Multicultural misunderstandings: Impressions from a Canadian debate and a few lessons for Germany

In: International journal / Canadian International Council: Canada's journal of global policy analysis, Band 63, Heft 3, S. 553-565

Abstract

In this contribution to a special journal issue, "Canada-Germany Relations: Essays in Honour of Robert Spencer, "the author notes that, as a German visitor attending a debate in Montreal's congress hall, he was surprised to hear a blond woman complain about the growing number of mosques & the girls wearing headscarves, & then the response of a young Muslim feminist wearing a headscarf that immigrants do not try to change local culture & thus should be tolerated themselves. Immigrants & Canadian-born Montrealers continued to exchange accusations & laments, much to the sorrow of philosopher Charles Taylor, the 75-year-old "mastermind of multiculturalism," who sat at the head of the hall. Despite the heated comments, Canada is a liberal immigration society & one of the state's primary responsibilities is to protect & promote cultural diversity. Indeed, multiculturalism spread from Canada around the world, even engaging followers in Germany. On the whole, however, Germany is known for failed immigration policies & deficient efforts to integrate immigrants. It could learn a few lessons from what Canada does, not from what a few Canadians say. Adapted from the source document.