Blog #2

'US' vs.'THEM'

Living in a multicultural society contributes to misconceptions and misunderstandings of ideologies by all members involved in these environments.

Incoming people can feel confused concerning the different cultural values, norms, and beliefs that they are exposed to in the new and foreign environment.

Members of the host nation can feel fearful of the new and unknown ideologies that are brought into their space; ideologies that can potentially jeopardize their own original cultural heritage.

These conflicting differences can create environments filled with discrimination and even hatred, which contributes to the compromising of both individual and collective identities on either side.

A discrimination that can intensify society’s categorization of its members and perpetuate the dichotomy of 'us' and 'them'.

Ultimately, how people comprehend and function in their environment will depend on how they understand themselves individually and collectively.

Thus, creating positive and productive education and dialogue is essential for all members of a society to engage in, in order to uphold societal harmony and to not perpetuate the dichotomy of 'us' and 'them'.

-Marianne