Multiculturalism and its Discontents (Paperback)

Our contemporary celebration of difference, respect for pluralism and avowal of identity politics have come to be regarded as the hallmarks of a progressive, modern democracy. Yet despite embracing many of its values, we have at the same time become wary of multicultural in recent years. In the wake of September 11, 2001 and the many terrorist attacks that have occurred since then, there has been much debate about the degree of diversity that Western nations can tolerate. In multicultural and its discontents, Kenan Malik looks closely at the role of multicultural within terrorism and societal discontent. He examines whether it is possible desirable—to try to build a cohesive society bound by common values and he delves into the increasing anxiety about the presence of the other within our borders. Multicultural and its discontents not only explores the relationship between multicultural and terrorism, but it analyzes the history of the idea of multicultural alongside its political roots and social consequences.