Multiculturalism is characterized by the dilemma whether different cultural groups prefer recognition or redistribution. According to Siapera, the issues of recognition and redistribution are the subject of a common debate when dealing with culturally diverse groups. The theorist considers recognition to be the act of a identifying the particular aspects of a certain cultural group. On the other hand, redistribution covers issues such as giving minority cultural groups their fair share of resources.
The dilemma concerning recognition and redistribution is broad and has been addressed by several cultural theorists. Some of the people who have contributed to this debate include Nancy Fraser who argues that recognition and redistribution are two distinct issues. Another contributor of the issue is Axel Honneth who is of the view that recognition solves redistribution issues. Social democracy factors into this dilemma mainly because of its advocacy of differential treatment of minority cultural groups.
The role of the press in this dilemma is highlighted because the press eventually determines how nations handle redistribution and recognition issues. However, it is noted that the media is somehow hypocritical because it often fails to recognize and represent the diverse cultural voices.
Siapera’s account of the redistribution and recognition dilemma is easy to understand. In several occasions, the drive to achieve either redistribution or recognition has often resulted in conflicting points of view. In my daily activities, I often witness the varying dimensions of this dilemma.
For example, while most minority groups want their uniqueness to be recognized, they often appear to be too sensitive when other cultures focus on this uniqueness. An example of this dilemma in a real life scenario is the recent controversy surrounding renowned television personality icon Paula Deen. When she was accused of being a racist, she used the argument that her efforts were meant to recognize the African-American culture.