In the present context, societies still remain culturally diverse, with most countries

having a mixture of individuals from different races, linguistic backgrounds, religious affiliations,

and so forth. Multiculturalism is the term used to describe a society where a variety of different

cultures coexist. A multicultural society can result when people from many different countries

migrate to one place, or an empire conquers many countries. Philippine culture is an example of

a culturally diverse society because we have almost 180 different ethnic groups existing in our

country. Furthermore, we have experienced series of migration and colonization before that

shaped our culture today.

For us to fully understand what is multiculturalism, we should first define what is culture.

The term "culture" refers to the complex collection of knowledge, folklore, language, rules,

rituals, habits, lifestyles, attitudes, beliefs, and customs that link and give a common identity to a

particular group of people at a specific point in time. Thus, culture serves us the lens through

which how we perceive the world. It is the mirror we use to reflect and interpret reality. It teaches

us how to think and what to think about.

In a multicultural society, there is no official culture that is decided by the people living in

certain area to which a person must be part of. Instead, all cultures are respected as much as

each other. Hence, cultures outside of our own are operating with their own expectations for

behavior and communication. If we able to realize that people from different cultures with

different background may not look, think, or act as we do, we appear less insensitive, ignorant,

or culturally confused. When we interact with people whose values or behavioral norms are

different from ours, we need to be able to accept that diversity. Being culturally flexible enables

us to communicate more effectively.

Ethnocentrism, is the term when we reject diversity. It is the tendency to see our own culture as

superior to all others, while they view other groups or cultures inferior This is also the main

reason why intercultural communication failed. People who are ethnocentric experience great

anxiety when engaging with people outside their culture. As a result, they blame others for

problems they face and often turn the facts inside out, making unsupported accusations. When

we develop sets of “alternative facts,” we close ourselves to learning the truth.

Today, we are living in a society which compromises of various ethnicities and cultures.

Living in a multicultural society enables us to become more sensitive and conscious to our

surroundings. It will also increase our understanding and self-awareness towards other people.

Multiculturalism is the practice of respecting and engaging with people from different cultures.

Through intercultural communication, we interpret and share meanings with individuals from

different cultures.
 In a diversified organization, conflict is really inevitable as every individual has different
personality, customs and belief. That is why people must learn how to communicate and
respect. As an aspiring accountant, you must have good communication skills. You must learn
how to socialize with your colleagues and you must be careful with your words so you won't
hurt other's feelings. Effective communication is the best way to solve a conflict.

Another point that has embarked in my mind is about how teamwork makes the dream
works. It is true that differences in employee would bring trouble to an organization but what
makes them unified and intact is that they have a specific goal to achieve. I believe that despite
of differences, task will be accomplished when everyone cooperates and that they would work
in harmony.