From an axiology/value theory point of view, how can one say that a diverse society is better than a uniform one, especially given the negative effects of diversity (racism, sectarian conflict, problems arising from extreme cultural relativism)?
07.06.2025 16:49
But too much diversity weakens consensus, the unspoken set of values, beliefs, and mores that create a sense that we’re all in the same boat. The public school system is the nursery of a common view of the world. That’s why we need to fund our schools well - public schools are much better at creating this.
The way to prevent too much diversity from wrecking our common consent is through assimilation. To that end I think tight controls on immigration can keep out the ridiculously conservative peoples Yes, I would have a test to ban conservative immigrants. Barring that, IMO all immigrants from Islamic countries should have to go through classes teaching them tolerance for women’s freedoms, our freewheeling music scene complete with sexy videos, and even seeing kissing in movies. I will not apologize to Muslims, I hate fundie Christianity just as much, and can separate my hatred of these religions from the individuals I meet. I’m not a racist in any sense - hating an ideology is a separate issue.
Mixing gene pools is the best way there is to eliminate inheritable diseases and conditions. This alone is a powerful argument for diversity.
Diversity does not cause racism. The bitter divisions caused by it are kept alive by envious, paranoid people who like to feel superior, though sometimes trauma can do it. Diversity exposes people to different ideas, foods, and ways of doing things. Music lovers know that America’s diversity has made America a music powerhouse, thanks in large part to blues and jazz. The blues are at the heart of rock ‘n roll.
As for sectarian conflict, much of that can be eliminated by public education.
Yet religious conservatives are a pain in the ass with their conflicting beliefs. The fundies in the South and West are trying to gain control of our schools - witness the fight over ‘woke’ teachings and their insufferable campaign against feminism and their assault upon the Constitution. Islam is terribly conservative, and it is cut from the same cloth as Christianity. For that matter, if people in Germany in 1530 had been unwilling to accept Martin Luther’s heresy, the Protestant Reformation might not have happened.
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I don’t understand why you think cultural relativism is bad, or even what you mean by it.
Japan became officially isolationist. As a result, it fell behind the West. Japan was and is intensely conformist, which they view as a good way to have an ordered society that preserves their traditions. Fortunately for them, they like novelty and are quick to adopt anything new they like. You decide if the uniformity is worth the price of conformity.