Does Australia Need a Common Core Culture - Essay Example

Does Australia need a 'common core culture' as John Hirst argues Make a case for or against multiculturalism Australia maintains the reputation of being a multicultural nation, with a multicultural society in this modern world. It is a country inhabiting many indigenous immigrants and refugee culture. These diverse people residing in the country are from all over the world. As a modern nation, Australia welcomes and respects all people by ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to reach their full potential. It is recognized very apparently as one of the leaders in the support and acceptance of multiculturalism; with a reputation on the world platform as a country which is characterized by its democratic society, diversity and multiculturalism. Australia's, stand on multiculturalism is very clearly presented in The Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism which states "A just and fair society must be based on equality, respect for all its members and most importantly democracy." (OMI) Multiculturalism is the core essence of Australian society, which stimulates the society, economy and the politics of the country, based on the foundation of liberal democracy and pluralism, supporting ethnicity and cultural diversity. Multiculturalism is all encompassing, a wider and more open acceptance of people within the community and nation, with emphasis on us, not 'us' and 'them'. Multiculturalism is necessary in Australia, as Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world and multiculturalism is needed as consequences of mass immigration and growing cultural diversity. A close examination of the case of Australia for multiculturalism requires taking into account the historical context in which the policy of multiculturalism rose. "Australia is a nation of immigrants, initially from Great Britain, who, over the course of two centuries, displaced an indigenous population and founded a liberal-democratic state."(ww4.gu). The Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism with its key principles was released in July, 2003 and was designed to promote recognition and difference within community and reaffirms the rights and the responsibilities of all Western Australians. The charter acknowledges Indigenous people as first Australians. (OMI) Multiculturalism in Australia is reflected in acceptance of true democratic values, which emphasizes that people do not have to give up their cultural, religious or ethnic identity, rather Australia's identity is shaped by diversity. Multiculturalism is a system of rights and freedoms. It is a cultural right, and social justice of all citizens in a democratic state. Multiculturalism means that Citizens of the nation are empowered so that everyone can participate in the democratic process. This process of empowering its citizens strengthens the democracy. The core feature of a democratic nation is that it makes sure that everyone enjoys equal rights and protection and opportunity, to reach their full potential with dignity and respect. It is about recognizing the right of Western Australian citizens, to look different, speak different languages and practice different cultures. It is about democracy and citizenship. People of diverse cultures and different ethnic groups live in Australia, with certain rights and duties. Their rights include: equality in all areas of life; access to full social, economic and political participation; freedom to express our traditions and beliefs and freedom from abuse, violence and harassment due to perceived race. And their duties include: acceptance of communities, cultures and beliefs; protecting those who might be disadvantaged due to their culture and fulfilling responsibilities as citizens.(OMI) The Commonwealth of Australia (1978) made an observation which confirms that migrants have a right to secure and maintain their cultural rights and racial identity, and it is the duty of a democratic nation like Australia to ensure and protect these interests in harmony with the growth and the progress of the nation at large. It should be reinforced that the ethnic identity should not be at the expense of the society at large , but should be interwoven with the fabric of the national identity, through the multicultural interactions. This will be beneficial for the community as well as the nation at large. They emphasized that "cultural diversity does not necessarily create divisiveness, rather hostility and bitterness between groups"(ww4.gu) are often result of cultural repression . Multiculturalism is vital for Australia's political interests and economic efficiency. As observed by Castle, the current immigration policy shows direct connection between multiculturalism and economic progress. Recent immigration figures reveal that government policies and economic progress works simultaneously and harmoniously. There is an indication of lower immigration figures in the years of recession 1980's with only 60,000-100,000 immigrants arriving per year, which rose to 140,000 per year in 19190's, with Asia holding the largest migration percentage of 35-45 percent. The economic migration encourages future migration, as the family reunites and gives boost to the nations economy. Migration influences three aspects of the nation's political and economic structure: family migration increases workforce and skill; economic migration promotes trade and humanitarian migration strengthens the fabric of nation. Migration policy is further reinforced by the fact that in 1987, ALP government focused on the benefits of multiculturalism in the area of economic efficiency arguing that culturally diverse population is in a better position to tackle the challenges of international trade and communication. This will help open doors to Asia, which has been projected to play a crucial role in the economic development of Australia. (Castle,1992) The economic aspect of growth is further strengthened by the fact that society and economy, need the presence of the concept of 'all of us' which includes a divers workforce with a large pool of skills, talents, contacts, languages and points of view to challenge and stimulate. Multiculturalism provides this naturally, fitting in beautifully with the political aspirations and agendas of the democratic government. Australia is a melting pot of different ethnic groups, multiple races and numerous beliefs; which merge with