Australias multicultural tomorrow
October 22nd 2010 02:24
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Vyoos news
VYOOS EDITORIAL
I have lost interest in the multiculturalism debate which periodically consumes Australia.
The debate springs to life every so often, invariably with passion and earnest argument from all points, usually started by old politicians finding support waning or new politicians needing to build support.
IÂm sick of it.
Former conservative Australian Prime Minister John Howard made global headlines last month by claiming the English-speaking world had generally confused multiracialism and multiculturalism. Its Howard thats confusing, but I dont care.
Australian-based, British journalist Pallavi Jain said this week that multiculturalism is dead. If she really believes that, its her brain thats dead, but Im over it.
In a speech in the Australian parliament yesterday, the Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou, accused both major political parties of abandoning multiculturalism and leaving Âthe field open to its enemies.
Maria, I dont care any more, and neither should you.
The only concern I have is that Australia will change its immigration policy. The politicians can grandstand all they like, so long as they dont meddle with our current immigration mix.
I see the results of that policy when I walk through the Footscray pedestrian mall. Muslim head scarves. Jewish beards. African faces. Vietnamese shop signs. Indian supermarkets. Chinese restaurants full of Chinese-speaking people.
Not all urban malls are as colourful and diverse as this probably few in the world are. Im just lucky to live close by.
Thats where multiculturalism is alive and well. That is where we can see today the vibrant, rich and culturally diverse landscape which is the Australia of tomorrow.
They are building that tomorrow in the corridors of the Department of Immigration. Down there, away from the bright lights and glaring egos, they are getting on with the job.
They probably dont care any more about multiculturalism than I do. They dont need labels to describe what theyre achieving, because the labels just become political footballs.
No labels, no egos and precious little acknowledgement. Just achievement. And that I care about.
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