Caption : Thai crisp noodle salad
Photographer : tommytommy |
What is it?Multiculturalism is a cultural and political policy established by the Australian government to show citizens how they should live together.
The term multiculturalism means ‘numerous cultures’. It was put into place to promote a way of thinking that embraces and accepts Australians who have come from different countries or who identify with a culture that is different from Anglo–Australian culture. This includes respecting peoples’ choices and practices regarding their religion and their social beliefs. It means that all cultures are respected and nobody is more important than anyone else.
Multiculturalism as a political policy also emphasises that while Australians accept and recognise cultural diversity, all citizens identify one ‘common law’ and democratic government as their own.
The multiculturalism policy can be seen through the following core principles:
- Equality—this means all citizens are given equal rights, no matter what race or religion they are. It also ensures that people can rely on Australian law if they are discriminated against because of their cultural beliefs.
- Responsibility—this means all Australians are responsible for accepting others who have individual beliefs. It also means that we have a duty to support our democratic model of government.
- Benefits—this means we recognise that multiculturalism brings great benefits to society. And, if we continue to live in a society like this, the possibilities of success in social and business spheres are endless.
How did it come about?After World War II (1945 onwards) Australia started receiving a large number of immigrants from Europe and the Middle East, and later Asia. Until this time, Australia was mainly populated by Irish and English immigrants and their descendants. This meant that during the 1950s there was large increase in people with other cultures and religions.
During the 1960s the Australian government started to realise that immigrants were being unfairly treated, despite upholding Australian laws and making significant contributions to society. Many migrants and their families, particularly those who did not speak English, were also struggling to gain access to services like education and health care. By 1968, it had become obvious that a new and different approach to immigrant services was needed.
In 1973 the term ‘multiculturalism’ was introduced by the Labor government under Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. This led to the formation of migrant associations and advisory boards that looked specifically at issues affecting cultures and languages other than English.
How is multiculturalism implemented?Australia doesn’t have a formal document for a national cultural policy concerning multiculturalism. Instead, the government has a general policy. It provides a broad framework of cultural objectives and can be continuously updated. The way this usually works is that funding is allocated to cultural agencies that make proposals for policy and programme implementation.
The values of multiculturalism are taught to children in primary schools, and are emphasised throughout the public education system. A number of state and federal laws, including equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, are also influenced by the key principles of multiculturalism, such as equality.
Harmony Day is another example of how multiculturalism is recognised by Australians. It happens on the 21 March every year and celebrates the benefits of living in a multicultural country. Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Who does it affect? And what does it bring?The multiculturalism policy affects everyone living in Australia. It is supported by our laws and influences many social and political agendas. It impacts on our everyday lives, more so than we probably think.
Multiculturalism has helped us understand other cultures. It contributes a lot to Australian society, but mostly it brings education, understanding and difference.
Multiculturalism brings heaps of other stuff too, like exotic foods and flavours from other countries! In Sydney, Leichhardt is known as our ‘Little Italy’ and in Haymarket you can find anything Chinese—from Chow Mien to Hong Kong fashion. In the inner-west suburb of Petersham you can find fantastic Portuguese Chicken and the list just goes on...
Australian fashion, food and culture have all been affected by multiculturalism because it makes up what it means to be Australian.
How do I know this?CultureLink 1996,
Cultural Policy in Australia,
http://www.wwcd.org/policy/clink/Australia.htmlDepartment of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs,
http://www.immi.gov.au/Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs,
Australian Multicultural Policy,
http://www.immi.gov.au/multicultural/australian/in... Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs,
The Evolution of Australia’s Multicultural Policy,
http://www.immi.gov.au/multicultural/australian/in... Harmonyday.gov.au,
What is Harmony Day,
http://www.harmony.gov.au/what-is-hd/index.htmUniversity of Western Sydney,
Multiculturalism in Australia,
http://www.uws.edu.au/studyoptions/residential/lif... Flickr Images,
Good Morning! Image by Jacobz
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amelie/126596856
