Madam, - In response to M Carragher (September 12th), it would appear some clarification is required following my original letter of September 6th. That letter was intended to make precisely his point by questioning the extent to which our current "multicultural" society encompasses integration, given that many of us would still prefer to educate our children in schools which are not culturally diverse.
I agree that integration is crucial in a multicultural society, but I believe it should be a two-way process where the host country provides an environment which promotes cultural integration.
During the Troubles in Northern Ireland we heard often about the importance of integrated education to alleviate fear and distrust on both sides. Today, this has become a global concern.
The "philosophy" I wanted to advance is an understanding that we are all essentially people, regardless of culture. To highlight our differences instead of our similarities simply propagates the fear and violence to which M Carragher refers.
Gandhi, whom M Carragher cites, recognised how limiting segregation was and objected to being referred to by the British as a Hindu representative. As a humanitarian, he wished instead to be seen as a representative for the "toiling and semi-starved" Indian people. If such a philosophy becomes "bankrupt", then we are poor indeed. - Yours, etc,
ELAINE DESMOND,
Glasthule, Co Dublin.