Multiracialism

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Multiracialism is term for an ideology which emphasizes the use of policy to promote tolerance and exchange between races, while respecting cultural independence along ethnic lines. It is commonly mentioned in the politics of Singapore and its current government led by the People's Action Party as part of their platform. It also has been used in an attempt to form a national culture. Multiracialism as practiced in Singapore ascribes to Singaporeans four distinct ethnic groups: Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Eurasian. The government has attempted to promote this distinction with the introduction of language classes that teach the respective "mother tongue" in school.

Multiracialism in Singapore is similar to multiculturalism in the United States and other parts of the world, which, however, only describes the acceptance of different cultures in a society. It can be contrasted with the concept of the melting pot and the concept of nonracialism which was adopted by the African National Congress of South Africa.