Summers of Diversity: Examining Multicultural Festivals & Events

Multiculturalism is the view of cultural diversity in a country as something good and desirable.  America is considered a multicultural nation due to the diverse groups of people who exist within the country's borders.  In fact, many individuals, particularly students, are quick to point out that America is a "melting pot" nation, which they say means that the US is made up of and represented by various different cultural groups from around the world.  They go on to state that many American citizens are also derived from various cultural backgrounds.

It is therefore not uncommon, particularly during the summer months, for the United States to emphasize this cultural diversity through a variety of cultural activities, such as festivals or events.  These events are opportunities for others, particularly nonmembers, to experience, understand, and learn about cultures unlike their own.  These festivals and events are also opportunities to promote understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity that exists within the United States.  I have and continue to attend and participate in multicultural events, and I encourage my students to do so as well as a means of expanding their understanding of cultures (and anthropology).

But as well meaning as many of these events are there are some dos & don'ts when it comes to multiculturalism and festivals & events that claim to be multicultural.  This list is by no means exhaustive but is meant to be a way to start critically analyzing the messages you are exposed to at these events to allow you to understand if you are getting a truly multicultural experience or one that either intentionally or unintentionally is perpetuating stereotypes about the group(s) or culture(s) being "represented":

•  Consider who is organizing or sponsoring the event:  A good way to figure out if you are going to get an authentic cultural experience is to look at who is organizing or sponsoring the event.  Events that are organized or sponsored by organizations of the culture and/or group(s) being represented in the event or festival are usually going to present a balanced and accurate depiction of the cultural and/or group(s) (see picture above).  Events that are not organized or sponsored by a representative organization may not be as authentic.  It does not necessarily mean that it will not be as authentic or fully authentic but that is typically a red flag, and you may be attending an event that is therefore perpetuating stereotypes. 

The Stewart Indian School Pow Wow

• Look at who is attending the event:  While at the event take a moment to look around and see who is actually in attendance at the event.  Typically if the event is an authentic cultural experience members of the culture will be there in order to experience and celebrate their own culture.  Be respectful of these people, though, as many of them may not want to be disturbed.  Some may be there because this may be one of the few opportunities where they can participate in their culture free from judgement, but some may be there in order to expose others, particularly nonmembers, to their culture.  If someone looks friendly enough to speak to and you want to engage them in conversation do so congenially and without expectation, and if they end up not wanting to be engaged respectfully leave them be. 

Attendees at India Fest in London, ON.

• Check out what goods are being sold at the event:  This is not meant to be a means of promoting the commercialization of the event.  This is, however, an indicator of the authenticity of the festival or event.  Are the items for sale representative of the group?  Or are they not at all representative of the group?  This one may be a bit more difficult and will require a little research ahead of time to see what is actually representative of the culture or group being served by the festival or event.

Gaming Vendors at RAGECon (Reno Area Gaming Extreme Convention).

• See what events are going on: Again, this will require a bit of forethought and research into the culture, but having an idea of what is considered appropriate events for a culture is typically a great way to gauge the authenticity of the event.  Many inauthentic events will polarize stereotypes about the group and/or culture being "represented" vs. authentic events that will provide you a genuine cultural experience.  Dances, food, attire, etc. will typically be provided by members of the actual culture if the event is authentic.  This does not mean that authentic events will not have nonmembers participating, but typically these individuals are doing so as they have been enculturated into the culture and identify as belonging to it in some way. 

Flamenco Dancers at a festival in Arica, Chile.