Diversity in a multicultural and polyethnic world: challenges and responses

Abstract

Today�s world is characterised by multiculturalism. The diversity of cultures� and conflicting ethnic groups sharing the same territory pose a threat to both local and world peace. We have come to the end of the �nation� and the end of the �state�, two homogenous entities which are increasingly being emasculated by an instrumental reason in the form of techno-science and� economic globalisation. Ethnic diversity is simultaneously a source of wealth and� a threat� to African societies. African unity in the form of an ubuntu-ethic offers a model for dealing with polyethnicity. Ethnocentrism is biologically rooted and operates through prejudice. As a coping mechanism� for� dealing with� diversity, prejudice has its value and its limitations. It must be contained where it leads� to� xenophobia, ethnophobia and war. Polyethnic coexistence is a prerequisite if Africa is to attain� its developmental ideals as expressed in the NEPAD programme. In this paper, I look at the way in which ethno-philosophy and ethno-theology can help this process.