Cultural Diversity and Pluralism

Reine Duffy

UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity was adopted in 2001, which set out to “ensure respect for cultural identities with the participation of all peoples in a democratic framework” and “contribute to the emergence of a favorable climate for the creativity of all, thereby making culture a factor of development.” As the world becomes more and more integrated and connected, cultural pluralism and diversity have become an international concern. The United Nations has acknowledged the right to enjoy and develop cultural life and identity. In our own country, African Americans have historically been segregated and their cultural expressions stifled. Today, we still see a suppression of cultural identity within the American South, where there is a dominant religion and race, and certain accepted views. Nonetheless, progress has to start within our own communities, and Chapel Hill and Carrboro are excellent places to begin.

Chapel Hill and Carrboro are very diverse communities and some efforts have been made to highlight their diversity. For example, the towns hold an annual Community Dinner, with dishes from numerous restaurants in the area, with the purpose of celebrating “our respective cultural bounties and differences and to demonstrate our mutual respect for one another.” Another effort is through the schools, where teachers must take cultural diversity classes. Nonetheless, I think that a good new approach would be to hold a large cultural festival for both Carrboro and Chapel Hill that would raise awareness. Other approaches are through the media.