How to Live Together in a Multicultural Society: Utilizing Stories of Empathy and Communication

A multicultural society where we live together

Today, we live among neighbors from diverse backgrounds. The languages we speak differ, the foods we eat vary, and the ways we view the world are completely different, yet we coexist in the same space, shoulder to shoulder. Such differences can sometimes feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable. However, to ensure that these differences do not become a source of fear, a posture of understanding and acceptance towards one another is essential.

Everyday Life in a Multicultural Society

Multicultural societies are no longer stories exclusive to specific countries or regions. In our daily lives, from workplaces and schools to neighborhoods and even online communities, various cultures coexist. However, this coexistence does not always occur naturally. Sometimes we clash, and at times we misunderstand each other. Therefore, what we need now is not just 'information' but 'stories'. The deepest power in understanding people always comes from stories.

Small experiences create big empathy

There are stories that everyone holds dear in their heart. The big and small trials and errors experienced during study abroad in a foreign country, immersed in unfamiliar culture. At first, it was bewildering and uncomfortable, but over time, I gained new perspectives and warm friendships from that strangeness. Such experiences of sharing feelings with people from different backgrounds cultivate the ability to view the world in a broader and richer way.

The beginning of empathy is sincerity.

We often become familiar with the slogan 'we need to understand multiculturalism,' but slogans cannot move people's hearts. Ultimately, what matters is the 'person' within 'multiculturalism.' Therefore, the most powerful education is always listening to the story of one individual. Within it, we discover feelings that cannot be understood through statistics or knowledge.

Sustainable Understanding

An attitude of respecting and embracing multiculturalism is not achieved through one-time events or symbolic declarations. It is realized through continuous dialogue and repeated meetings, through the accumulation of time accepting each other's cultures as part of our lives. What is important is to momentarily set aside the conviction of 'I am right' and to have the room to think 'that could be possible.'

Multiculturalism is our story

The word "multicultural" can sometimes feel grand and distant. However, when you look inside, it is ultimately just a story of "people meeting and getting to know each other." The culture of others that you encounter today may someday become a mirror reflecting your own inner self.