Pluralism: Strengths And Weaknesses

In “Problems and Promise in Pluralism,” Annalee R. Ward argues for academic freedom through the lens of confessional pluralism. Ward challenges the academy to revisit pluralism to ascertain whether various denominations can have an “engagement of differences in creative ways” that allow for coexistence in scholarship” (Eck 9). Although academy insists that pluralism tugs on personal integrity, closer examination show that “authentic peaceful coexistence” is a possible outcome when approached correctly (Ward 5).

The understanding of the concept “Pluralism” is when different people from different class, religions, race, culture, organizations, etc., are living together in a society and they continue to practice their different traditions or interest, rather than just one group or culture determining how things go. Pluralism recognized the fact that different religious or cultures have equal right to voice their ideas or opinions. No one particular religion or worldview is privileged over others, therefore the truth is beyond the ability of one group to capture.

Multiculturalism is also known as ethnic diversity relating to communities containing multiple cultures. The term is used in two different broad ways, descriptively and normatively. By using the descriptive term, we usually refer to the simple fact of cultural diversity. This can be applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place and sometimes at the organizational level such as schools, neighborhoods or nations. The normative term is often referred to ideologies or politics that promote this diversity or its institutionalization. The United States have been a magnet for people all over the globe, searching for a better life and bringing their own culture and traditions to a new vast country. No

Nowadays, racism, politics, and prejudices are the cause of boycotting, riots, and injured people lately, but racism is not the issue. We are constantly surrounded by several different types of race, skin color, and culture. Today, people do not pay attention if a person is different because we are all equal, but with different background and we are worth the same. We have all spoken to a person with a different heritage and shared several different priceless moment with at least of person who is different. Cultural pluralism is the best hope for a just and cohesive society.

In the United States, pluralism is pertinent and very significant for the government because the government itself is distributed with various powers given to the states. These states then give powers to their local governments, which continues to distribute the power. In the government system, there are levels of that consist of branches that control the many different parts of the system, so that no one person or group is given too much power. The United States has a system of checks and balances, which is pertinent to the power system and the pluralist theory ("What is a pluralist theory of government?" 2017).

Pluralism is a state in which racial and ethnic categories, though distinct, have equal social standing. (Macionis, 2012 pg.84) So in stating what it is we are looking to foster gives us a better idea of what to expect if we do foster a climate of acceptance and cultural pluralism in the United States. Though to get there we need to teach, I mean really teach each other and about one another in every way form what we eat to how we celebrate traditions. We need to get everyone involved as much as possible, which means in schools, jobs, and community. By doing all of this we will have a better understanding of one another which well level out the minorities with the majorities and make acceptance easier all around.

Pluralism is one of the three theories of government, which is a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist. Pluralism is a combination of different sorts of people among the many are like-minded people, unions, professional associates, and business lobbyists. For pluralism to operate and to be successful in establishing the common

In politics, racial and ethnic backgrounds tend to outline the outcomes of public policies- especially in minority communities. Minorities in the United States yearly increase due to both legal and illegal immigration (Shaw et al. 332). The trend will continue and by the middle of the 21st century, the minority population, cumulatively, will surpass the so-called White majority in the United States. The definitions of pluralism and two-tiered pluralism differ between the person’s race and ethnic backgrounds. As for the minorities, it may both bring some advantages and as well as disadvantages in public participation and the passing of public policies; however, in current times, two-tiered pluralism is becoming more dominant in politics as the racial divide within the United States continues to worsen.

Pluralism can be distinguished by two different types: cultural and structural. Cultural pluralism exists when groups have not acculturated and each maintains its own identity. The groups might speak different languages, practice different religions, and have different value systems (Healey, 2017, 55). The Amish are a perfect representation of a cultural pluralism. They are separated from the dominant culture

Sociologists believe that there are two main types of pluralism: cultural pluralism and structural pluralism. Cultural pluralism was coined by Horace M. Kallen in 1915 to denote ' 'American democracy and ethnic identity ' ' (Toll 58). Cultural pluralism actually indicates the participation of a minority group in the dominant culture of the host country while maintaining their cultural difference. In fact, cultural pluralism is indispensable in a multicultural society, since, as Francis Muchenge points out, it ' 'leads to the appreciation and tolerance of others who are culturally different leading to sustainable living ' ' (71). In order to avoid conflict among groups, who are culturally different, ethnic diversity should be accommodated. In other words, each ethnic group can preserve its culture, but it should adjust to the dominant culture. According to Chandra Vennopoosa :

Reading over the brilliant work of Michael Walzer’s “What does it mean to be an American” I have discovered that the identity of Americans is that of a “melting pot.” We , as Americans, promote an abundance of cultures that are interconnected to make our country the amazing place it is today. Walzer believes in the diversity of America, he realizes that America’s cultural diversity is part of what makes us the best country in the world.

Pluralism is the freedom of having many faiths accepted, while post pluralism is in a sense the new faiths that come about after time of taking in and observing other distinct religious practices and adding to one’s belief in order to shape something new and different. The author may feel that America has a oneness of religion because it seems as if even though there is no exact way everyone views and expresses religion it all still manages to come around to the same basic concept of looking up to a higher power and following a certain procedure or rituals to reach out to that higher power and express ones culture or religion. I personally have got in the routine of giving thanks every day, and in a way at times I do feel there is an oneness

Today in America you can see that we are a pluralist nation by simply observing the diversity of beliefs and practice. However, within our society there are some religions that come with extreme stereotypes in certain situations, such as Islam. Ever since the tragedy of the Twin Towers on 9/11 stereotypes have gotten more extreme and spread around at an accelerated rate. “Pluralism is not a birthright in America; it’s a responsibility . . . People have fought for pluralism. “ (Patel 28). Patel had the right idea because tolerance is learned and due to the aftermath of 9/11 Americans are still unjustly wary of Muslims.

America is no longer a primarily Christian nation. This has manifested itself in a multitude of ways, including but not limited to: rampant sexual immorality, abuse of mind-altering substances, disregard for human life, and an overall hatred of the concept of authority. All of these things stem back to a faulty understanding of the Biblical concept of Salvation.

Pluralism is a worldview in which the society members structure their culture based on acceptance and diversity. These common traits all strive for the common good of all and also realize there is some truth in other beliefs (Pluralism, 2015). This worldview stresses the importance of tolerance of other religions but does not however deviate from their own beliefs.