Introduction: “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri
“Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri first appeared in 1993 in the journal Profession, is considered a significant contribution to the fields of literature and literary theory. Suleri critically examines the concept of multiculturalism, challenging its assumptions and exploring its potential limitations. The essay’s importance lies in its nuanced analysis of the complexities surrounding cultural identity, representation, and power dynamics within multicultural societies. Suleri’s work offers valuable insights into the ongoing debates about diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding in contemporary literature and thought.
Summary of “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri
Reification of Culture
- Suleri begins by illustrating how culture is often oversimplified or reduced to trivial choices, such as attire, in everyday conversations.
- This example reflects a misunderstanding of culture, which is often seen as a monolithic structure rather than a dynamic, complex system.
Critique of Multiculturalism’s Monolithic Approach
- Suleri criticizes the term “multiculturalism” for creating binary oppositions, such as mono vs. multi, or center vs. border, reducing complex cultural phenomena into simplistic categories.
- She highlights that multiculturalism often appears as a modern concept, but it is in fact a tired tautology, serving as a euphemism for debates on cultural censorship in academia.
The Dangers of Simplistic Multiculturalism
- The author references scholars like Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Susan Stewart to argue that multiculturalism, when viewed too simplistically, can lead to superficial discussions that render important political issues as purely academic.
- Suleri suggests that multiculturalism, when reduced to an “ice rink” version of history, trivializes real political and social struggles, thus losing its critical edge.
Multiculturalism as a Process, Not a Solution
- Multiculturalism should not be seen as a static solution but as an evolving process. It requires continuous interpretation and negotiation, making cultural pluralism a dynamic rather than a conclusive state.
- Suleri argues that an enriched reading of multiculturalism should avoid a “us versus them” mentality and instead embrace a more nuanced understanding of diverse cultural interactions.
Critique of Binarism in Cultural Conflicts
- Suleri addresses the dangers of rigid dichotomies, citing real-world examples such as the destruction of the Babri Mosque in India, where cultural and religious divisions turned violent.
- She points out that the appeal of pluralism must go beyond idealism to acknowledge the harsh realities of cultural conflicts.
Ethical Imperatives in Multiculturalism
- Suleri stresses that multiculturalism has ethical implications and is not merely about diversifying curricula. It demands recognizing and engaging with the complexities and conflicts inherent in global cultural dynamics.
- Multiculturalism’s value lies in its ability to uncover the stories of marginalized peoples, challenging the rigid boundaries of state and nation, and seeking to understand the individuals caught in cultural and political no-man’s-land.
The Lyricism and Ethical Dimensions of Cultural Study
- Drawing on Susan Stewart’s work, Suleri discusses how lyricism can offer new ways to understand cultural expression, countering the reductive realism that often characterizes discussions on multiculturalism.
- The article concludes by asserting that cultural exchanges, even when trivial, carry ethical weight, and something meaningful is always gained through the interactions between diverse cultures.
Suleri’s “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” critiques the oversimplification of multiculturalism and calls for a more dynamic, ethical engagement with cultural diversity. Through references to scholarly works and real-world examples, Suleri challenges the binary nature of cultural discourse and encourages a more complex and nuanced understanding of cultural intersections.
