergence," but one assumes the duty to participate in a "common public culture." In recent debates about Quebec's identity, this culture has been increasingly associated with a series of so-called "core values".
short, a first observation: Québec interculturalism is not one. But it does not matter! The "melting pot" U.S. is not one, either. As I say, these expressions are referred symbolic beyond the mere description of facts. These metaphors such neologisms reveal the desire to fill a gap, creating a new reality, promote a social project.
To analyze a sociological perspective, one must question their function, what they emphasize and also on what they hide. I am not speaking here of hypocrisy or bad faith on the part of those who govern us. I am referring to the fact that any society itself is in the best light possible. (I do not know of any democratic country in the world that presents itself as the champion of the closure, selfishness or recklessness ...)
But we know that Quebec is in a particularly delicate situation. On the one hand it must assert the cultural heritage of its majority French-Canadian origin, while combating the suspicion (usually unjustified in my opinion) of xenophobia and ethnic hatred awakened from many non-Quebec's nationalist project . On the other hand, while declaring ever open its civic and cultural diversity, Quebec must mobilize substantial resources to restrict the choice of immigrants and minorities in terms of identity, including the linguistic.
I do not wear this value judgments in this regard: I note simply that it is sociologically reasonable to see a community seeks to maximize its chances of survival and that this collective maximization happening in Quebec by to compel the strongest possible immigrants and minorities to adopt the French, to identify with the majority culture French-Canadian origin and contribute to the demographic viability of Quebec.
In the context of this particular power, the notion of interculturalism fulfills an ideological function: it evokes the idea of a relationship of solidarity, a constant exchange and mutual recognition between the various groups, rather between individuals, then it tends not to attract attention to the existence of a clear hierarchy between the sociopolitical culture of the majority of French-Canadian origin, closely associated with common public institutions, and other cultures. Because of its relative fragility (as a minority in North America), the dominant culture in Quebec can not rely on "natural course" of the process of acculturation, as occurs in other companies. It must be more openly interventionist.
But the notion of interculturalism also seeks to emphasize the fact that Quebec society is inclusive, but not assimilation, diverse but not fragmented. How not to agree with this proposal? How not to welcome the fact that Quebec society - Public opinion and elites - want to project this image of openness and civility? It is important not to overlook the importance of this type of rhetoric. English Canadians have made multiculturalism the core of their national identity and are proud when their leaders act in accordance with this ideal. This provision has effects quite concrete government action.
If Quebecers begin to define themselves more and more like a corporation "intercultural", they will tend to react positively to the speech that value cultural diversity. As the recent debate over "reasonable accommodation "Showed, we still have before us a long way to go before that Quebecers are really comfortable with those who are different among them.
It would be desirable that the idea of interculturalism, even with its limitations, will become an integral component of any definition of Quebec society.
17 mars, 2008
Interculturalism 101: Theory and practice intercultural
Victor Armony
The terms for societal models of integration are much more than just labels to describe the type of government policies in place against immigrants and minorities.
Expressions like "melting pot", "melting pot of races" or "multiculturalism" condense a way of conceiving the unity and difference in society. Beyond the concrete and specific aspects of each model of integration, cultural societies heterogeneous seek to represent, to justify and distinguish their approach.
Therefore, even if it is unclear how the model 'intercultural' Quebec is, in practice, different model of "multicultural" from the rest of Canada, we must take as a starting point for collective debate about the management of cultural diversity in Quebec society.
That does not prevent them from criticizing the accuracy of the term itself, although it is difficult to propose one to replace him. We can say, for example, that the word "interculturalism" leaves heard by the particle "inter" not only an interaction (which would make the difference vis-à-vis the 'multi', which may suggest the pure juxtaposition without common denominator), but also reports on a footing of equality. So when we say "interfaith dialogue", we do not assume that religion occupies a central place and that others should be deployed in a peripheral position.
However, Quebec's minority cultures must "converge" in a common public culture. Certainly, interculturalism "official" calls for "an understanding mutual cultural differences "and" inter-exchange, but the idea of a "focus for collective identity" remains a key element. Not only the French language is the "point of convergence," but one assumes the duty to participate in a "common public culture." In recent debates about Quebec's identity, this culture has been increasingly associated with a series of so-called "core values".
short, a first observation: Québec interculturalism is not one. But it does not matter! The "melting pot" U.S. is not one, either. As I say, these expressions are referred symbolic beyond the mere description of facts. These metaphors such neologisms reveal the desire to fill a gap, creating a new reality, promote a social project.
To analyze a sociological perspective, one must question their function, what they emphasize and also on what they hide. I am not speaking here of hypocrisy or bad faith on the part of those who govern us. I am referring to the fact that any society itself is in the best light possible. (I do not know of any democratic country in the world that presents itself as the champion of the closure, selfishness or recklessness ...)
But we know that Quebec is in a particularly delicate situation. On the one hand it must assert the cultural heritage of its majority French-Canadian origin, while combating the suspicion (usually unjustified in my opinion) of xenophobia and ethnic hatred awakened from many non-Quebec's nationalist project . On the other hand, while declaring ever open its civic and cultural diversity, Quebec must mobilize substantial resources to restrict the choice of immigrants and minorities in terms of identity, including the linguistic.
I do not wear this value judgments in this regard: I note simply that it is sociologically reasonable to see a community seeks to maximize its chances of survival and that this collective maximization happening in Quebec by to compel the strongest possible immigrants and minorities to adopt the French, to identify with the majority culture French-Canadian origin and contribute to the demographic viability of Quebec.
In the context of this particular power, the notion of interculturalism fulfills an ideological function: it evokes the idea of a relationship of solidarity, a constant exchange and mutual recognition between the various groups, rather between individuals, then it tends not to attract attention to the existence of a clear hierarchy between the sociopolitical culture of the majority of French-Canadian origin, closely associated with common public institutions, and other cultures. Because of its relative fragility (as a minority in North America), the dominant culture in Quebec can not rely on "natural course" of the process of acculturation, as occurs in other companies. It must be more openly interventionist.
But the notion of interculturalism also seeks to emphasize the fact that Quebec society is inclusive, but not assimilation, diverse but not fragmented. How not to agree with this proposal? How not to welcome the fact that Quebec society - Public opinion and elites - want to project this image of openness and civility? It is important not to overlook the importance of this type of rhetoric. English Canadians have made multiculturalism the core of their national identity and are proud when their leaders act in accordance with this ideal. This provision has effects quite concrete government action.
If Quebecers begin to define themselves more and more like a corporation "intercultural", they will tend to react positively to the speech that value cultural diversity. As the recent debate over "reasonable accommodation "Showed, we still have before us a long way to go before that Quebecers are really comfortable with those who are different among them.
It would be desirable that the idea of interculturalism, even with its limitations, will become an integral component of any definition of Quebec society.
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