The Problem with Multiculturalism: The Uniqueness and Universality of Western Civiliation

The horrors of the past century have done little to advance appreciation for the virtues of Western civilization. During the past several decades, criticism of the West has mounted, as the West itself has lost sight of its uniqueness. Westerners tend to endow other societies with the West’s liberal philosophy and practices, but while it may be politically profitable, among other things, it fails to educate these societies about the peculiar characteristics of their own civilizations. Thus, the West loses an opportunity to establish the idea of a common humanity, of human rights, and of the legitimacy of dissent and diversity.

John Headley’s principal goal here is to establish the uniqueness and universality of the West then to critique multiculturalism’s failure to recognize these special characteristics. He looks to civilization rather than to the nation-state as he argues for this uniqueness, which was evident from the West’s very beginnings.

Headley also seeks to advance the ever-contentious discussion about secularization. He sees secularization as a neutralizing force regarding the religions of other civilizations, allowing them to accept Western influence, which thus becomes universal. To understand secularization and how it operates from a naturalistic perspective, one must see civilization itself as a defining element in world affairs.