Why do many people confuse 'cosmopolitanism' and 'universalism'?

[Tooting Carmen]

Although there is of course overlap, the two concepts are actually quite different. 'Cosmopolitanism' means "an appreciation of different languages and cultures". By contrast, 'universalism' means "everyone should speak the same language and have the same culture (for their own good, of course)". I consider myself to be a cosmopolitan, not a universalist. When I visit Germany, Italy or Japan, I try my best (however poorly) to respect their customs and to speak German, Italian or Japanese. Universalists, by contrast, believe that there should be no distinctions between people, or at least they should be considered irrelevant in terms of identity and interpersonal relations.

[Universe]

Cosmpolitanism can result in universalism. I mean if you have many different people living together there's a tendency towards assimilation and acculturation.

[Tooting Carmen]

Cosmpolitanism can result in universalism. I mean if you have many different people living together there's a tendency towards assimilation and acculturation.

Do you mean like the American "melting pot" idea? Since it to varying degrees deliberately excluded racial groups at various times, it was incongruous and hypocritical.