Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
problem solving task
The problem solving task was one of the critical tasks during the EAP course, which was required from the students to complete it as a group. Although this task gave us an opportunity to work as a group by sharing and gathering information from each other, we faced some difficulties during the process. However we managed to overcome these difficulties at the end and we successfully finished the task as a group. I believe that, this task was quite useful for us, because it helped us to learn how to think critically and reach conclusion. By doing this task we learnt not only working as a group but also we improved our computing skills such as making power point, spreadsheet and graphs. Overall, the task was very helpful and interesting.
Analyse the state of multiculturalism in Australia
Analyse the state of Multiculturalism in Australia
Australia is one of the multicultural countries in the world. Australian indigenous people and people from different national backgrounds all over the world have contributed to build this nation. According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship [DIAC] (DIAC, 2009, Para, 1) the term of multiculturalism in Australia refers to the policy that celebrates diversity of different languages, backgrounds, colours, races, cultures, religions and beliefs within society. First of all, this essay will highlight the history of immigration in Australia. Secondly, it will discuss multicultural policy and racial issues. Finally it will discuss different points of view towards multiculturalism and immigration policy in Australia.
Australia is known as a country of migrants, it consists of its indigiounos people and other people who have came from different parts of the world over the centuries and they have made Australia their country. Aboriginal people are the first inhabitants in Australia who have their own languages and cultures. According to DIAC (2008, Para, 7) Aboriginal people have existed in Australia before approximately 40,000 years ago. The history of recent migration began in 1788 when the first fleet arrived to Australia from England. Most of the early settlers who have come to Australia were convicts sent by the British government to Australia. After the discovery of gold in the 1850s people started to come to Australia from different parts of the world, mostly from China (DIAC, 2008, Para, 10). After the federation of the colonies in 1901, the White Australia Policy was established. Under that policy, only immigrants from Britain were allowed to come and settle in Australia. Even though, some other Europeans immigrants were considered to be selected, they were less preferred and excluded from government’s financial supports in compare to Britons (Lopez, 2000 p. 43). Though the policy was accepting towards some white Europeans, it was strictly against Asian migrants. Collins (1992, p.110) states that the major plan of the White Australia Policy was to assimilate the majority of migrants from Britain into Australia.
During World War II the government had to take into consideration the possibilities of taking more immigrants to Australia. The reason for taking more immigrants was to populate Australia rapidly in order to cover the labour shortages in industrial fields and to defend Australia from enemies, especially after Japanese attacks during World War II (Lopez, 2000 p.44). By changing the immigration intake policy, the number of immigrants had increased after World War II due to reduce the restrictions on taking nonBritish immigrants. The increases in numbers of immigrants had a great impact on increasing the Australian population. The first waves of immigrants and refugees who have come to Australia were from Europe. This was followed by later waves who have come from Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific region and Africa. According to DIAC (2008 Para, 1) over six million people have migrated to Australia since World War II and the majority of these immigrants have entered Australia under humanitarian programs.
After the increase of diversity among the immigrants in Australia in the 1970s, the multicultural policy was announced in 1973 by Al Grassby, the Minister of Immigration of the Whitlam Government (Castle et.al, 1992, p. 129). This policy replaced the White Australia Policy. While the aim of the White Australia Policy was to assimilate the immigrants into white British culture so that they would become undistinguishable from it, the multicultural policy gave the right to the immigrants to maintain their languages and cultural heritages. The main aim of this policy was and is to provide rights, respect, fairness and equality for all the members of Australian society and to stop racial discrimination against the migrants to build a better future for the country.
Although Australian laws prohibit racism and discrimination, many migrants face discrimination and social isolation. Gallop (2007, p.24) notes that “migrants often face hostility and prejudice in their social interactions and job applications”. Also a closer look reveals that in spite of prohibitive laws, there is racial discrimination against some groups of immigrants in the Australian community, in particular these days against Muslim people. Adams (2005, p.30) reports that the result of survey show that after September 11, 2001 about 43 per cent of Australian Muslims have experienced abuse in public places. However, it is important to highlight that the racism can stem from different factors, such as media, amount of education that the person has and family. Apparently, more educated people tend to be more tolerant. Betts (1996, Para 20) indicates that, university educated people in Australia seem to be more open minded and tolerant than non educated people towards multiculturalism.
