Multicultural Societies, Immigration and Multiculturalism

In her book Infidel, AyaanHirsi Ali sheds light on a number of key issues. The book takes readers through Ali’s experiences, from her childhood in Somalia to her rise to political office in the Netherlands. Ali begins by describing how her mother would teach her about her ancestry and the stories that her grandmother would share (Ali, 2008). Ali dedicates much of the book to her experiences in other countries. Her mother moved them from Somalia to Saudi Arabia where she believed that it would be easier to bring them up since Saudi Arabia was a Muslim country. Ali would move to such other countries as Kenya before eventually reaching the Netherlands (Ali, 2008). Her experiences in these countries were better than what they had been in Somalia. However, since different cultures were practiced in these countries, Ali faced a number of challenges. These challenges are the subject of this essay. The essay explores the problems that arise when one moves to a country with different cultural practices and the challenges that the Netherlands grapples with as a result of mass immigration. A discussion is also offered on the views of Ali on multiculturalism. 

Problems resulting from different cultures 

Ali and her family encountered one problem resulting from different cultures on their arrival in Saudi Arabia. She mentions that Saudi law required that all women be in the company of a man (Ali, 2008). They had expected to find their father at the airport but he failed to show up. What followed was a heated argument with an immigration official who made it clear that she could only leave the airport when accompanied by a man. The Saudi law demanding male company for all women caused Ali and her mother great inconvenience. She describes an incident where he mother needed to make a call (Ali, 2008). Since this would require that she venture out and be in the company of a man, she went with her young son who served as the accompanying male. These incidents highlight the problem that different cultures pose to those who are visiting new places. The different laws make it difficult for an individual to comply and this may cause them to face legal action and harassment. Ali describes a number of situations when her mother and other Somali women who were not accompanied by men would be accosted and harassed by Saudi men. 

Ali’s problems did not end in Saudi Arabia. The family was deported from Saudi Arabia owing to Ali’s father’s political activities and this forced the family to move to Ethiopia (Ali, 2008). Ali shares that they had to learn the Amharic language in school. They could only speak Arabic and Somali and having to learn a new language posed a challenge. They faced a similar challenge in Saudi Arabia where Arabic was the main language used and yet Somali was the only language that they had ever known (Ali, 2008). Ali also mentions that most of the people in Ethiopia were Christians. The Muslims considered the Christians impure whose practices insulted God. The Christian Ethiopians had embraced lifestyles that were different from what Ali and other Muslims had adopted. The lifestyles could be seen in the different dressing styles. While Ali and other Muslim women remained covered up, the Ethiopian Christians wore clothes that exposed parts of their bodies that Ali thought should be covered (Ali, 2008). The different religious practices and languages used by different cultures present challenges for people visiting foreign countries. These challenges are pronounced for those who are unable to integrate into the new cultures. 

Ali’s troubles did not end in Africa as they followed her to the Netherlands where she faced difficulties in her efforts to understand and embrace the new culture. While in the Netherlands, Ali had to learn the Dutch language (Ali, 2008). It was not until she was taught to translate directly from Somali to Dutch instead of through English that her command of the Dutch language saw some improvement. The circumcision of girls is another issue that sets the Dutch culture apart from Somali customs. Ali describes an incident where a gynecologist is shocked to learn that a girl that Ali had accompanied had been circumcised (Ali, 2008). The girl’s genitals were so deformed that the gynecologist thought that she had suffered burns. This case highlights the shock and disbelief with which people usually greet other cultures. While the shock in itself is not necessarily a problem, it could make one feel that their culture is rejected and considered odd. 

Challenges caused by mass immigration in the Netherlands

The Netherlands accepted thousands of asylum seekers, some of whom were granted citizenship. The country provided them with housing and allowances (Ali, 2008). In the book, Ali does not mention that the immigrants seeking asylum were an economic burden. However, it can be argued that the immigrants present a burden to the Dutch economy. When the Dutch government spends much of the nation’s wealth on housing and providing the immigrants with allowances, it can be expected that the nation’s economy could suffer. The other problem that mass immigration poses to the Netherlands is the difficult in integrating foreigners into Dutch society. Ali confesses that she encountered challenges as she tried to learn the Dutch language (Ali, 2008). The situation was worse for immigrants who lacked any form of education. It is difficult for the immigrants to secure employment or pursue education when they lack even basic education. The Netherlands is unable to transform these people into productive and well-integrated members of Dutch society. 

Ali’s view on multiculturalism 

Ali does not explicitly state what her view on multiculturalism is. However, from her description of her experiences in the different cultures, some insights can be gained about her view. Ali seems to welcome new cultural practices and this suggests that she has a positive view of multiculturalism. For instance, she accompanies her Dutch friends to a pub. While she refuses to consume alcohol, she keeps frequenting the pub (Ali, 2008). This can be taken to mean that she had embraced the Dutch culture. Ali warmed up to various other elements of the Dutch culture. For example, she wore jeans and entered into conversations on such issues as love and virginity (Ali, 2008). These discussions are forbidden in Islam and yet Ali engaged in them. Ali also expresses admiration for the Dutch society. She particularly admires the organization and the fact that the country runs smoothly. She also describes how she was received warmly by new families. All this points to the fact that Ali holds a positive view on multiculturalism. 

Personal Reflection

The insights that Ali shares in her book about the problems that result from different cultures, the challenges that the Netherlands faces due to mass immigration and multiculturalism are relevant to the world today. The world is becoming increasingly integrated as communities intermingle. The book allows individuals to understand and anticipate the challenges that the interaction among communities can cause. Today, the European Union is grappling with a migrant crisis. While there are some countries such as Germany that welcome the migrants, there are others that have made it clear that they will not receive any migrants. The United States has only admitted few refugees and there is a growing anti-foreigner sentiment. This makes the book relevant as the world can develop solutions to address the migrant problem. 

Personally, the book has allowed me to understand the practices of different cultures and the problems endured by foreigners. I now understand that foreigners face challenges as they try to learn the new language and cultural practices. I have encountered foreigners who have shared with me about their experiences in the country. Most are grateful for the opportunities that they have been offered. However, there are some who complain that they face hostility and harassment from locals. They add that they pray for stability and economic growth in their mother countries that they wish to return to. Overall, Ali’s book and my personal experiences have allowed me to be more sympathetic and treat foreigners with more respect. 

In conclusion, Ali’s book Infidel sheds light on the plight of immigrants. These individuals are forced out of their countries by such factors as war and political oppression. In the new countries, they often face challenges that make it difficult for them to integrate. Ali’s family faced language barriers are was unable to fully integrate into their new communities. Ali was able to finally find a home in the Netherlands thanks to the support that the Dutch government offers to migrants. There is need for other nations to emulate the Dutch government so as to resolve the migrant crisis that the globe faces today. 

Reference

Ali, H. (2008). Infidel. New York City: Atria Books.