Book excerpt: In the ongoing culture wars, multiculturalism represents a threat to traditional values for some, and a promise for a more inclusive society for others. This rich collection demonstrates multiculturalism's potential to transform human society and teach it to respect--rather than reject or merely tolerate--difference. It offers diverse approaches to multiculturalism as it applies to contemporary themes of autonomy, identity and education. Drawing on philosophy, literature, sociology, history and political science, the contributors weave together personal narratives, pedagogical interpretations and global perspectives to offer a vision of the twenty-first century.