People can also be affected by the coverage of media for the events or news about particular religions or ethnic groups. Dunn et.al (2007, p. 571) claims that the racism against the Muslim community in Australia is strongly stemming from the media reports about the Muslims in negative manner.
Parents usually have significant roles in forming their children’s behavioures and attitudes, because they can be as a model for their children. For example, children who have tolerant parents are more likely to become tolerant themselves.
Even though Australia is multicultural society, people in the Australian community have different points of view towards multiculturalism. The opponents of multiculturalism argue that multiculturalism is bad because it undermines the national identity of the country. Castle et.al (1992, p.132) defines nationality as a group of people who share the same history, values, language and culture. Castle et.al (1992 p.133) argues that the presence of multiple cultures will damage the unity and will affect the social cohesion which leads to divisions and racial tensions among the people within a society. These divisions perhaps lead to conflicts and violence among the people who do not share the same value, language and culture. For example, Johnson and Glow (2009, p.37-44) claim that the riots on Cronulla beach in September 2005 are an indication of the racial tension between Anglo –Celtic and Middle Eastern Australians within Australian multicultural society.
Moreover, another argument against multiculturalism is that, multiculturalism can be a threat for modern democratic values. The major concern is that, people from other cultures may have the rights to practice some traditional prejudice such as the subjugation of women because it is a part of their culture. Davis (1999, p.119) suggests that due to existence of subjugation and intolerance against women in some religions and cultures, multiculturalism can affect women in particular.
In addition, there is another argument that has focused on immigration and population. This argument has more to do with immigration than multiculturalism. Goldie (2002, p.14) argues that by taking more immigrants, the population will increase and the opportunities of finding jobs will reduce which will result in increasing the numbers of unemployment in Australia. She states that the quality and the standards of the life were higher than what it is now in 1970 when the population rates were lower.
On the other hand, there are numbers of arguments which are extremely supportive of multiculturalism. Gibbs and Delaney (2004, pp.18-19) completely disagree with the people who are against multiculturalism. They believe that there is no doubt that multiculturalism is a successful policy, which helps to unite the people rather than separate them. They state that through multiculturalism, the relationships and intermarriages in Australia have increased between the people from different backgrounds. It seems that, through multiculturalism people become more tolerant and racisms become powerless.
Moreover, there is another supportive argument of multiculturalism which shows that the Language and the cultural heritage could be a source of enhancement that will help the country to succeed. Menadue, (2002, p. 21) claims that “integration into the global market is helped by 17 percent of our population fluently speaking a language other than English”. Even though English is the official language in Australia, there are more than 200 languages other than English spoken in Australia including the indigenous people’s languages and immigrants’ languages (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2005, Para,1). Some common languages which are spoken in the Australian community include Italian, Greek, Arabic, Cantonese and Mandarin.
In addition, there are a great number of arguments which emphasis on taking more migrants, especially skilled migrants from overseas in order to ensure the population grows rapidly and to promote the economy in Australia. For instance, Bracks (2002, p.9) arguestt4rttgrr that, If Australia does not accept immigrants, it is possible that the population rate will decline, productivity will reduce and longevity may also increase, which will cause problems for the country in the future. Therefore, it is vital to accept a higher number of immigrants to populate Australia rapidly to avoid such problems. He also considers that taking more immigrants especially skilled migrants is important to improve the economy of the country. He highlights that Immigrants contribute to improve the economy in different ways. Firstly, they bring expertise and skills to the country. Secondly they help to cover the labour shortages in industrial fields. Thirdly migrants play an important role to strengthen the trades between Australia and rest of the world.
