Two sides of Multiculturalism

Australia is believed to be a Multicultural country. Because we have a multicultural society, it made many discrimination acts possible. However, these eruptions cannot devalue the powerful dynamic of multiculturalism developing in Australia for more than 60 years. They do remind, though, that multiculturalism is a work in constant progress and needs attention to meet contemporary challenges. 

In 2010-11, NOM contributed the greatest number of people to the most populous states: New South Wales with a net of 50,200 persons, followed by Victoria (45,700), Queensland (31,300) and Western Australia (30,800). (Australian Bureau of Statistics) In seeing this growth in Oversea Migrates' population, one of Australia's greatest refugee success stories, Frank Lowy suggests that "Newcomers should know our liberal democracy provides impartial processes to air grievances and right wrongs. They should know there is a place for peaceful and lawful protest. Australians say to newcomers: you are welcome; you are free to worship; you are free to honour your heritage; and we will respect the differences between us. And in return, you should agree to live by the standards and values of this society, the one you have chosen to be part of. And agree to pass on these values to your children, to ensure they receive a broad and balanced education, untainted by the ideology of hate."

It seems like the problem of discrimination is never fixable. On one hand, everyone despite their cultural background is welcomed to come to Australia. On the other hand, they are "forced" to live by the standards and value of the Australian society. We are always different to "you" and "your culture". They are forced to live by it and pass it onto their children. Is it not hate? The White value is always higher than other ethnic and cultural background. This emphasises on Bourdiea’s idea of high ‘culture’ that the "White culture" is seen as dominant, ‘normal and right.’ Was it shaped by Hitler's anti-Semitism (against Jewish people) or was it influenced by the "White Australian Policy" back in the 1900s? If the Whitlam government did not accept the policy of Multiculturalism, would Australia be considered as one of the world's largest immigration and Multicultural country?

It becomes so important that Multicultural education is for all schools and students and is integral to the school curriculum. Schools have a key role to play in: They enable all students (despite their ethnic backgrounds) to identify as Australians. They educate students about Australia’s democratic, multicultural society and their rights and responsibilities as members. They also promote social cohesion, community harmony and addressing racism. They provide learning environments that allow all students to reach their full potential. Schools address barriers that may limit participation of students from LBOTE (Language background other than English). Schools assist students to acquire the knowledge, attitudes and skills to participate effectively in a culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse community, nation and world. The Department is committed to eliminating all forms of racism. No one should experience racism within Department environment. Eradicating and challenging racism is responsibility of all staff. Promoting acceptance of diversity is responsibility of all staff. All schools should have a trained Anti-Racism Contact Officer.

Clearly, multiculturalism is not a one day program, it is something that everyone should be involved in. There should not be any ignorance towards any culture or ethnic groups. It is not just about saying "I accept you" without meaning it. It is about inclusion of everyone. It is about fairness and rights. At the end of the day, we are all just humans living in this world and are being created equality.  

References:

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/two-sides-to-the-blend-of-cultures-20120919-266xb.html

 Leonardo, Z. (2009). Affirming ambivalence: Introdution to cultural politics and education. In Z. Leonardo (ed.), Handbook of Cultural Politics and Education (pp. 1-48), Rotterdam : Sense Publishers.