Dogmatic Wisdom
by Russell Jacoby

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Book Reviews of Dogmatic Wisdom

Book Review: Class dismissed; dogmatics sent home
Summary: 4 Stars

MULTICULTURALISM AS A CORPORATE MARKETING PLOY. Mr Jacoby sees multiculturalism as a 'way-station' on the road to monoculturalism. He argues that our multiple ethnic groups are not different cultures at all, because we all "partake of a larger industrial society". Partake and become homogeneous. Higher education, pop culture (t.v., movies, music), professional sports, name brand clothes and consumerism in general are making us all alike no matter our ethnic origins. Jacoby says "inexorable loss calls forth proud declarations of identity". It is in recognition of this fact that corporations have latched onto multiculturalism, using it as a marketing tool to draw in minorities here, and attract new consumers abroad. While Jacoby is convincing in arguing that marketing is an important element of multiculturalism he does not mention a critical issue. Namely, we can share traits as mentioned above but this is acculturation, not integration. Acculturation is simply conformity to the superficial cultural traits of a society. It is not synonymous with assimilation, and assimilation is what is needed.

MULTICULTURALISM, AN ACADEMIC PURSUIT. Mr Jacoby makes the connection with consumerism by stating that the elective system of our universities is the equivalent of the free market; choices beyond reason. "This makes passionate arguments about the curriculum seem like shadowboxing; at least in higher education no punches can be landed, because the object, a liberal education, has vanished". The 'professionalizers', he says, have triumphed - "a coherent curriculum has disappeared". Remaining in the middle, he sees no need to join those carping about the radical professors because he sees them as anything but revolutionary. They remain insiders and Jacoby cuts right through their bluster. "They encounter the world as secure employees of mainstream institutions". Hardly the definition of a radical! This dismissing of the multiculturalizing professors is not only a criticism of the left as Jacoby includes 'right' thinking critics as well, lumping all together and pronouncing on their collective hypocrisy. He sees "a celebration of academic hierarchy, professions and success. Never has so much criticism yielded so much affirmation". To which I can only add never has one book added so much new and fresh insight into the culture wars.

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