Multiculturalism

What is Multiculturalism?
It is the coexistence of various cultures, where culture includes racial, religious, or
cultural groups and is expressed in customary behaviors, cultural assumptions and
values, thinking patterns, and communicative styles.
Multiculturalism seeks to reduce discrimination against minority cultural communities in
order to promote the ideal of non-discrimination. As more countries became democratic,
they eliminated discrimination based on religion, gender, caste, race, and so on.
Multiculturalism contributes to this ongoing democratization project by drawing attention
to a previously overlooked site of discrimination: cultural identity. The most important
contribution of multiculturalism is the recognition that cultural identities can be a source
of marginalization and that state actions can disadvantage minorities.
Understanding Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is defined as a state's ability to deal with plurality within its sovereign
borders in an effective and efficient manner. In contracts to "Melting Pot," it tends to
consider society as a "salad bowl" and a "cultural mosaic." Theories of multiculturalism
have drawn on liberalism while also attempting to go beyond it. Liberal multiculturalism
is based on a commitment to liberty and tolerance: the ability to choose one's own moral
beliefs, cultural practices, and way of life, regardless of whether those around agree
with them.
Multiculturalism advocates policies that promote cultural diversity in society in order to
eliminate cultural discrimination in liberal democratic politics. Protecting and promoting
cultural diversity is a primary value within multiculturalism, and it strongly favors them
for the purposes of 1) minimizing minority discrimination and 2) creating conditions in
which minority cultures can survive and thrive. According to multicultural theorists,
liberal state policies put external pressure on minorities to assimilate into minority
culture.
According to Charles Taylor, if we are unable to contribute to our ancestors' legacy, we
must ensure that diversity survives and does not perish. Multiculturalism advocates that
the presence of multiple cultures contributes to society's "overall richness."
Why is Diversity Important?
Multiculturalism is essential for attaining a high level of cultural diversity. When people
of different races, nationalities, religions, ethnicities, and philosophies come together to
form a community, they create diversity. A truly diverse society recognizes and values
its people's cultural differences.
Multiculturalism has numerous advantages. The main benefit is that it promotes open-
mindedness among various groups of people and dispels negative stereotypes. This is
critical because the UN reported that one-third of the world's major conflicts have a
cultural component.
Cultural diversity not only promotes peace, but it also makes our society a more
interesting place to live. Different cultures have their own set of beliefs and interests that
they can share in order to provide alternative ways of doing things. People from various
cultures can provide us with unique perspectives on food, language, music, arts and
literature, history, religion, and other topics.
Characteristics of Multiculturalism
 Multiculturalism is, at its core, a positive endorsement of communal diversity,
which typically arises from racial, ethnic, and linguistic differences. As a result,
multiculturalism is a distinct political position rather than a coherent and
programmatic political doctrine.
 Multiculturalism starts with the belief that minority cultural groups are
disadvantaged in comparison to the majority, because state policies embedded
in majority culture do not consider minority cultural needs.
 Multicultural theorists advance two broad sets of arguments in favor of communal
diversity, one based on individual benefits and the other on societal benefits.
Individuals are culturally embedded, and their understanding of the world and
sense of personal identity are derived from the culture in which they live and
develop, according to multiculturalism. As a result, distinct cultures deserve to be
protected or strengthened, especially when they belong to minority or vulnerable
groups.
 The concept of minority or multicultural rights, which includes the rights of
representation, the right to respect for cultural, and generally religious, practices
that are otherwise prohibited by law or policies, and the right to recognition thru
the preservation of symbols that promote collective esteem.
 Multiculturalism benefits society by bringing the benefits of diversity: a vibrancy
and richness that stems from cultural interaction and encourages tolerance and
respect for other cultures and religions, while also strengthening insight into one's
own culture.
 Recognition of different cultural identifies, according to multicultural theorists, is
the first step toward recognizing specific needs of minorities.
 Multiculturalism advocates various measures to ensure cultural diversity, such as
cultural recognition and respect, as well as a diverse set of rights for minorities
such as self-government rights, polyethnic rights, and representation rights.
Challenges to Multiculturalism
There are two main arguments against multiculturalism. One is that multiculturalism
prioritizes the interests of specific groups over the common good, potentially
undermining the common good in best interest of a minority interest. If people perceive
themselves as delegates of ethnic or racial groups rather than citizens of a single
country, national unity may become impossible. The second is that multiculturalism
undermines the concept of equal individual rights, which may be set aside or devalued
in favor of group rights.
