A Humanist in Multicultural Education.

Cultural diversity and cultural plurality are considered today to be the backbone and passion of many multicultural education programs in the United States. Idiosyncratic and parochial needs of specific racial, ethnic, and other self-interest groups are studied as distinctive entities. In some cases, they are treated uniquely in what has been characterized as cross-cultural education. Mainstream multicultural programs are not viewed within the context of social and human experiences whose outcomes enrich and advance the totality of existing values in a cultural plurality. Mono-cultural, bi-cultural, and cross-cultural programs each represent one perspective on a multicultural continuum. In contrast, a humanistic cultural learning experience embraces a commitment to the universality of human condition and the universality of human needs and beliefs that transcend color, race, gender, age, and ideological boundaries. An interdisciplinary approach among liberal arts, the humanities, natural sciences, life and social sciences should confer to students a basic knowledge in all of these areas within the context of a multicultural education. It should promote understanding of and respect for human experiences within particular eco-systems and divergent cultures in time and space; develop objectivity and critical judgment as well as the need for continuing studies and observation. Finally, multicultural education should develop a commitment to the preservation of human rights for all, irrespective of ideological boundaries, creed, race, age, or gender. Contains 18 references. (Author/DK)