'Cultural democracy' best way for Asean?

Many groups look upon same-same but different cultures as immoral or inferior in the belief that a given way – their way – must be best.

What is needed today is for flexible attitudes to expand from segmented views of the world, to become macroscopic rather than microscopic, and to learn to be nation-minded, region-minded and world-minded.

Ethnocentrism must be replaced by the understanding that one particular way is not in itself superior. No individual, nation or ideology has a monopoly on rightness, liberty and human dignity, heeding Amos Comenius’ imperative: “We are all citizens of one world … Let us have one end in view, the welfare of humanity”.

A well-planned multicultural programme can benefit each child within the school setting, achieving at least three goals:

_ Society would be unified by recognising that its wholeness is based on the unique strengths of each of its parts

_ Educators would become responsive to cultural values and knowledgeable about the lifestyles of those they serve

_ Students would be encouraged to develop positive self-concepts and to understand, appreciate and respect the rights of others

The term “cultural pluralism” provides sub-social separation to guarantee the continuance of the ethnic culture, heritage and traditions and the very existence of the group without interfering with the carrying out of standard responsibilities or allegiance to the national welfare. An even more encompassing theory, called “cultural democracy”, characterises a society by its pluralism of cultures within the same educational process. The advantage of a multicultural approach that meets students’ wants, needs, interests, abilities and backgrounds, when injected into the established curricula, is that it can avoid the risk of ethnocentrism and provide for the self-worth of each participant.

What is advocated for Asean is recognition and support for the legitimate right of ethnic groups to maintain some degree of cultural autonomy and ethnic communality, and to regard cultural variations as essentially beneficial for society as a whole, realising that they will ultimately strengthen rather than weaken meaningful sociopolitical solidarity.

Charles Frederickson 

Bangkok