The Practical Pragmatic Problems with Multiculturalism.

One of the Mantras of 2013 America is that all cultures, languages and custom- ways of viewing the world,The value that one holds on tradition and that we we are inclined to believe that people should function from day to day are equal. that none, effectively should dominate or hold sway over the others- are equal.

This view can also be described, I believe as a definition of multiculturalism. Yet, Can we all function well, smoothly, efficiently and non- irritatingly by living in this manner? While it is not a PC response, It is clear to me that some of us stumble, bumble and crete and impose difficulties and burdens upon othes by living this way.

I rode a bus today that over stayed a stop  because a woman was not able to understand a simple word of direction, " Not this bus, The Next 29 K will go in the direction you want." The driver four separate time, each time more simply than the time before labored to explain to this elderly woman.". A woman who spoke the same language as this woman then stepped in and after 3 attempts FINALLY got the message through to this woman. During the first two attempts this woman kept her hand on the bus door, shrugged and shook her head know.

Was this effort kind, decent and understanding ? Yes! Did this effort impose a 5 minute delay on every passenger on the bus? Yes !

A few minutes later, at a Mc Donald's, I saw a line grow longer as an employee tried to PAINSTAKINGLY explain an item on The Mc Donald's menu to an angry and not- comprehending man.

I think the US functioned quite well for many years on the concept of "E Pluribus Unum" - Out of Many, One and the concept of The Melting Pot. Most societies in the World have an official language that is necessary to speak and understand in order to do well within the mainstream/ central/ dominate culture.

I think that imposing a burden on most to benefit the few, relatively speaking ,just creates a bit of rawness and frustration in that society. I like a bumper sticker I saw earlier today The Law- In Plain English. I think that we can all best operate by functioning as we deal with every one just using basic and plainly spoken English.

A friend of mine- who voted for Mc Govern, Carter- TWICE- Dukakis, Clinton and Gore- sid that life works best and we ALL do well for each other and as we connect with others when we decide to live COMPETENTLY. He further ldefines this as "  Learning to operate  in a way that makes you life as smooth and as problem and burden free as possible." He also states that " It works better if you can expect the same of others,"

I like many aspects of other cultures and waqys of doing things.' However, as Rodney King might say, " I'd like all of us to operate in a manner that will allow us all to get along."

- Johnny-