PHILIPPINES
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is a Southeast Asian
archipelago. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of approximately
7,641 islands divided into three major geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao.
The culture of the Philippines is extremely diverse. This is due to the country's colorful
mix of different nationalities. Its culture reflects the complexities of the Philippines'
history as a result of the blending of Pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian civilizations.
Spain, the United States, China, India, and the Arabs are among the countries that have
influenced Philippine culture. The influences of these countries can still be seen in the
various practices of Filipinos today. The Spaniards introduced the Spanish language,
Catholicism, and other religious festivals such as fiestas. The use of the English
language and the presence of contemporary pop culture such as fast food, music,
movies, basketball, and media demonstrate the American influence. The Arabs and
Indians brought Islam to the Philippines' southernmost island, along with their own
customs and traditions. The Chinese brought with them trade and commerce, as well as
their affirmation of the value of respect and family.
Society
The locals of the Philippines are called Filipinos. Their forefathers are Malays from the
southeastern Asian country that is now known as Indonesia. The Philippines is a mixed
society that exists in both singular and plural forms. It is singular as a nation, but plural
in that it is geographically and culturally fragmented. The country is divided into
Christians, Muslims, and other religious-ethno-linguistic groups; urban and rural people;
upland and lowland people; and rich and poor people. Despite their differences,
Filipinos are very hospitable and treat everyone with respect, regardless of race,
culture, or belief.
Population
According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH), the Philippines'
total population as of May 2020 is 109,035,343. The President of the Philippines has
declared this count to be official for all purposes in Proclamation No. 1179 dated July
20, 2021. The Philippine population increased by 8,053,906 from 100,981,437 in 2015,
resulting in a 1.63% annual population growth rate. Region IV-A (CALABARZON) had
the highest population of the 17 administrative regions in 2020, with 16,195,042.
Ethnic Groups in Luzon
1.) Tagalog – The Tagalogs are believed to be the largest ethnic group in the
Philippines, with the majority of locals living in the National Capital Region or NCR,
Region 4A (CALABARZON), and Region 4B (MIMAROPA), and wielding significant
political power in the country. Tagalog is the Filipinos' mother tongue, and it was chosen
as the basis for the national language (Filipino), which is taught in all schools.
2.) Ilocano – The Ilocano people are thought to be the Philippines' third largest
ethnolinguistic group, primarily residing in the Ilocos Region and parts of Cagayan
Valley. They are known for their prudence and hard work. This ethnic group in the
Philippines continues to practice their old traditions in order to preserve their culture.
3.) Kapampangan – Kapampangan is a Luzon ethnic group that primarily inhabits
Pampanga and parts of Central Luzon. Kapampangan, known as the "Culinary Capital
of the Philippines," takes pride in their sumptuous recipes and values family ties.
4.) Bicolano – Bicolano people are those who are living in the Bicol Region. This
Filipino ethnicity is known for its religiosity and calmness. They are also known for their
distinct cooking style, with coconut milk being a must in Bicolano dishes.
5. Aeta – The Aeta Filipino ethnicity, also known as Ita, is one of the oldest in the
Philippines. Aetas are indigenous to the mountainous province of Zambales. Their way
of life is simple and traditional, especially when it comes to food hunting.
6.) Igorot – The Igorots live in the Cordillera Administrative Region, also known as the
CAR. This Cordillera ethnic group popularized some Philippine destinations such as the
Banaue Rice Terraces, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Philippines,
people have strong beliefs and ethnic traditions, and they value their anito.
7.) Ivatan – The Ivatans are a popular ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines because
of their noble characteristics such as hard work and honesty. Most tourists who visit the
Philippines regard the Ivatans as the friendliest locals. This ethnic group is found in the
Philippines, and their way of life is very simple.
8.) Mangyan – Mangyans are the ethnic group found in the Mindoro provinces, which
are divided into eight groups. To this day, Mangyans continue to practice their old
traditions and culture in the hopes of preserving them. One of their traditions is to carve
ambahan (a type of poem) in bamboo.
Ethnic Groups in Visayas
9.) Cebuano – Cebuanos are a significant ethnic group in the Philippines. The majority
of these people reside in Cebu and parts of Mindanao. They are known for being
imaginative, soft-spoken, and composed.
10. Waray – The Waray are an ethnic group in the Philippines who live in the provinces
of Samar and Leyte. They are known for being brave and strong, but also very loving,
especially towards their family.
