multicultural heritage

Randy commented:  "Taking a grand stab at futurology, would you care to speculate on whether any Asian melting pots are going to use their multicultural heritage to become global players? Seems like an advantage but so often it becomes the fault line for disintegration."

Very interesting topic. Malaysia was founded on its multicultural base. After World War II, British set cooperation as a requirement for releasing the country from colonialism to independence. The National Museum celebrates multi-ethnicity. At the political level, a coalition of Malays, Chinese and Indians led the road to "Merdeka" (independence). Tourism touts World Heritage Cities as melting pots.

However, there is an under-swell. In private conversation people of Indian heritage said they are constantly marginalized by the Malay and Muslim majority. The Chinese are simultaneously admired for their prosperity and derided for control over commercial enterprises.

Muslims are justifiably proud of their cultural, artistic and architectural  accomplishments as displayed in the Islamic Arts Museum. But there also some troubling trends. Apparently there is a call to ban the practice of yoga in Malaysia. Politically, the current head of state appears to be consolidating his position by eliminating political dissent. Also, take a close look at the banner at the National Mosque; everyone was very friendly, but is this an official position?

This may be overly simplistic, but Why has the United States been successful for so long (yes, despite all our problems, it's been quite a run)? Our multi-cultural heritage has clearly made us better. Recently, the Brazilian President blamed "white people with blue eyes" for the current economic crisis. I wonder what he thought when he met our new President in London?