Ann posted the other day on the term “culturist,” a word coined and defined by John Press in a publication called Global Politician. I browsed around its website and came across another article by Press which adds more detail to his concept, called Culturist Geert. He begins:
Geert Wilders, a Dutch parliamentarian, was refused entry into the UK. The Muslim community threatened to riot if his film FITNA screened in parliament. Ironically, the Muslims objected to the film’s portrayal of them as intolerant! And since freedom of speech is so central to a functioning democracy, this censorship threatens the continuance of western civilization. In appreciation of Wilder’s efforts, I would like to offer him the intellectual gifts of ‘culturism’ and ‘culturist.‘ Using them will ease and hasten his victory over multiculturalism.
We’ve posted on Geert Wilders here, here, here and here.
Press’s point is that our side has no term to counter the idea of multiculturalism, which has such resonance in the west that it is considered heresy, or perhaps treason, to oppose it. And without a positive term, we sound entirely negative — we are against multiculturalism, but what are we for? Press’s answer: We’re for culturism.
Because multiculturalism is already a household word, citizens of Britain would instantly know what he means by culturism and culturist when he used them. Multiculturalism holds western nations have no core traditional cultures to prefer, promote and protect. Intuitively understanding the opposite of multiculturalism, the Brits would say “Yes,” we do have a core traditional culture and a right to protect it.” They would recognize that all nations are culturist and that our schools and our laws should reflect and protect our traditional cultures. And they would be able to communicate this sentiment as easily as multiculturalists now do theirs.
Culturists take diversity seriously, and wish to protect and preserve their culture. Using the word “culturist” makes it clear that race is not involved, just culture. Here is what he suggests for Geert Wilders:
Then, once the distracting charges of racism were diminished he can focus on the positive culturist agenda. He can explain that western schools should teach western virtues and history. He can convey that western nations should only recognize western legal systems. Culturism’s taking diversity seriously will give him a basis upon which to argue that freedom of speech is a western value that needs protection. Culturist logic will give him a rational basis upon which to discuss border regulations. He can affirm his language. Rather than just be against multiculturalism, Wilder’s using the word culturism will teach people about the positive western agenda and history he promotes.
I don’t give the project much of a chance, since nobody else is using the word. But it’s a good idea, and we can start using it right here. Maybe other people will pick it up. If you want more on culturism, here is John Press’s blog, Culturism.