11. Ilonggo – The Ilonggo people are the most notable ethnic group in the Philippines
in terms of description, because the best word to describe them is tender. They are
gentle and quiet. Ilonggos live in the provinces of Iloilo, Panay, Guimaras, and Negros.
12.) Ati – Ati is also one of the Philippines' most notable ethnic groups. This is not to be
confused with the Aetas. They may appear similar, but they speak different languages.
But, like the Aetas, hunting is an important part of their way of life. They are mostly
found in the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo.
13.) Suludnon – The Suludnon Filipino ethnicity is well-known for their cultural dance
Binanog, in which they use the agung to mimic the movements of an eagle. This ethnic
group in the Philippines is found in Capiz-Lambunao.
Ethnic Groups in Mindanao
14. Badjao – In the Philippines, the Badjao tribe can be found in Zamboanga and Sulu,
where they live above water and are known as Sea Nomads or Sea Gypsies. Because
the people of this ethnolinguistic group in Mindanao are also good swimmers, the sea is
their primary source of income.
15.) Yakan – Yakan are a Filipino ethnic group who live in Basilan. Weaving is an
important part of their culture.
16.) B’laan - The B'laan people are from South Cotabato and Davao del Sur. They are
well-known for producing abaca clothing embellished with ornaments, bass, and beads.
17. Maranao – The name Maranao comes from the phrase "lawa ng Lanao del Sur at
Lanao del Norte." This Filipino ethnicity popularized the traditional clothing malong
throughout the country.
18.) T’boli - T'Boli is one of Mindanao's most well-known ethnolinguistic groups.
T'Nalak, their beautiful and colorful traditional clothing, is well-known. This Filipino
ethnic group is found in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
19.) Tausug - The Tausug people are one of the Philippines' five notable ethnic groups.
Tausugs, also known as the People of the Current, live above the sea of Sulu in floating
houses.
20.) Bagobo - The Bagobos are thought to have been the first to encounter Spanish
colonizers. The Spanish, however, were unable to colonize them. The Bagobos are
mostly found in Davao.
Languages
Ethnologue lists 186 individual languages in the Philippines, 182 of which are still
spoken today, while four have no known speakers. The majority of the country's
languages are closely related, belonging to one of the Austronesian subfamilies -
specifically, Western Malayo-Polynesian-languages. The country's major languages
generally correspond to the largest ethnic groups. Tagalog is the most widely spoken
language in the Central Philippine subfamily, with the majority of native speakers
residing in Manila, central and south-central Luzon, and the islands of Mindoro and
Marinduque. Pilipino (also known as Filipino) is the national language of the Philippines
and shares an official language and medium of instruction with English (the lingua
franca). Tagalog (including Pilipino) have the most written literature of any Philippine
language. Cebuano, another Central Philippine language, is widely spoken in Cebu,
Bohol, the eastern Negros, western Leyte, and parts of Mindanao. Ilocano is the most
widely spoken language of the Northern Luzon subfamily, and its speakers make up the
Philippines' third largest language community.
Other prominent Central Philippine languages include Hiligaynon and Waray-Waray,
both of which are spoken in the Visayas, as well as several varieties of Bicol, which are
spoken in southern Luzon. The Tausug language is widely spoken in Palawan and the
Sulu Archipelago, where it is spoken by Tausug as well as many non-Tausug
communities. Similarly, the Northern Philippine subfamily languages of Kapampangan
and Pangasinan have a large number of speakers in central Luzon. The Maguindanao
and Maranao of western Mindanao speak notable Southern Philippine subfamily
languages.
Religion
The Philippines is a secular state that respects religious freedom. Christianity is the
dominant faith, with approximately 89% of the population practicing it. As of 2013, the
country had the third largest Roman Catholic population in the world and was Asia's
largest Christian nation. According to 2015 census data, approximately 79.53% of the
population identified as Catholic. Around 37% of the population attends Mass on a
regular basis, and 29% of self-identified Catholics consider themselves very religious.
The Philippine Independent Church, an independent Catholic church, has approximately
66,959 members. In 2015, Protestants made up 9.13% of the population. Iglesia ni
Cristo has 2.64% of the population. The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches has
a combined following of 2.42% of the total population.
Islam is the world's second most popular religion. According to 2015 census data, the
Muslim population in the Philippines made up 6.01% of the total population. In contrast,
the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos reported in 2012 that approximately
10,700,000, or 11% of Filipinos, are Muslims. Mindanao and its neighboring islands are
home to the vast majority of Muslims. Most adhere to the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam.