Literary Terms/Concepts in “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri
| Literary Term/Concept | Explanation/Definition | Context in the Article |
| Multiculturalism | The coexistence of multiple cultural traditions within a single society. | Critiqued as being oversimplified and often treated as a binary opposition (e.g., mono vs. multi) rather than a complex, dynamic process. |
| Reification | Treating an abstract concept as if it were a concrete thing or object. | Suleri illustrates this through the example of culture being reduced to choices like clothing, trivializing its complexity. |
| Binarism | The division of concepts into two opposing groups (e.g., us vs. them, center vs. periphery). | Suleri argues against the binary nature of cultural debates, which oversimplify cultural diversity and conflict. |
| Pluralism | A theory or system that recognizes multiple, coexisting cultural or social groups within a larger structure. | The article promotes a nuanced view of pluralism, avoiding simple additions of cultures to an existing dominant one. |
| Cultural Canon | A body of works, often considered essential or central to a particular culture or society. | Suleri critiques the idea that multiculturalism simply adds minor texts to a central Western canon. |
| Cultural Relativism | The belief that a person’s beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of their own culture. | Implied in Suleri’s argument for a deeper, more complex understanding of cultural differences beyond Western/non-Western dichotomies. |
| Cultural Passing | The act of navigating or moving between different cultural identities or spaces. | Mentioned as a “vital dynamic” in multicultural interactions, where something meaningful can be gained even in trivial exchanges. |
| Symbolic Geography | The representation of spaces or regions with symbolic meaning, often reflecting cultural or ideological divisions. | Suleri references symbolic geographies as a way to understand how cultures define and differentiate themselves from others. |
| Cultural Crossings | The interaction and exchange between different cultures, often leading to new hybrid identities or understandings. | Described as a critical aspect of the contemporary world, where boundaries of state and nation are challenged. |
| Ethics | Moral principles governing individual or collective actions and decisions. | Suleri emphasizes the ethical dimension of multiculturalism, arguing that cultural exchanges must be understood through their ethical implications. |
| Lyricism | A literary quality expressing emotion in an imaginative, often poetic, manner. | Susan Stewart’s concept of “lyricism” is discussed as a way to approach cultural analysis beyond realism. |
| Cultural Excess | The idea that cultural representation or pluralism can become overwhelming or excessive, leading to unintended consequences. | Suleri, drawing on Gates, warns that multiculturalism should not devolve into unchecked cultural excess without critical examination. |
Contribution of “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri to Literary Theory/Theories
| Literary Theory | Contribution | References from the Article |
| Postcolonial Theory | Suleri critiques the binary opposition between the West and non-West, calling for an understanding of cultural complexity. | Suleri critiques the idea of adding non-Western texts to the Western canon, emphasizing that cultural pluralism must go beyond simple addition and subtraction. (Suleri, p. 16) |
| Multiculturalism and Cultural Studies | The article questions the superficiality of multiculturalism when reduced to an “ice rink” version of history. Suleri advocates for a deeper engagement with the ethical and political dimensions of cultural interactions. | Suleri critiques how multiculturalism is often seen as a monolithic concept, suggesting that it must be understood as a dynamic and evolving process. (Suleri, p. 16-17) |
| Ethical Literary Criticism | Suleri emphasizes the ethical dimensions of multiculturalism, arguing that cultural exchanges must be understood through their ethical implications. | Suleri stresses that cultural passing and the recognition of marginalized voices involve ethical responsibilities in representation. (Suleri, p. 17) |
| New Historicism | Suleri situates multiculturalism within specific historical contexts, particularly critiquing the idea that it is a novel phenomenon. | She connects multiculturalism to broader historical and political structures, such as colonialism, nationalism, and the politics of cultural inclusion. (Suleri, p. 16) |
| Deconstruction | Suleri deconstructs the binary oppositions inherent in the multicultural debate (e.g., mono vs. multi, center vs. margin). | She argues for the breakdown of dichotomies, stressing the need to move beyond “either-or” thinking in favor of a “both-and” approach. (Suleri, p. 17) |
| Lyric Theory | Suleri, drawing on Susan Stewart, suggests that lyricism can offer a new way to engage with multiculturalism, focusing on the aesthetic and ethical possibilities of cultural expression. | Stewart’s concept of the lyric as an ethical and cognitive tool is discussed as a potential framework for analyzing cultural differences. (Suleri, p. 17) |
| Canon Theory | Suleri critiques the concept of the canon, particularly the assumption that multiculturalism involves merely adding marginalized texts to the Western canon. | She calls for a reevaluation of the canon that moves beyond static inclusion toward a more dynamic, fluid understanding of cultural texts. (Suleri, p. 16) |
| Cultural Relativism | Suleri advocates for an approach that recognizes the inherent differences between cultures without reducing them to binary oppositions. | She stresses the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, beyond simplistic categorizations of “us vs. them.” (Suleri, p. 17) |
| Identity Politics | The article questions identity-based frameworks of multiculturalism that reduce cultural differences to fixed categories. | Suleri suggests that identity is not static but is shaped by continuous cultural crossings and exchanges. (Suleri, p. 17) |
| Pluralism | Suleri contributes to the theory of cultural pluralism by arguing that multiculturalism should not be viewed as a simple aggregation of cultures but as an ongoing process of negotiation. | She calls for a pluralistic reading of culture that avoids static, binaristic categories. (Suleri, p. 16) |
Key Contributions to Specific Theories:
- Postcolonial Theory: Suleri critiques the colonial legacy that persists in the binary framing of Western vs. non-Western cultures, pushing for a more fluid, decolonized understanding of cultural plurality.
