There are a couple of elements here to dissect. The first
would be that I don't think that any of these nations have actively declared through
legal means that multiculturalism is a threat to their society. The Merkel speech was
seen by many as a nod to the conservative elements in her party and not one that she
actively embraces. Merkel's past has also called for acceptance of mosques. The speech
spoke to the idea of new immigrants embracing the "German" notion of customs and
traditions. The same analysis is present for the British PM's statements. Both nations
need immigration and need an open policy that embraces multiculturalism for their
economic viability in a stagnant business world. This is no different than the
conservative forces in America that rail against immigration. The expression of
political opinion in the context of discourse does not necessarily reflect that these
nations view multiculturalism as a threat or something that needs to be eliminated. It
simply seeks to speak to the idea of different voices in a social setting regarding the
changing notion of national identity in a multicultural
world.
In discussing Norway, I don't think that the recent
shootings can be seen as a national expression of anti- multiculturalism. In fact, even
right wing groups in Norway have been distancing themselves from Anders Behring
Breivik. Given the horrific nature of the shootings, I don't see mainstream Norwegians
coming out in support of Anders Behring Breivik. They seems to be disavowing both he
and his views. This could actually speak louder to being pro- multiulturalism than
against it. The shooting might galvanize the opinion that Norwegians have of themselves
as "embracing openness." In this light, I don't see what happened in Norway as a
statement of a national position on multiculturalism.
What
is happening in these nations is a seeking of identity. Globalization and the
dissipation of national borders in the construction of national identity is challenging
because it presents something so new, for which there is no handbook. There are
elements in these societies, and in all social orders, where there is fear of "the
other." With the Anders Behring Breivik shooting and fear of terrorism around the
world, this is escalating. Yet, globalization, technology transfer of information, as
well as the marketplace which is one predicated upon a "borderless" world are all making
multiculturalism a reality, one that cannot be resisted, but rather into which national
identity has to be injected.
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