The Role of Literature in Promoting a Multicultural Society: The Austrian Case

Abstract

This essay examines the efforts of Austrian writers to make their fellow citizens more tolerant of recent immigrant groups. Postmodern discourses on identity, diversity and cultural difference have shaped debates in Austria about multiculturalism and have encouraged Austrian writers to challenge concepts of national identity and cultural homogeneity and to insist that multicultural and marginalized voices be heard. Like their counterparts in other countries, they encourage the celebration of difference. In their literary works as well as in political essays both in print and on the world wide web they play a leading role in speaking out against anti-foreigner sentiments and intolerance and they present models of a multicultural and multiethnic Austria in which not only Austria's historical minorities such as Jews, Roma and other groups from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, but also more recently arrived immigrants and refugees can live together and mutually enrich each other's cultures and lives.