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.
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