As of 2008, the combined percentage of positive atheists and agnostics in the
Philippines was around 3% of the population. The religion of approximately 0.02% of the
population was reported as "none" in the 2015 Philippine Census. According to a 2014
Gallup International Association survey, 21% of respondents identify as "not religious."
Indigenous Philippine folk religions are practiced by approximately 0.24% of the
population, and their practices and beliefs are frequently syncretized with Christianity
and Islam. Buddhism is practiced by approximately 0.03% of the population, primarily by
Filipinos of Chinese descent.
Culture
The country's fragmented geography contributes to significant cultural diversity across
the islands. Because of the limited Spanish influence and greater influence from nearby
Islamic regions, the cultures of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago developed in a
particularly distinct manner. Despite this, in the nineteenth century, a national identity
emerged, the development of which is represented by shared national symbols and
other cultural and historical touchstones.
The prevalence of Spanish names and surnames among Filipinos is one of the most
visible Hispanic legacies; however, a Spanish name and surname does not necessarily
denote Spanish ancestry. This peculiarity was brought about by a colonial edict issued
by Governor-General Narciso Clavera y Zaldua, which ordered the systematic
distribution of family names and the implementation of Hispanic nomenclature on the
population. Many place names are also Spanish or have Spanish roots and origins.
Modern Filipino culture has been heavily influenced by the United States. The
widespread use of the English language exemplifies the American influence on
Philippine society. It has aided in the spread of American pop cultural trends. Filipinos'
consumption of fast food, as well as American film and music, demonstrates this affinity.
American global fast-food chain stalwarts have entered the market, but local fast-food
chains such as Goldilocks and, most notably, Jollibee, the country's leading fast-food
chain, have emerged and successfully compete with foreign chains.
Values
Filipinos' distinct value system is primarily rooted in personal alliance systems,
particularly those based on kinship, obligation, friendship, religion (particularly
Christianity), and commercial relationships. Filipino values are primarily concerned with
maintaining social harmony, and are motivated primarily by a desire to be accepted
within a group. The main penalties for deviating from these values are the concepts of
"Hiya," roughly translated as "shame," and "Amor propio," or "self-esteem." Major
concerns include social approval, acceptance by a group, and belonging to a group.
Caring about what others will think, say, or do has a strong influence on Filipino social
behavior. Other elements of the Filipino value system include optimism about the future,
pessimism about current situations and events, concern and care for others, friendship
and friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, religious nature, respect for self and
others, respect for female members of society, fear of God, and abhorrence of acts of
cheating and thievery.
Economic Status
As the Philippines recovers from the worst of the pandemic and transitions to a new
administration, the economy is well positioned to recoup lost ground and return to pre-
pandemic levels. As restrictions were eased, the country's GDP grew by 8.2% in the
first quarter and 7.4% in the second quarter, building on the momentum generated in
2021, when the economy grew by 5.6% and returned to pre-pandemic levels. This was
primarily due to the continued resumption of activity in the country's major economic
sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Retail and services have also grown
significantly as pandemic-related restrictions have eased, allowing for a gradual
resumption of domestic and international tourism.

United States
The United States of America, or simply the United States, is a transcontinental country
primarily located in North America. It is made up of fifty states, one federal district, five
major unincorporated territories, nine minor outlying islands, and 326 Indian
reservations. It is the third largest country in terms of total area and the fourth largest in
terms of land area.
Population
As of April 2020, the United States had 331,449,281 residents, making it the world's
third most populous country after China and India. According to the Bureau's U.S.
Population Clock, the U.S. population increased by one person every 100 seconds, or
about 864 people per day, on January 28, 2021. 52% of Americans aged 15 and up
were married in 2018, 6% were widowed, 10% were divorced, and 32% had never
married. The United States had the world's highest rate (23%) of children living in
single-parent households in 2020, with a total fertility rate of 1.64 children per woman.
The population of the United States of America is diverse; 37 ancestry groups have
more than one million members. White Americans of European ancestry constitute the
largest racial and ethnic group in the United States, accounting for 57.8% of the
population. Hispanic and Latino Americans are the second largest group, accounting for
18.7% of the US population. African Americans make up the third-largest ancestry
group in the United States, accounting for 12.1% of the population. Asian Americans are
the country's fourth largest group, accounting for 5.9%, while Native Americans account
for about 1%. The median age of the US population in 2020 was 38.5 years.
