Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks: Multiculturalism ‘Has Had Its Day’

Although it starts off with the usual mischaracterization of multiculturalism (or the European interpretation to be charitable) as separate and parallel communities, Lord Sacks fundamental messages are strong and positive ones about the balance between one’s personal identity and participation in broader society:

• Don’t impose your views on the majority population;
• Be ‘bilingual’ – be able to negotiate your civic and faith or other identities: “you know you are Jewish and you’re English and you have to negotiate that, which I think is actually good for the soul, because it forces you to realise that actually society and life is complicated. It mustn’t and can’t be simplified.”

• Recognize that being a minority will at times be uncomfortable (e.g., antisemitism, other forms of discrimination).

Could have been more about the role of the majority in accommodation, as all groups play a role in making diverse, multicultural societies find that balance between  particular and  general identities.

Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks: Multiculturalism ‘Has Had Its Day’.