- Cultural Studies: The article addresses the role of power, politics, and representation in the discourse on multiculturalism, making it relevant to Cultural Studies by examining how cultural diversity is negotiated in the academy and society.
- Deconstruction: Suleri deconstructs the binary structures that underpin discussions of multiculturalism, such as mono/multi and center/margin, emphasizing the need for a more complex understanding of culture.
- Ethical Criticism: By foregrounding the ethical responsibilities in cultural engagement and representation, Suleri contributes to ethical literary criticism, particularly in terms of recognizing marginalized voices.
Examples of Critiques Through “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri
1. Critique of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
- Suleri’s critique of simplistic multiculturalism resonates with Achebe’s depiction of the clash between indigenous and colonial cultures in Nigeria.
- Multiculturalism and Its Discontents would challenge the binary opposition between Western and African cultures in the novel, suggesting that the narrative illustrates the complexity of cultural intersections rather than reinforcing a simplistic colonial/anti-colonial dichotomy.
- Suleri would emphasize the ethical implications of Achebe’s work, showing how it engages with the consequences of colonialism, but also how it complicates a purely “us vs. them” approach to cultural conflict.
2. Critique of Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
- Suleri would use her critique of multiculturalism to explore how Rhys problematizes the relationship between colonialism and identity in the Caribbean.
- Wide Sargasso Sea presents the complexities of cultural crossings, particularly in the character of Antoinette, whose identity is shaped by multiple, often conflicting, cultural influences.
- Suleri’s emphasis on avoiding binary thinking (Western/colonial vs. non-Western) would be applied to Rhys’ portrayal of race, gender, and colonial power, stressing that the novel moves beyond simple victim-oppressor narratives to explore hybrid identities.
3. Critique of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
- Multiculturalism and Its Discontents would critique Conrad’s Heart of Darkness for perpetuating the binary view of European “civilization” vs. African “savagery.”
- Suleri would argue that the novel exemplifies the very cultural reductionism she critiques in the discourse on multiculturalism, where the African landscape and people are portrayed as a monolithic “other.”
- While acknowledging Conrad’s critique of European imperialism, Suleri would point out that the novel fails to engage with the complexities of African cultures and instead reinforces colonial hierarchies.
4. Critique of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
- Suleri’s critique would highlight how Roy’s novel challenges simplistic notions of multiculturalism by illustrating the complexities of caste, class, and postcolonial identity in India.
- The novel aligns with Suleri’s call for a nuanced understanding of cultural pluralism, as it presents a world where cultural, social, and political realities are intertwined in complex ways.
- Suleri’s focus on the ethical dimensions of cultural exchanges would resonate with Roy’s critique of social injustices and her portrayal of marginalized voices, showing how the novel engages with the ethical challenges of representation and identity.
Criticism Against “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri
1. Overgeneralization of Multiculturalism Debate
- Critics may argue that Suleri overgeneralizes the discourse on multiculturalism by reducing it to simplistic binaries, whereas the field includes more nuanced approaches that she overlooks.
- Some might contend that multiculturalism is already recognized as a dynamic and evolving field, contrary to Suleri’s assertion that it remains monolithic.
2. Lack of Concrete Solutions
- Suleri critiques the limitations of multiculturalism but does not offer clear, actionable solutions for how to address the problems she identifies.
- The article is seen as more diagnostic than prescriptive, leaving readers without a concrete path for improving multicultural discourse.
