MULTICULTURALISM IN CANADA : "THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE IN - BETWEEN" Augie Fleras, Professor of Sociology at the University of Waterloo, specializes in Race and Ethnic Relations, in Canada and New Zealand. His most recently published books - with Jean Leonard Elliott - are, Unequal Relations: An Introduction To Race & Ethnic Dynamics. 1991 ( Prentice-Hall), and, Multiculturalism In Canada: The Challenge of Diversity. 1992 (Nelson). Professor Fleras suggests that we are beyond talking about the "pros" and "cons" of Multiculturalism. Rather we should focus on how best to manage it in a society of compromises. He also suggests that ambiguity is at the core of multiculturalism and that we should learn to take advantage of its "in-between" status.

In terms of ideology, policy, and practice, Canada constitutes a pluralistic society whose official commitment to multiculturalism is globally admired, but superficially understood. Entrenchment of multiculturalism at constitutional and statutory levels has further catapulted Canada to the front ranks of countries in the progressive management of race and ethnic relations. Transforming the multicultural focus from "celebrating ethnicity" (with its emphasis on culture and symbols) to that of "managing diversity" (with greater attention to equality, race relations, and anti-racism) has attracted new adherents, disillusioned others. But the status of official multiculturalism has come under fire recently, with the result that the multicultural umbrella appears in danger of being turned inside out. Much of the turmoil springs from the interplay of political, demographic, and social forces whose collective impact has created an environment both changing and diverse, yet demanding of simple answers to complex questions. In light of this upheaval and self-analysis, how do we evaluate Canada's performance in managing diversity along multicultural lines? THE GOOD

A case could be made that multiculturalism represents one of the key dynamics in re-shaping the course of Canadian nation-building. The gradual decolonization of Canada's once entrenched anglocentrism, in conjunction with a repositioning of minority status from periphery to centre, is but one strand of this cultural shift. Under a politicized multiculturalism, ethnoracial differences are now upheld as a legitimate and integral component of an emergent, distinctive national identity. Racial and ethnic minorities are currently in a position to demand - and receive - the same rights as all Canadian citizens, in addition to 'equity' rights for remedying the effects of past discrimination.

To be sure, there is little tangible proof of dramatic improvements in minority-majority relations in areas such as service delivery. What multiculturalism provides, however, is a supportive social climate where initiatives for managing diversity can be implemented without accusations of "apartheid" or fear of "creeping socialism". Nowhere is this structural accommodation more manifest than in government efforts to 'multiculturalize' federal and provincial institutions, in large measure by taking steps to ensure minority access (openness), representation (proportions), and equity (equitable treatment). In keeping with the 'equality' agenda, most federal spending in multiculturalism is currently channelled into race relations and anti-racism, removal of discriminatory barriers, and immigration settlement and participation. THE BAD

A case could also be put forward that multiculturalism is too much of a good thing - a concept that has gone too far and needs to be roped in before getting out of hand. Multiculturalism is denounced by many who regard any federal meddling as dangerous, especially in matters pertaining to the funding of essentially private matters. Others assume the worst, especially since multiculturalism originated - and continues to flourish - as essentially a political act to achieve political goals by political means. Those who perceive the 'ethnicization' of Canada as inconsistent with a united and prosperous society are no less vociferous in condemning the 'madness' in our mosaic. Also coming under scrutiny is the possibility of multiculturalism as increasingly irrelevant to new Canadians, many of whom are less interested in heritage conservation, but more concerned with the elimination of workplace exploitation and racial harassment. Still others continue to be appalled by the blatantly political uses of multiculturalism as political parties shamelessly pander to ethnic voters for re-election purposes. Evidence of such expediency suggests a growing disenchantment with multiculturalism, although recent survey polls continue to reveal high levels of support for multicultural principles. THE 'IN - BETWEEN'

As the sharp end of the stick for managing diversity, multiculturalism is particularly vulnerable to criticism especially when societal shortcomings coalesce around race and ethnicity. But much of the tirade is misguided and misinformed, reflects unrealistic expectations of what multiculturalism can do in a capitalist society, and may be motivated by partisanship. Neither criticism nor praise, moreover, make much sense independent of how we perceive Canadian society (as it is or as it should be), and the salience of multiculturalism in achieving lofty goals.

