Today, we’re living in a country where masked ICE agents are allowed to kidnap anyone they see on the streets, or even in their own homes and workplaces. They have no warrants, they don’t care if people are citizens or not, and they handle the arrests they make violently. ICE is working to eliminate multiculturalism and multilingualism in communities.
Multiculturalism and multilingualism are not threats to communities. They’re superpowers.
Everett is an example of a multicultural community. Our community is made up of many ethnic backgrounds. This is present in many aspects of Everett. In our schools, friend groups are made up of different ethnicities. At lunch, we get specials from different cultures that serve as comfort food for some students. In our small businesses, citizens can easily try food from other cultures, or buy special clothes. In our local government, voters can feel represented in the diversity of the elective officials.
Everett is also an example of a multilingual community. Our schools and local government are committed to accessibility, so they translate important notices for non-English speakers. At school, we’re required to study a language for two years, which opens up job opportunities for us, and makes us good candidates for colleges.
Some people believe multiculturalism and multilingualism is a threat. However, that might be because they don’t live in a community where they’re fortunate enough to see the benefits of the two. A person living in a community where one race or ethnicity is more prevalent than the others can’t clearly see the benefits of multiculturalism, or even multilingualism. Sometimes in those communities, the belief that the two are threats stem from fear and hatred being passed down from generation to generation. Being exposed to other cultures and their positive impact makes people more likely to be more understanding of others.
The solution to the divide is to educate people, and help them learn the benefits of multiculturalism and multilingualism. These days, we also need clear rules for ICE agents, like making sure they have warrants, making them go through proper training, and making sure they are always identifiable.