3. Neglect of Positive Aspects of Multiculturalism
- Suleri’s critique may be viewed as overly negative, focusing on the shortcomings of multiculturalism without acknowledging its successes in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
- Critics might argue that the rise of multiculturalism has led to significant strides in representation, and Suleri underestimates its impact on educational and social frameworks.
4. Elitism in the Critique of Popular Multiculturalism
- Some may see Suleri’s dismissal of mainstream multicultural approaches, such as the addition of non-Western texts to the canon, as elitist and disconnected from the practical needs of inclusivity in education.
- Her critique could be perceived as more theoretical and detached from the everyday realities of implementing multicultural practices in curricula.
5. Ambiguity in Ethical Stance
- Suleri calls for a more ethically engaged approach to multiculturalism, but some might argue that her ethical stance is vague and not clearly defined within the text.
- Critics may question how her vision of an ethically responsible multiculturalism should be practically applied in literature and education.
Representative Quotations from “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| 1. “The discourse on multiculturalism tends toward such low-grade truisms from both the conservative and the progressive points of view.” | Suleri critiques how multiculturalism is often reduced to simplistic, cliched ideas that fail to capture the complexity of cultural diversity. |
| 2. “Multiculturalism is by no means a novel phenomenon.” | Suleri argues that multiculturalism is not a new idea, but rather a tired tautology that simplifies the deep, historical realities of cultural interactions. |
| 3. “The danger of such an ice-rink version of world history is not that it politicizes the academy but that it renders politics merely academic.” | She critiques how multiculturalism, when overly simplified, can depoliticize important issues, making them purely theoretical rather than engaging with real-world conflicts. |
| 4. “Such a formulation entails no simple mathematics of addition or subtraction.” | Suleri emphasizes that multiculturalism cannot be reduced to the simple inclusion of marginalized cultures but must involve a deeper, more dynamic engagement. |
| 5. “The truth remains that there are no monolithic cultures to which a new pluralism can be added after the fact.” | Suleri argues against the notion of static, homogeneous cultures, suggesting that culture is inherently fluid and cannot simply absorb new pluralism post-facto. |
| 6. “Down with either-or. Up with both-and.” | This phrase encapsulates Suleri’s call to move beyond binary oppositions in cultural discourse, advocating for a more inclusive, complex approach to multiculturalism. |
| 7. “Cultural passing: its vital dynamic is the ultimately ethical possibility that something can be gained.” | Suleri highlights the importance of cultural exchanges, emphasizing that even seemingly trivial interactions between cultures offer ethical opportunities for growth. |
| 8. “Neither secularism nor nationalism has supplied a sufficiently safe place from the deadly binarism that pits temple against mosque.” | Suleri points to the limitations of political ideologies like secularism and nationalism in resolving deep-rooted cultural and religious conflicts. |
| 9. “Multiculturalism must be given due credit for its recognition of the multifariousness of cultural difference.” | While critical of oversimplified multiculturalism, Suleri acknowledges its value in recognizing cultural diversity and difference, which are vital in contemporary discourse. |
| 10. “It seeks to learn their stories, and finally—even in faulty accents—it learns to say their names.” | Suleri suggests that multiculturalism’s success lies in its attempt to understand and humanize marginalized voices, even when this engagement is imperfect. |
Suggested Readings: “Multiculturalism and Its Discontents” by Sara Suleri
Books:
- Hall, Stuart. The Cultural Studies Reader. 3rd ed. Routledge, 2002.
- Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1978.
- Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. A Critique of Postcolonial Reason: Toward a History of the Vanishing Present. Routledge, 1999.
Academic Articles:
- Bhabha, Homi K. “The Location of Culture.” Cultural Studies 3.1 (1989): 24-35.
- Clifford, James. “Notes on Ethnography.” Anthropology Quarterly 55.2 (1982): 107-120.
- Said, Edward W. “Intellectuals and the State.” The Journal of Modern History 51.2 (1979): 153-176.
Websites:
- Multiculturalism Matters: https://preprint.press.jhu.edu/portal/sites/default/files/10_24.4romero.pdf
- The Global Intercultural Dialogue: https://www.unaoc.org/event/6th-world-forum-on-intercultural-dialogue-baku/
- The Center for Multicultural Studies: https://culturalstudies.ucsc.edu/