There are additional drawbacks in polarizing multicultural debates. Forcing multiculture into the discourse of good or bad as mutually exclusive would appear to have outlived its usefulness. As in the case with other social phenomena (say, for example, the mass media), multiculturalism encapsulates within itself the potential to enhance and empower, yet to simultaneously detract and divide. Taken to its logical conclusion, the positive features of multiculturalism (with its celebration of us) dissolve all too readily into the flip side (with its suspicion of others); locating the balance is no less elusive under these conditions than knowing where to draw the line.

A major rethinking is thus in order: just as multiculturalism cannot be blamed for everything, so too should it be exempt from lavish praise; its influence exists somewhere "in between". Multiculturalism is neither the root of all Canada's social evils, nor the all-encompassing solution to problems that rightfully belong to political or economic domains. It is but one component - however imperfect - for managing diversity, while seeking to balance the competing demands of individuals, minority groups, and the state.

The in-between quality of multiculturalism is manifest in yet another way. The logic holding together Canadian society is constructed around a series of national compromises. These national compromises range in scope from balancing regional variations to the accommodation of French- and English-speaking interests. Even the origins of multiculturalism sprang from a compromise between the recommendations of the Laurendeau-Dunston report (leading to the official Language Act), and the emergent reality of assertive European ethnics, growing radicalism in Quebec, and fears of American cultural annexation. In such a system of checks and balances, multiculturalism is aptly suited in striking a workable compromise between the centrifugal forces of push ("globalism"), and the centripetal forces of pull ("tribalism").

In short, as a system of compromises in its own right, multiculturalism provides a counterbalance for reconciling ambiguities in a society where ambiguity is the norm. Multiculturalism is ideally positioned to extract unity from various constituent elements, given its capacity for speaking the language of "in-between". A channel for compromise is critical: Balancing opposites within a multicultural framework furnishes a symbolic rationale for straddling what otherwise would lapse into dismemberment - as the current inter-ethnic strife in Yugoslavia amply demonstrates.

To enhance its in-between status in a society of compromises, debates about multiculturalism must transcend polemics about good (pro) or bad (con), right or wrong. Immediate improvements can begin by taking multiculturalism out of the hands of politicians and putting it back into those who stand to benefit directly from these policies. Equally important is the continuing politicization of multiculturalism as race relations where debates over who-gets-what can be negotiated. Multiculturalism must be defined as a framework for social equality and anti-racism, rather than just an excuse to underwrite celebratory pursuits.

Finally, a number of misconceptions about multiculturalism require public rebunking; among these: a- multiculturalism is expensive (only $1 per year per Canadian in federal expenditures); b- multiculturalism is divisive (ideally, it seeks to promote unity through diversity, participation, and sharing); c- multiculturalism detracts from national identity (Canada's collective self-image is quintessentially multicultural); d- multiculturalism is folkloric (multiculturalism means business both socially and economically) and, e- multiculturalism is a failure (diversity rarely causes conflict, conflict arises from refusal to recognize diversity). Putting multiculturalism to work on behalf of all Canadians will come about only when these fallacies are confronted and defanged.

What lies in store for the future of multiculturalism in Canada? With many of Canada's sacred cows undergoing scrutiny and debate, multiculturalism should not be exempt from this dialogue if we wish to keep it fresh and relevant. Key questions include: While sound in theory, is multiculturalism implementable at a time of economic constraints, public backlash, and managerial resentment over power-sharing and decision-making space? Will too much fawning over multiculturalism distract from race relations and anti-racism agendas? Are we about to witness the eventual collapse of multiculturalism into little more than a superficial sheen that camouflages gaping cleavages while shoring up a rapidly fading national dream and a tacit commitment to assimilation?

We are in no position to predict the future of multiculturalism; the pace of change should disabuse us of that notion. What we can safely foresee are increased pressures on authorities to bring multiculturalism into line with the realities of the new mosaic. The race relations and anti-racist dimensions of multiculturalism will receive even greater attention with the expanding multi-racial character of Canadian society. Learning to defuse intergroup tensions by harnessing them into productive channels will no longer be dismissed as an option or luxury, but a necessity for survival during the 1990's. As the bloodshed and destruction in Los Angeles has graphically revealed, no country can afford to rest on its pluralist laurels as long as certain minorities are denied access to equality in the multicultural mosaic.

For Canadians, in other words, if not multiculturalism as a blueprint for nation-construction, what are the alternatives for a rapidly changing and cosmopolitan society?

This article was originally published in Cross Cultures Magazine in Volume 1 - Issue 4 - 1992. Unauthorized copying, distribution or other usage without express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.