The concept of communication for shared values raises a good defense for dialogue among constituents. Multiculturalism includes several cultures and hence different values. The organization must agree on general beliefs by which to determine the scope of diversity. These beliefs cannot be derived from values of the community that happens to be the majority. I suggest that an egalitarian dialogue between the constituents is one way to arrive at shared values. Today attention is being paid to the dialogic and narrative structures different identities display, to discourse as a form of deliberation, centered on the negotiation of shared values that go beyond, and are not in opposition to, multicultural divisions.[1]

Though certain values are universal, multiculturalism insists that some values can be interpreted differently and other values that are specific to each culture. Therefore, to contend that the dialogue must always result in consensus or that no values should be imposed unless everyone agrees is irrational. However, it is possible to reach a broad consensus on certain moral principles that can demand compliance. Multiculturalism represents a set of values whereby the recognition of identity needs is linked to the instrumental power of members of ethnic communities.[2]

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[1] Maz Surez, Ramn and Requejo Coll, Ferran (2005). Democracy, Nationalism, and Multiculturalism. Routledge Innovations in Political Theory. London, NY: Taylor & Francis. P. 2

[2] W. Isajiw, Social Evolution and the Values of Multiculturalism, paper presented at the Ninth Biennial Conference of the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association, Edmonton, Alberta, 1417 October 1981, cited in Evelyn Kallen, Multiculturalism: Ideology, Policy and Reality, Journal of Canadian Studies, 17(1; Spring 1982): 52.

Kenneth Rice

Originally from Laurens, South Carolina Lieutenant Rice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician in 1989 where he completed a tour in South West Asia during the Persian Gulf War. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1992 and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Navy in 1996 and obtained his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida in February 1997.

Following initial Division Officer Training at Surface Warfare Officer?s School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Rice reported for duty as the Electrical Officer in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), Norfolk, Virginia in October 1997. During this tour he also served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and completed a Counter Drug Operations deployment. In December 1999 he reported for Department Head Training in Newport, Rhode Island.

In June 2000, Lieutenant Rice reported as the Chief Engineer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) in Norfolk, Virginia and completed a MED/MEF deployment and a homeport shift from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. From SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, he reported to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in February 2002 as the Staff Material & Logistics Officer. During this tour he completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment embarked in USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2003, Lieutenant Rice reported to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education and Training Management Subspecialty in December 2005. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College Correspondence Program completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

Lieutenant Rice?s personal awards include the Navy Commendation (2 Awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 Awards), in addition to several service awards.

Lieutenant Rice is married to the former Marianne McGhee of Beaufort, South Carolina. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two children, James (8) and Anir? (4).