Week 6 reading, ASA 115, Qian Zhang

McKibbin Current State of Multiracial Discourse

The article “The Current State of Multiracial Discourse” examines the concepts of multiracialism and Black Nationalism. It ascertains that the two terms differ significantly as all the people who support multiracialism may not embrace black pride. Besides, it raises the question of whether the multiracialism discourse will promote equality in American society. Based on the author’s discussion, people’s perceptions of multiracialism will determine the outcomes. Notably, the critical race theory can help individuals to understand how the multiracialism discourse would promote unity and equality in American society. Nevertheless, Americans can achieve equality through the multiracialism discourse if they perceive it as a collective identity while respecting their origins.

Cultural representations, as well as political discussions on multiracialism, shape the society’s perception of the concept. Additionally, the media is likely to influence people’s attitudes towards the role of the multiracialism discourse in promoting equality. According to the critical race theory, racism is a socially-constructed concept - the proponents of the theory affirm that people can live in unity despite the possession of diverse cultural backgrounds. However, they may not have to disregard their cultural values and beliefs - despite the existence of the discourse, residents need to embrace their origin. The media can also influence how people categorize multiracialism and Black Nationalism, by offering fair and honest coverage of social events. For example, they need to avoid the issues of segregation when conducting criminal investigations. In social settings, they will need to possess universal principles that govern their relations across racial boundaries. They may include equal representation of all races in governance processes and fair media coverage. The practice should begin in political environments such that leaders can serve as role models to their subjects. As a result, even mixed-race individuals will develop a sense of belonging to American society.

Multiculturalism discourse may have significant impacts on equality if the leaders play their roles in promoting a single form of identity in social settings. Political discussions and people’s perceptions across social contexts determine whether people will use an individual or a common culture to identify themselves in public spheres. Notably, the introduction of inclusive legislation programs and equal access to social faculties for all communities would be a meaningful way of categorizing multiracialism as a collective identity for all residents regardless of their cultural origins.