In conclusion, Australia is a multicultural and multilingual nation. This nation was formed by its indigenous people and people from different parts of the world who have come to Australia over the centuries. Though the main purpose of multicultural policy is to stop racial discrimination, it seems that racism still continuing by some intolerant people. Even though people in Australia have different feelings towards multiculturalism, it appears that the immigrants and the multiculturalism in Australia have more benefits than risks for the country and the people as a whole.
Australia is one of the multicultural countries in the world. Australian indigenous people and people from different national backgrounds all over the world have contributed to build this nation. According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship [DIAC] (DIAC, 2009, Para, 1) the term of multiculturalism in Australia refers to the policy that celebrates diversity of different languages, backgrounds, colours, races, cultures, religions and beliefs within society. First of all, this essay will highlight the history of immigration in Australia. Secondly, it will discuss multicultural policy and racial issues. Finally it will discuss different points of view towards multiculturalism and immigration policy in Australia.
Australia is known as a country of migrants, it consists of its indigiounos people and other people who have came from different parts of the world over the centuries and they have made Australia their country. Aboriginal people are the first inhabitants in Australia who have their own languages and cultures. According to DIAC (2008, Para, 7) Aboriginal people have existed in Australia before approximately 40,000 years ago. The history of recent migration began in 1788 when the first fleet arrived to Australia from England. Most of the early settlers who have come to Australia were convicts sent by the British government to Australia. After the discovery of gold in the 1850s people started to come to Australia from different parts of the world, mostly from China (DIAC, 2008, Para, 10). After the federation of the colonies in 1901, the White Australia Policy was established. Under that policy, only immigrants from Britain were allowed to come and settle in Australia. Even though, some other Europeans immigrants were considered to be selected, they were less preferred and excluded from government’s financial supports in compare to Britons (Lopez, 2000 p. 43). Though the policy was accepting towards some white Europeans, it was strictly against Asian migrants. Collins (1992, p.110) states that the major plan of the White Australia Policy was to assimilate the majority of migrants from Britain into Australia.
During World War II the government had to take into consideration the possibilities of taking more immigrants to Australia. The reason for taking more immigrants was to populate Australia rapidly in order to cover the labour shortages in industrial fields and to defend Australia from enemies, especially after Japanese attacks during World War II (Lopez, 2000 p.44). By changing the immigration intake policy, the number of immigrants had increased after World War II due to reduce the restrictions on taking nonBritish immigrants. The increases in numbers of immigrants had a great impact on increasing the Australian population. The first waves of immigrants and refugees who have come to Australia were from Europe. This was followed by later waves who have come from Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific region and Africa. According to DIAC (2008 Para, 1) over six million people have migrated to Australia since World War II and the majority of these immigrants have entered Australia under humanitarian programs.
After the increase of diversity among the immigrants in Australia in the 1970s, the multicultural policy was announced in 1973 by Al Grassby, the Minister of Immigration of the Whitlam Government (Castle et.al, 1992, p. 129). This policy replaced the White Australia Policy. While the aim of the White Australia Policy was to assimilate the immigrants into white British culture so that they would become undistinguishable from it, the multicultural policy gave the right to the immigrants to maintain their languages and cultural heritages. The main aim of this policy was and is to provide rights, respect, fairness and equality for all the members of Australian society and to stop racial discrimination against the migrants to build a better future for the country.
Although Australian laws prohibit racism and discrimination, many migrants face discrimination and social isolation. Gallop (2007, p.24) notes that “migrants often face hostility and prejudice in their social interactions and job applications”. Also a closer look reveals that in spite of prohibitive laws, there is racial discrimination against some groups of immigrants in the Australian community, in particular these days against Muslim people. Adams (2005, p.30) reports that the result of survey show that after September 11, 2001 about 43 per cent of Australian Muslims have experienced abuse in public places. However, it is important to highlight that the racism can stem from different factors, such as media, amount of education that the person has and family. Apparently, more educated people tend to be more tolerant. Betts (1996, Para 20) indicates that, university educated people in Australia seem to be more open minded and tolerant than non educated people towards multiculturalism.
