As I was sitting at the table, surfing through pages and pages of video links, I came across a link that briefly talked about the philosophy of multiculturalism from an opposing perspective, that which, multiculturalism is somewhat unrealistic and its meaning can never truly be attained. Because of the fact that our country -- no -- our world contains millions and millions of people populated throughout hundreds of culturally diverse cities, this statement struck me as rather absurd. Born and raised in NYC, it's very easy for someone like me to take a biased standpoint and argue this claim from an opposing perspective. However, looking at the argument from a journalistic point of view, I realized that the person's statement in the video could be entertained. In a country where we've taken so many influences from different cultures, do we truly live in a society where cultures live harmoniously and without conflict? Although the nation is evolving into a more tolerant and open society as time moves forward, we can only say, it's happening to a certain extent.

Multiculturalism was never (and still is, for some people) an easy idea of a pill to swallow. It is the mixing together of cultural ideas and beliefs; morals and faith. Anything that endorses change of familiarity can be understandably risky. If you were to compare the word "multicultural" of the contemporary and of the past, you will find that the differences and impact between the two spans are vast. The idea of ethnic blending was something of a risk in the past, for Americans. Racism was still fresh in the air and there was, somewhat, of an "elitist" entitlement for White-Americans. Because of this prejudice, many people often kept away from minority groups in fear of harassment.

Today, it is still considered normal for one to stick with their own kind; however, in today's world, "multiculturalism" has evolved into more than just an idea - it is a reality. The country slowly realized the significance, and even advantage, of welcoming foreign influences and thus, grew into the world's leading nation. Well, if America has bloomed into such a global power because of our acceptance towards foreign influence, how is the idea of multiculturalism devoid of any significance or meaning?

In the philosophical sense, the idea of mixing beliefs and ideas from totally different backgrounds, may never work, which leads us to assume that multiculturalism may never truly be a realistic way of life. So, in the dualistic sense, two sides will come together but may always be in a constant fight for balance on the same side and may never mix together because of differences. Some believe this kind of potential for a barrier is what helps keep their own culture intact from losing its way of life through foreign influences. For instance, because nations like France, Germany, and Japan are much smaller countries and susceptible to trend themselves through a major influence, they sustain a relatively strong barrier that protects their culture from diminishing through cultural blending. Compared to the United States, we can afford a great deal of foreign influence since we are a larger nation; large enough so that the majority of the nation - believing in one aspect - can coexist with the opposite side believing in another. Multiculturalism exists if cultures interact with one another but it is inevitable for a conflict to arise because of differences and barriers. In that sense, if conflicts exists, then the hope for a harmonious coexistence may never come true.

However, no matter which way you look at it, one can't deny the possibilities that lie ahead when it comes to multiculturalism. As a society we are consitantly evolving. Regions like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Polynesia, South America and Southeast Asia are the prime examples of the multiculturalism philosophy where a vast blend of cultures and foreign influences have coexisted for generations before the United State's gain to power. These regions are the influences the world should follow and understand since our numbers are growing by the hour. If these small regions can prove that we are able to assimilate, to adapt, and to live out a blended sense of lifestyle, then what's holding the rest of the world back? We have to let go of our fears and close-minded attitudes in order for us to grow alongside those who are different from us for it is the only we can strive to be a country with a louder voice.

America has proven that differences amongst its people will always exist, but as a mixed nation we can live side by side. To say that the multiculturalism philosophy is a disagreeable ideal and that it can never be, is like saying "nothing in life can be perfect." Some would say that perfectionism is just an excuse to get to a better level. And these same people say there will never be perfection nor will there ever be a society without conflict.

Our objective mind tells us that we can't have conflict within our society of mixed cultures, if we're to truly live out the meaning of multicultural coexistence. However, our subjective minds tells that we are living the multicultural ideals now. We live amongst people who come from different backgrounds and sure, we have differences; but we still shake hands and make deals and eat their food and know their languages and listen to their music - why? Because we have blended. We are living in a multicultural world where, less than a century ago, the word had barely meaning. The heat has just turned on and we've just begun to boil.