Chennai: Authentic multiculturalism is not just about appreciating diversity. It means the sharing of power and privileges, educationalist Paul C. Gorski said here on Tuesday.

"Most privileged people — people with the power to shape policy and perception — see multiculturalism only in terms of heroes and holidays," Mr. Gorski said at a lecture organised by the U.S. Consulate General for South India and MOP Vaishnav College for Women.

He called for a social and political movement against racism, sexism, classism and other forms of oppression.

Mr. Gorski, one of the directors of the National Association for Multicultural Education in the U.S., suggested ways to promote multiculturalism.

`Support power equity'

They include building of personal relationships across cultures, promoting businesses owned by disadvantaged communities and supporting policies that distribute power equitably. Also, stereotyping of groups (for instance, `all women drivers are bad') should be eliminated from one's consciousness.

`Heroes and holidays'

"Historically, oppressed groups see us adopting their fashions, music, even their religions, but doing little to address their oppression," he said. In the `heroes and holidays' approach, only surface level learning of cultural traits and events is obtained.

Deeper issues of rights, power and privilege need to be worked on, Mr. Gorski said.

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