People can also be affected by the coverage of media for the events or news about particular religions or ethnic groups. Dunn et.al (2007, p. 571) claims that the racism against the Muslim community in Australia is strongly stemming from the media reports about the Muslims in negative manner.
Parents usually have significant roles in forming their children’s behavioures and attitudes, because they can be as a model for their children. For example, children who have tolerant parents are more likely to become tolerant themselves.
Even though Australia is multicultural society, people in the Australian community have different points of view towards multiculturalism. The opponents of multiculturalism argue that multiculturalism is bad because it undermines the national identity of the country. Castle et.al (1992, p.132) defines nationality as a group of people who share the same history, values, language and culture. Castle et.al (1992 p.133) argues that the presence of multiple cultures will damage the unity and will affect the social cohesion which leads to divisions and racial tensions among the people within a society. These divisions perhaps lead to conflicts and violence among the people who do not share the same value, language and culture. For example, Johnson and Glow (2009, p.37-44) claim that the riots on Cronulla beach in September 2005 are an indication of the racial tension between Anglo –Celtic and Middle Eastern Australians within Australian multicultural society.
Moreover, another argument against multiculturalism is that, multiculturalism can be a threat for modern democratic values. The major concern is that, people from other cultures may have the rights to practice some traditional prejudice such as the subjugation of women because it is a part of their culture. Davis (1999, p.119) suggests that due to existence of subjugation and intolerance against women in some religions and cultures, multiculturalism can affect women in particular.
In addition, there is another argument that has focused on immigration and population. This argument has more to do with immigration than multiculturalism. Goldie (2002, p.14) argues that by taking more immigrants, the population will increase and the opportunities of finding jobs will reduce which will result in increasing the numbers of unemployment in Australia. She states that the quality and the standards of the life were higher than what it is now in 1970 when the population rates were lower.
On the other hand, there are numbers of arguments which are extremely supportive of multiculturalism. Gibbs and Delaney (2004, pp.18-19) completely disagree with the people who are against multiculturalism. They believe that there is no doubt that multiculturalism is a successful policy, which helps to unite the people rather than separate them. They state that through multiculturalism, the relationships and intermarriages in Australia have increased between the people from different backgrounds. It seems that, through multiculturalism people become more tolerant and racisms become powerless.
Moreover, there is another supportive argument of multiculturalism which shows that the Language and the cultural heritage could be a source of enhancement that will help the country to succeed. Menadue, (2002, p. 21) claims that “integration into the global market is helped by 17 percent of our population fluently speaking a language other than English”. Even though English is the official language in Australia, there are more than 200 languages other than English spoken in Australia including the indigenous people’s languages and immigrants’ languages (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2005, Para,1). Some common languages which are spoken in the Australian community include Italian, Greek, Arabic, Cantonese and Mandarin.
In addition, there are a great number of arguments which emphasis on taking more migrants, especially skilled migrants from overseas in order to ensure the population grows rapidly and to promote the economy in Australia. For instance, Bracks (2002, p.9) arguestt4rttgrr that, If Australia does not accept immigrants, it is possible that the population rate will decline, productivity will reduce and longevity may also increase, which will cause problems for the country in the future. Therefore, it is vital to accept a higher number of immigrants to populate Australia rapidly to avoid such problems. He also considers that taking more immigrants especially skilled migrants is important to improve the economy of the country. He highlights that Immigrants contribute to improve the economy in different ways. Firstly, they bring expertise and skills to the country. Secondly they help to cover the labour shortages in industrial fields. Thirdly migrants play an important role to strengthen the trades between Australia and rest of the world.