country's core culture to give it amore multicultural flavor. The strength of the Country is the fact Australia is built by people from so many countries with so many different national backgrounds, who has but one dream of success, and are supported by an active policy of multiculturalism since 1972 (Healey, 2005).The unity amidst diversity is one of the key factors which enhance and enrich the progress and the growth of Australia as a nation, with a strong presence and stand in the global race of international trade and communication. The trend of increasing diversity of society is also an indication of cultural and economic enrichment. Most of the migration theories are often based on the economic incentives and social network effects, in harmony with the political machinery of the nation. The democratic characteristic of the nation supports this new trend to help evolve new settlers, who are the new migrant population of Australia. Migrant populations, who are the essence of the multicultural society, have the power to mobilize political authority and the economic dynamics. They merge with new nation dynamics; merging their personal goals with new nation's goals and resulting in a more dynamic and progressive society and nation. They with their open outlook and fresh ideas are responsible for innovation and improvement, which cannot be achieved from assimilation and homogeneity. This challenging and aggressive outlook comes from the difference, diversity, challenge and competition. Multiculturalism in Australia is a way to achieve social cohesion in an ethnically diverse society. The global trend of the nations and the economy, very clearly has witnessed transformation in collapsing the national boundaries for greater expansion and global benefit. This has resulted in shrinking of the national boundaries for more comprehensive global exchange and development. The shrinking of distances has also been supported by more efficient communication and travels. Both of these developments have contributed to increase in the international migration, which has been very boldly and openly embraced by the Australian, policy towards migration and multiculturalism. Multiculturalism has played a central part in the successful model for immigrant settlement and community relations. The immigrant policy of Australia protects the migrants and the refugees in their first few years of arrival in Australia by helping them with benefits to avail education, learn language, health benefits and often providing extra assistance while they settle with housing. This is to prepare them to merge better with national level of school and employment standards in Australia. This also helps them become active in the community and contribute efficiently to the economy, helping the nation become stronger and more competitive, for changing global scenario of cut throat competition. The acceptance and embracing of multiculturalism, has been the most dynamic theory which has changed the perception of Australia as a nation; with multiculturalism, new settlers have a strong commitment to succeed and have made outstanding contribution to Australia. The National Agenda for Multicultural Australia (OMA,1989) launched by Prime Minister in 1989 identifies three dimensions of the multicultural policy: cultural right; social justice and economic efficiency. These three aspects combine in varying combinations to create a society and a nation which is unique and strong to lead on the International platform. Multiculturalism is not a tool used by politicians to propagate their agendas, as John Hirst argues that "Australia needs a 'common core culture'". Multiculturalism is the necessity of the modern time, in the light of global expansion and integration. Multiculturalism is the tool which empowers its citizens to participate in a democratic society like that of Australia; it is the essence of the democratic philosophy. It gives the nation her national identity which is shaped by diversity. Multiculturalism strengthens the society, protects the migrants and refugees, makes the society stronger and makes good economic sense. It is about ensuring that all members of the society have the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity and respect. "A just and fair society must be based on equality, respect for all its members and most importantly, democracy (OMI(WACM)) Work cited Castles, Stephen (1992).The Australian Model of Immigration and Multiculturalism: Is It Applicable to Europe. International Migration Review. Vol.26 No.2, 549-567. (Castles, 1992) Bickford, Susan (1999).Reconfiguring Pluralism: Identity and Institutions in the Inegalitarian Polity. American Journal of Political Science. Vol.43No.1, 86-108. (Bickford, 1999) Hirst, John (2001). A core culture is vital to our success story.. Retrieved October 4, 2007, from The Australian Web site: academia-research.com/files/message/547905_A%20core%20culture%20is%20vital.pdf (Hirst, 2001) McGREGOR, RUSSELL (2006).Nations and Nationalism. Vol.12No.3, 493-511. (McGREGOR, 2006) Brett, Judith (2007).The Country, the City and the State in the Australian Settlement. Australian Journal Political Science. Vol.42No.1, 1-17. (Brett, 2007) Forrest & Dunn, James & Kevin (2006).'Core'Culture Hegemony and Multiculturalism. Ethnicities. Vol. 6, No. 2, 203-230 . (Forrest & Dunn, 2006) WW4.gu, Immigration and Multiculturalism. Retrieved October 4, 2007, from Deaprtment of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Web site: http://www4.gu.edu.au/ext/civics/cv02/mod03/cv02m03t02.htm (WW4.gu, ) Abbott, Tony (2006).A Conservative Case for Multiculturalism. Quadrant Magazine Society. Vol.L No.6, (Abbott, 2006) Stokes, Geoff (1997). The Politics of Identity in Australia. Cambridge University. ( Stokes, 1997) Jayasuriya, Emeritus Prof Laksiri (1993). key issues in citizenship and republicanism. Retrieved October 4, 2007, from Reshaping Of cultural Values Web site: www.teachingheritage.nsw.edu.au/d_reshaping/wd3_mmajayasuriya.html ( Jayasuriya, 1993) BOROWSKI, ALLAN (2000).reating a Virtuous Society: Immigration and Australia's Policies of Multiculturalism . Journal of Social Policy. Vol.29, 459-475. (BOROWSKI, 2000) OMI(WACM), About Multiculturalism. Retrieved October 7, 2007, from Office of Muticultural Intersts Web site: omi.wa.gov.au/Publications/Info_Sheets/About_Multiculturalism.pdf (OMI(WACM), ) Healey, Justin (2005).Multiculturalism in Australia. Vol.214, (Healey, 2005) Read More