The Misunderstood Tolerance of Western Multiculturalism

By Mika Horelli, BRUSSELS   

Wars, population growth, poverty, climate change, the legacy of colonialism, and societies stuck in the values of the past have driven increasing numbers of people to seek a better life in Western countries.

The cultural encounters brought about by migration are one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time. They offer a chance to enrich our societies, but they have also generated tensions related to values, rights, and individual freedoms. In the West – particularly on the political left – the respect for cultural diversity has often led to serious misunderstandings with far-reaching consequences.

The first step is acknowledging that biologically, we are all part of the same human race. Talking about different “races” is scientifically unsound and only fuels unnecessary divisions. Modern genetics has shown that there are no biological races among humans; the concept of race is a social construct. What we often call racism is, in reality, fear or ignorance that manifests as hatred toward unfamiliar cultures. It’s important to remember that this fear can cut both ways.

Cultural incompatibilities are a real challenge. It has been a mistake to interpret respect for cultures as permitting serious human rights violations, such as female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and honor killings. In Europe, such practices have sometimes been overlooked in the name of cultural tolerance. In the UK, for instance, there have been cases where authorities failed to address honor-based violence effectively for fear of being labeled racist.

Respect for cultures in the West must not mean ignoring the fundamental rights of migrant girls, women, or members of LGBTQ+ communities within their own communities under the guise of cultural relativism. Such practices may belong to the culture of the migrants’ countries of origin, but they have no place in Western societies.

Many migrants flee precisely from the patriarchal structures and inequalities that their original cultures represent. Yet these practices can follow them to their new homes unless actively addressed. It is vital to understand that the Western values of equality and the rule of law are non-negotiable. These values have been achieved through generations of struggle, and newcomers should not be allowed to turn back the clock on human rights. Instead, they must adapt to the principles of the countries they have chosen to move to.

Immigration and Crime: A Complex Issue

Let me be clear: I vehemently oppose racism and discrimination in all forms. I am proud of the Western value of embracing diversity and promoting equality. However, it must be acknowledged that a misinterpretation of cultural acceptance has contributed to rising racism and xenophobia in Western societies. At times, it feels as though banning traditional local foods or classical music like Johann Sebastian Bach’s the St. Matthew Passion from public spaces in the name of inclusivity is deliberately provoking more hostility toward multiculturalism.

For example, statistics in Sweden show an overrepresentation of people with immigrant backgrounds in certain crime categories, especially sexual offenses. Similar trends are evident in Finland. However, this does not mean immigration itself causes crime. Research shows that underlying socio-economic factors—such as exclusion from the labor market, education, and social participation—significantly increase crime rates.

In contrast, studies from the United States have found that legal immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens. This suggests that immigration issues are more about failed integration than immigration itself.

Crime and gang activity among those with immigrant backgrounds often stem from marginalization. In areas like Stockholm and Malmö, young people turn to gangs because they see no other prospects or opportunities. Factors such as unemployment, unequal access to education, and housing market disparities play a significant role. I have observed similar phenomena in Denmark and here in Belgium.

In the immigrant-rich United States, the integration model has historically been more advanced: there is a strong emphasis on language acquisition, shared values, and societal participation. This reduces marginalization and crime, partly explaining why second-generation immigrants often outperform native populations.

The Limits of Tolerance

Those of us who call ourselves tolerant have often failed miserably in setting boundaries on what should and should not be tolerated. When we remain silent on clear human rights violations or excuse them as cultural differences, we unintentionally create space for far-right extremists and populists who successfully position themselves as the “truth-tellers.” This has boosted their popularity. When someone offers simplistic solutions to complex problems and points fingers at so-called “culprits,” a disturbingly large number of people believe these lies.

One root cause of this phenomenon has been the Western tendency to avoid discussing crimes committed by migrants or to handle them too cautiously in the media. While the intention—to prevent the spread of racist attitudes—was good, the consequences have been toxic. This silence has made many citizens view the media as untrustworthy, fueling conspiracy theories and eroding trust in authorities.

It’s worth remembering that the vast majority of migrants live law-abiding lives and do not commit crimes. Balanced discussions can help reduce general xenophobia.

Western culture is built on religious-philosophical traditions, scientific reasoning, and ongoing self-criticism. This enables societies to evolve and improve, albeit often through heated debates. Still, it should not be replaced by systems based on religion or immutable truths that stifle dialogue or progress.

It is clear that Western nations must defend their core principles—such as individual freedom, gender equality, and the rule of law—without compromise in the name of tolerance. Respecting different cultures does not mean allowing practices that violate basic human rights to continue within our borders.

Navigating cultural encounters requires a balance between embracing diversity and defending core values. Western societies have not only the right but also the duty to set boundaries for what is acceptable—both within their own culture and others.