In conclusion, Australia is a multicultural and multilingual nation. This nation was formed by its indigenous people and people from different parts of the world who have come to Australia over the centuries. Though the main purpose of multicultural policy is to stop racial discrimination, it seems that racism still continuing by some intolerant people. Even though people in Australia have different feelings towards multiculturalism, it appears that the immigrants and the multiculturalism in Australia have more benefits than risks for the country and the people as a whole.
cigarette addiction
This is a summary of the program about insidious nature of cigarette addiction and neurobiology of nicotine and new anti smoking drug. This program has been presented by Natasha Mitchell and the producer Anita Bara on BBC radio broadcast. In this program many experts explain that people get addicted to the cigarette because of the nicotine. Nicotine sets up habit patterns in the brain which tells the brain what ever he did in the past is good to do it again. For that reason, people stick to the cigarette even though it is harmful.
Some smokers in the interview said that they tried different methods to give up smoking such as nicotine patches and other methods. Some smokers said that the medications make the smoking boring in contrast; the others reported that the medication did not help them to give up smoking.
Nicotine can cause long term changes in the brain and change in nerve connection. It also causes neuron chemical change in the brain. Therefore, people feel anxiety, irritability, restlessness and other symptoms when not smoking. All theses symptoms will go away after smoking. However, most of the smokers report that the reason of smoking is to release the stress on the other hand the doctors repot that smoking make the stress worst. According to the twin study only 50-60% of smoker reason of being smoker is in their gene.
In this program it has been mentioned about the new anti smoking drug that are in the market. This drug has been labeled as champex in Australia and Europe and shantex in US. This drug blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain. It also has some side effects that have been reported such as nausea, vomiting, night mare and suicidal ideation. However, the reason of suicidal ideation is not clear whether it was because of the medication or other behavior disorders. Whereas other smokers reported that after taking this drug they gave up smoking without any side effects. More trial in US and UK is going to ensure the safety and the side effects of this drug.
Finally, it is very important to be cautious when using this medication because this medication has been tried on healthy people but not on people who have mental illnesses.
Some smokers in the interview said that they tried different methods to give up smoking such as nicotine patches and other methods. Some smokers said that the medications make the smoking boring in contrast; the others reported that the medication did not help them to give up smoking.
Nicotine can cause long term changes in the brain and change in nerve connection. It also causes neuron chemical change in the brain. Therefore, people feel anxiety, irritability, restlessness and other symptoms when not smoking. All theses symptoms will go away after smoking. However, most of the smokers report that the reason of smoking is to release the stress on the other hand the doctors repot that smoking make the stress worst. According to the twin study only 50-60% of smoker reason of being smoker is in their gene.
In this program it has been mentioned about the new anti smoking drug that are in the market. This drug has been labeled as champex in Australia and Europe and shantex in US. This drug blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain. It also has some side effects that have been reported such as nausea, vomiting, night mare and suicidal ideation. However, the reason of suicidal ideation is not clear whether it was because of the medication or other behavior disorders. Whereas other smokers reported that after taking this drug they gave up smoking without any side effects. More trial in US and UK is going to ensure the safety and the side effects of this drug.
Finally, it is very important to be cautious when using this medication because this medication has been tried on healthy people but not on people who have mental illnesses.
the summary of art gallary
This is a summary of the talk about the art that we listened to during an art gallery excursion. The talk was presented by the art gallery guide Keith Patton on 7th of May 2009.
According to Patton the first group of artists had arrived to Australia from England in 1788 with Captain Philip first fleet. These artists focused on painting trees, rocks and animals that are special to Australia. In 1830 another group of artists came from different parts of Europe including England, France, Germany and Austria. These artists learned how to paint Australia properly such as painting Australia’s country sides and the gum trees, mountains, rivers and aboriginal’s lives and so on.
Patton presented a lot of information about different art such as impressionists, modern, abstract as well as some aboriginal art. He explained each portrait briefly. He also gave some information about artist’s lives, backgrounds and the type of the paintings and the colours that they have used.
According to Patton, Impressionist art was very popular art at the time of 19th century. Patton defined the impressionist painting as painting by looking at some thing and painting it without details. Patton explained that, Impressionist artists celebrated only white Australian, but did not celebrate aboriginal people.
