Representation of Diversity as Manifestation of the Nation’s Characteristics: Research in the Novels New York and Samawi by Damien Dematra

Abstract

This research attempts to reveal the cultural and religious diversity contained in the New York and Samawi novels by Damien Dematra. This type of research is a qualitative study with a literary sociology approach. Data analysis techniques using content analysis. Data validation uses theory triangulation. The results showed that there was a diversity of cultures and religions in Damien Dematra's New York and Samawi novels. Cultural and religious diversity is a manifestation of harmony among religious communities, balancing the universe, and as a manifestation of the nation's characteristics. The form of harmony between religious communities is shown through thoughts, attitudes and actions that respect, accept, and acknowledge a religious and cultural difference. Manifestation of the balance of the universe is a form of understanding and understanding of humans in addressing a difference that exists. The embodiment of the nation's characteristics is reflected in the thoughts, attitudes, and actions taken by the community in understanding and interpreting the essence of a difference by respecting, accepting, and acknowledging differences in religion and culture. So, diversity as a form of national characteristics will be realized if every human being can understand and interpret the essence of a difference by respecting, accepting, and recognizing a cultural and religious difference.