Today in Germany is national diversity day - a lot of companies are honoring diversity in all intersectional dimensions - from Life Stages til gendered Ageism and from BiPOC til LGBTQIA* and intercultural cooperation.

Yes, we need to support the idea of integration Diversity as essential for meaningful progress.

In Brazil, the multiculturalism is intertwined with cross-cutting educational legislation and education for ethnic-racial relations laws. Although we have so much to effectively improve in the practices, particularly in Education and Health subjects, implied in our own country, directing the indigenous and tradicional populations. It urges to the society a decolonial approach more than ever!

There are different definitions of multiculturalism, which emerged as a discourse in the Anglo-Saxon world in the 1960s and spread, first to Europe, and then as a global discourse. Although some authors homologate ‘multiculturalism’ with ‘interculturality’, contemporary Latin American critical thought understands the latter as a proposal for the radical dismantling of hierarchical relations between cultures and identities, in the terms in which they were constructed by racial thought. From this perspective, multiculturalism is a project of ‘tolerance’ of ‘minorities’, which would not promote empathy but rather a basis of respect for the recognition of the common human condition. In this case, the intrinsic value of each culture and the power to stimulate the development of other cultures according to criteria of reciprocity would no longer be assumed, but rather an idea of ‘tolerance’ to reduce the social burden (discrimination, violence, etc.) of interaction between groups considered to be different.

Dear friends,

Fascinating discussion! I don't know if my question is relevant, but do you think that the current attitudes of the leaderships of many countries, primarily against the Palestinians but also against all Others (by he-who-shall-not-be-named the President of the US), would you say that at least at institutional level, multiculuralism as acceptance of a radical other (in this case, Muslim people) is simply non-existent?

Best Wishes,

Haris

Dear Haris, If multiculturalism emerged in the last quarter of the 20th century as a response to ethno-supremacist frameworks, today we are witnessing a return of “civilising” discourses. These narratives aim to reassert an existing power order by attributing oppression to supposed cultural or identity-based "deficiencies"—fabricated flaws used to justify exclusion and domination.

In my view, the multiculturalist discourse combined genuine efforts with a veneer of political correctness. It stopped short of confronting the deeper structures that sustain systems of oppression. It wasn’t enough. But now, it's not just that multiculturalism is absent from dominant narratives in cases like the one you mention (we're seeing the same in Argentina); rather, we’re seeing the re-emergence of the idea that both domestic and global domination can be legitimized by framing cultural identities as fundamentally incompatible—dividing the world into a cultural “us” and “them.”

What remains to be better understood is why these narratives resonate so strongly with non-dominant majorities. Many seem to find satisfaction not in improving their own conditions, but in seeing others do worse—finding in that contrast a perverse form of privilege. It provides them a scapegoat, a target for resentment, and a temporary illusion of superiority.

Sadly, interesting times.

Dear Federico Luis Escribal ,

Wow, many many thanks, what a rich yet simple analysis!

First of all, I'd be very interested to hear more about Argentina. What is the situation there, what's Milei's role and influence, and why were rocks thrown at him yesterday? Also however, who are the outsiders in Argentina? In return, if you're interested, I can give you my thoughts on my local context, which is the island of Cyprus.

Thinking about the 'civilising' discourses however, I think these are in play within societies, for example I wouldn't be surprised (not following it enough) if they're playing a role in the US. Definitely not in Gaza, which is definitely your second paragraph, the us and them - though on second thoughts both mechanisms, both the civilising and the us and them may be in play, for example witness the 'human animals' language of fascist Israeli ministers and prime minister.

As for your third element, the silent approval of the non-dominant (and I would add, non-elite) majorities, i'd like to discuss it more and maybe we'll be led somewhere. I think the illusion of superiority is often a very strong mechanism, what do you think?

Best Wishes,

Haris

Dear Haris, thank you for taking the time to read and reply. I still owe myself a deeper understanding of the eastern Mediterranean, which has contributed so much to our cultural diversity since the early nineteenth century.

The situation here is critical and distressing (as everywhere, right?). The Milei government has insisted on a classic recipe of fiscal adjustment targeted at critical sectors (pensioners, healthcare benefits, disability pensions, universities) combined with a loosening for big capital (reductions in luxury taxes, laxer control over tax opacity). At the same time, it has exacerbated endemic corruption: a week ago, audio messages emerged from a senior official, who also served as the President’s personal lawyer, expressing concern about the increase in the going rate for bribes, and about the direct involvement of the Secretary-General of the Presidency, the President’s sister. This is complemented by an online scam pushed from the head of state’s social media accounts a few months ago.

In that context, a stone thrown into the air draws attention. The fingerprints are read badly: no one will ever know who threw it or to what end. So half the country is shouting ‘assassination attempt’ while the other half suspects the intelligence services are seeking to distract attention. Business as usual over here.

Here, the marginalised are populations racialised during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, later turned into internal migrants, their identity footprint rendered invisible. The discourse of cultural citizenship was one of whitening: elites boasted of producing ‘Europe in America’; and even today the encouragement of European immigration is a constitutional mandate. Returning to the matter of silent support, it is notable that, historically, projects of concentrating power in elite hands have enjoyed greater backing here than one would mechanically expect. The idea of cultural hegemony helps to explain this. There are sectors which, though not the main beneficiaries in the distribution of power and wealth, content themselves with being ‘on the civilised side’, and derive small comforts from sustaining a cultural distinction.

I look forward to your news, and you can count on me in Argentina for whatever may be of use!

Dear Federico Luis Escribal

This is frustrating, I just lost the post I was writing to you here. In brief: Milei's incident, I had seen it in Euronews (itself originally a US project), so the first thought was that of a popular revolution by 'the right people'. It turns out to be business as usual in 2025, or even in Argentina in 2025, as you say.

As for Europe, I think i had written the thought that I hadn't expected the Spaniards to have been such good colonialists that they country is still lusting to be European. Though I did at some point entertain the thought that Milei-types, as much as I hate them, may actually be rebelling to Europe.

However, this came to my mind (and that's where I lost the text I was writing to you): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_German_Doctor now, with all you've told me about this euro-lust, it makes more sense :(

Ok short this time, please feel free to write shorter till i get back to you with more thoughts!

Many thanks for everything!

Looking forward to hearing more from you!

Best Wishes,

Haris