The first picture was the portrait named ‘On the Wallaby track 1896’. This picture was impression art painted by Frederick McCubbi. This picture described the life of Australian family who lived in the bush. The picture was very emotional; it shows the lady very tired with her baby sleeping on her lap. This picture shows that the family has no house to live in, it shows that live in the tent.
The second picture is named ‘Sunday evening 1941’. This was also impression art was painted by Russell Drysdale. The artist paints the family living in the dessert suffering from poverty.
With the invention of camera at the beginning of 20th century Australia moved to modern stage and modern art had been introduced.
The last picture was the picture of nightmare ‘The sower 1944’. This picture was giving indication of negative feeling towards the life, it was not very interesting. This picture classified as a modern art and was painted by James Gleeson in 1944. Gleeson was very educated man. He died at the age of 90.
According to Patton the first group of artists had arrived to Australia from England in 1788 with Captain Philip first fleet. These artists focused on painting trees, rocks and animals that are special to Australia. In 1830 another group of artists came from different parts of Europe including England, France, Germany and Austria. These artists learned how to paint Australia properly such as painting Australia’s country sides and the gum trees, mountains, rivers and aboriginal’s lives and so on.
Patton presented a lot of information about different art such as impressionists, modern, abstract as well as some aboriginal art. He explained each portrait briefly. He also gave some information about artist’s lives, backgrounds and the type of the paintings and the colours that they have used.
According to Patton, Impressionist art was very popular art at the time of 19th century. Patton defined the impressionist painting as painting by looking at some thing and painting it without details. Patton explained that, Impressionist artists celebrated only white Australian, but did not celebrate aboriginal people.
The first picture was the portrait named ‘On the Wallaby track 1896’. This picture was impression art painted by Frederick McCubbi. This picture described the life of Australian family who lived in the bush. The picture was very emotional; it shows the lady very tired with her baby sleeping on her lap. This picture shows that the family has no house to live in, it shows that live in the tent.
The second picture is named ‘Sunday evening 1941’. This was also impression art was painted by Russell Drysdale. The artist paints the family living in the dessert suffering from poverty.
With the invention of camera at the beginning of 20th century Australia moved to modern stage and modern art had been introduced.
The last picture was the picture of nightmare ‘The sower 1944’. This picture was giving indication of negative feeling towards the life, it was not very interesting. This picture classified as a modern art and was painted by James Gleeson in 1944. Gleeson was very educated man. He died at the age of 90.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
journal week 7
Journal week 7
On Tuesday I finished my presentation about herbal medicine. Although I was very stress about how to present, my presentation was very good and I was the second presenter who presented on Tuesday. All my friends and the teacher told me that I did very well. I believe that the information that I present were very informative. Now I start to prepare my listening assessment by taking note from the CD that Helen gave it to us. I also prepare a short talk about the radio program that I listen to it in the CD. I’m looking forward for the holiday to have a rest and take my children out however; it seems to be very busy holiday because of our homework that we have to do it during the holiday.
On Tuesday I finished my presentation about herbal medicine. Although I was very stress about how to present, my presentation was very good and I was the second presenter who presented on Tuesday. All my friends and the teacher told me that I did very well. I believe that the information that I present were very informative. Now I start to prepare my listening assessment by taking note from the CD that Helen gave it to us. I also prepare a short talk about the radio program that I listen to it in the CD. I’m looking forward for the holiday to have a rest and take my children out however; it seems to be very busy holiday because of our homework that we have to do it during the holiday.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
journal 6
On week six I finished writing my report about herbal medicine and I submitted to the teacher. This week I start preparing my presentation for next week. I start researching information about the topic and practice it at home for several times in front of the mirror so I can present it on Tuesday. I also start putting my journals in my blog as well as some useful websites. I was very happy last week because my first draft of annotated bibliography was done correctly so I don’t have to worry about the second draft I just have to resubmit it to marsalin on Wednesday. We are going to have our assessment in listening on week nine, the teacher gave us a topic to listen to it and take some notes and present oral report about the topic for approximately six minutes. Because I was busy with my presentation this week I could not start with listening topic this week.
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