Multiculturalism: Inclusive or Segregation

Nathan Lee

There are many things that irritate me; and politicians are often at fault for this. But there is nothing more irritating then their careless use of words such as multiculturalism, mateship or the dreaded unAustralian. The issue at the heart of this is, as I see it, perception. Perception of what people understand these words to mean, perception of the Australian identity and perception of society in general.
 
The significance of an Australian identity continues to be explored in relation to buzzwords such as 'multiculturalism' and 'reconciliation', and policies revolving around immigration and basic human rights. However, more often than not discussion continues to be based on superficial and outdated stereotypes, that in no way are inclusive or indicative of all Australians. There is nothing inherently wrong with the idea of multiculturalism, it is rather the fact that it now carries a rather narrow perception of what multiculturalism has the potential to be.

So is multiculturalism inclusive of does it segregate society? The meaning of multiculturalism has changed enormously since its formal introduction in Australia. Originally it was understood by the mainstream population as a need for acceptance that many members of the Australian community originally came from different cultures and still had ties to these cultures. However, it has come to refer to the rights of migrants within mainstream Australia to express their cultural identity. The problem arises because we expect this to achieve different things. It is comparatively easy to let people be, to tolerate them, their families, their culture, their behaviour. But it is a far cry from truly accepting them for who they are. This parallels Andrew Robb's criticism of "a federation of ethnic cultures, not one community" and was quite right in his observance that a culture that fosters a rights mentality, rather than a responsibilities mentality is inherently divisive.

Perhaps we do need to relegate 'multiculturalism' to history along with assimilation and paternalism. But whatever we choose to call the next stage in Australia's social policy there need to be certain key characteristics.

First and foremost it requires a pluralistic approach, one that acknowledges and provides a medium in which all members of Australian society can input into decision making. Any policy would need to consolidate the interests and balance of powers between all the interest groups.

Secondly, we need to move beyond the level of tolerance provided for by the type of multiculturalism aimed extending equitable status to distinct cultural and religious groups, with no one culture predominating. There is the need to generate a cultural identity distinct to Australia, one that truly accepts everyone.

It is important to delineate between equality of treatment and equality of outcome. Equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and similar legislation provides for equality of treatment, while wage subsidies to Indigenous Australians are an example of equality of outcome. To be honest I am not sure what sort of equality any new type of multiculturalism should attempt to achieve, it is yet another topic that needs to be tabled and discussed.

In doing these things I believe that it is possible to establish at least an idea behind what it truly is to be Australian. One that encompasses all ways of life, and in doing so allow for a more unified Australian public. Building a sense of cooperation that will benefit individuals and society as a whole. I see the Australian identity as one that is dynamic, one that is constantly changing, rather than a fixed image that easily becomes outdated. This means that even with increased immigration levels we are not, as some might put it, aborting ourselves out of existence because these immigrants are merely the next generation of the ever-changing Australian.

So what does this all mean, I certainly don't have the answers to the questions that have arisen. Rather this should serve as a vehicle for discussion, as a starting off point, something that merely helps to crystallise the issue at hand. The matter is only going to become increasingly relevant as we become more and more reliant on immigration as a way in which to deal with labour shortages. And the direness of these labour issues is only going to increase as baby boomers move into retirement.

As such it is imperative that we develop a true understanding of Australian identity, one that is inclusive of all people. One that balances everyone's individual culture taken from their personal history and a collective Australian culture that highlights both rights and responsibilities. This can only be achieved by discussion that is willing to forget stereotypes and face reality. In doing so we can accomplish a greater sense of social harmony, which impacts upon the level of social welfare for all.