Multicultural Australia

Over the past few months, Sydney’s cultural diversity has been on display with festivals ablaze of color, exotic foods and music from around the globe. Cultural festivals such as this are a great way to build understanding and awareness of other beliefs, religions or traditions within the community. Australia is arguably one of the better functioning multi-cultural societies around the world, making it one of the most successful and diverse populations in the world.  At any given moment, you can experience the diversity of cultural talent within Australia and dine on almost every exotic food from around the globe without leaving our shores.

Twilight Parade

Since the attacks on Bali and the riots in Cronulla, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. Being patriotic to our great nation is to demonstrate the value that we place on respect, ‘a fair go’, acceptance and a sense of belonging for everyone. While I believe it is of the utmost importance to be patriotic to your country, the disturbing trend of draping oneself with the Australia flag, expressing the idea that being Australian means you are of Anglo decent and that anybody who does not fit this stereotype is not welcome to join the Australian identity, is just total ignorance. Australia has long been seen as the land that provides opportunity for people to escape the poverty and war of their homeland. Even when the first fleet arrived in 1788, there were estimated to be about 60 different nationalities among the crew and convicts.

Twilight Parade, Chinese New Year, Sydney

What is concerning is the trend of intolerance towards other cultures within Australia and thinking that the diverse country that we live in, in some way dilutes our sovereignty and national identity. In fact, Australia was founded on people who were seeking a new start and a better way of life in this country for their families.

One thing I learnt while traveling through different countries, was that although I may not have been able to fluently speak the language, this did not mean that I was not trying or did not want to learn. Many people who I met along the way were extremely pleased that I was just trying to learn their language, even though my accent (and maybe my looks) gave away that I was from another country. This also applies to Australia where many people who live in this country are in the process of learning English and although they may not have a genuine ‘Aussie accent’; this linguistic diversity is an asset for Australia. It creates more competitive trade as well as fostering better international ties and cultural exchange with other countries.

Australia Day, Sydney

To claim that the problem with Australian society is only due to one race, religion, culture or ethnic background is simply taking the easy way out. Within every society there are small minority groups who will cause problems and not adhere to an educated peaceful way of life. I urge all to educate oneself about other cultures, race or religions before passing any judgment or reaching for the pitchforks to run them out of town. There is peacefulness, compassion, beauty and great lessons to be learnt from every culture and way of life from around the world.

Falun Dafa Meditation, Sydney China Town

Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice guided by the characteristics of the universe – Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance.

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~ by Steven Ashby Photography on February 28, 2009.