In 2018, there were nearly 90 million immigrants and children born in the United States
of immigrants, accounting for 28% of the total U.S. population. In 2017, approximately
45% (20.7 million) of the foreign-born population in the United States were naturalized
citizens, 27% (12.3 million) were lawful permanent residents, 6% (2.2 million) were
temporary lawful residents, and 23% (10.5 million) were unauthorized immigrants. For
decades, the United States led the world in refugee resettlement, accepting more
refugees than the rest of the world combined.
Language
The de facto national language of the United States is English (specifically, American
English). Although there is no federal official language, some laws, such as U.S.
naturalization requirements, standardize English, and the majority of states have
declared English to be the official language. In addition to English, three states and four
US territories have recognized local or indigenous languages: Hawaii (Hawaiian),
Alaska (twenty Native languages), South Dakota (Sioux), American Samoa (Samoan),
Puerto Rico (Spanish), Guam (Chamorro), and the Northern Mariana Islands (Carolinian
and Chamorro). Spanish is more widely spoken in Puerto Rico than English.
In terms of enrollment numbers from kindergarten to university undergraduate
education, the most widely taught foreign languages in the United States are Spanish
(around 7.2 million students), French (1.5 million), and German (500,000). Latin,
Japanese, American Sign Language, Italian, and Chinese are also commonly taught
languages.
Religion
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution The free exercise of religion is
guaranteed by the Constitution, and Congress is prohibited from passing laws
governing its establishment. The two largest religions founded in the United States are
the Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) and the Jehovah's Witnesses,
while more traditional religions such as Catholicism and Protestantism were imported
from other countries.
The United States has the world's largest Christian population. Protestantism is the
most common Christian religious group in the country, accounting for nearly half of all
Americans. Baptists are the largest Protestant denomination, accounting for 15.4% of
the U.S. population, and the Southern Baptist Convention is the largest individual
Protestant denomination, accounting for 5.3% of the U.S. population. The remaining
Protestants belong to other denominations, are nondenominational, or were not
identified in the survey. Socially conservative evangelical Protestantism plays a
significant cultural role in the so-called Bible Belt, which is primarily located in the
southern United States. Religion, on the other hand, plays the least important role in
New England and the Western United States.
According to a 2014 survey, 70.6% of adults in the United States identified as
Christians, with 5.9% claiming a non-Christian religion. Judaism (1.9%), Islam (1.1%),
Hinduism (0.7%), and Buddhism (0.7%) are among them. The survey also found that
22.8% of Americans identified as agnostic, atheist, or having no religion. Membership in
a house of worship fell from 70% in 1999 to 47% in 2020, with a large portion of the
drop attributed to the number of Americans expressing no religious preference.
Membership did, however, fall among those who identified with a specific religious
group.
Culture and Society
The United States is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, traditions, and values,
and it wields significant cultural clout on a global scale. Aside from Native Americans,
Native Hawaiians, and Native Alaskans, nearly all Americans or their ancestors have
immigrated or been imported as slaves in the last five centuries. Mainstream American
culture is a Western culture derived primarily from the traditions of European
immigrants, with influences from a variety of other sources, including African slave
traditions. Recent Asian and Latin American immigration has enriched a cultural mix
that has been described as a homogenizing melting pot and a heterogeneous salad
bowl, with immigrants contributing to, and often assimilating into, mainstream American
culture. Nonetheless, there is significant social inequality based on race and wealth.
Americans have traditionally been defined by a strong work ethic, competitiveness, and
individualism, as well as a shared belief in a "American creed" that emphasizes liberty,
equality, private property, democracy, the rule of law, and a preference for limited
government. Americans are extremely charitable by global standards: according to a
Charities Aid Foundation study from 2016, Americans donated 1.44% of total GDP to
charity, the highest rate in the world by a wide margin.
Economic Status
The United States' economic freedom score is 72.1, ranking it 25th in the 2022 Index.
The United States is ranked third among 32 countries in the Americas region, with an
overall score that is higher than the regional and global averages.
The US economy, which had been growing moderately prior to the COVD-19 pandemic,
contracted dramatically in 2020. Growth will resume in 2021. A decade-long trend of
declining economic freedom has continued, albeit briefly in 2019. Because of a sharp
drop in its fiscal health score, the United States has lost 3.0 points in overall economic
freedom since 2017, falling from the upper half to the lower half of the "Mostly Free"
category. The rule of law and business freedom are strong, but the economy is being
crushed by reckless government spending.