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The Forum > Article Comments > Perils of multicultural education > Comments

Perils of multicultural education : Comments

By Kevin Donnelly, published 6/1/2006

Kevin Donnelly argues the PC approach to teaching multiculturalism in schools contributed to the recent violence.

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While there are some good and caring teachers in both the public and private systems, the taxpayer funded, mediocre state schools are where most of the authoritarian-Left members of the profession wash up. Aided by a similarly minded head office bureaucracy and the extreme unlikelihood of being sacked, what a wonderful way to push their political views!

Meanwhile, more and more children leave school functionally illiterate and innumerate. Perhaps this means that, even if they are the slightest bit interested in the ravings of some frustrated little dictator obsessed with multiculturalism and racism, the message will go no further
Posted by Leigh, Sunday, 8 January 2006 9:58:15 AM
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Is multiculturalism really taught in schools? If it is then every student should have some understanding of the differences between all the cultures that make up Australian society. But it seems like what is really being taught are moral principles upheld by nearly all cultures rather than what distinguishes one culture from another. The need to affirm common moral principles for the sake of harmony and peace is understandable but ultimately causes greater mutual ignorance on all sides.

To truly gain appreciation and respect of all the different cultures that comprise our society we need to acknowledge the differences and not just keeping affirming what we have in common. This can only be achieved if each unique culture is taught objectively from an historical and religious perspective. We need to be able to understand why each culture is unique and not just how it is unique. If we can understand the religious heritage that has helped shape each culture then we are better prepared to respond to those among us who are racist and also those who use the charge of racism as a cover or defense for having aspects of their religion told in a way they disagree with.
Posted by Crusader, Sunday, 8 January 2006 10:04:13 AM
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Kev has sunk to new lows here.
He would have to be one of the laziest "Experts" I've ever read. Oh that's right he isn't he just says he is. Kiev’s a rather one eyed supporter of the white Anglo supremacist sect and if he was thirty years younger I sure he would have been in that crowd on the beach. His lack of ability to see past his own POV means he’ll never see racism or sexism or the wrongness of many of his ideas , I’m sure some are right but I’m betting it was a fluke. Kev Western Culture has come to dominate the world because of it’s ability to change, backward facing conservatives like your self are part of the problem not the solution to culture harmony. One of the fundamental ideas of democracy is it’s strength comes from diversity of ideas not a bunch of clones. By the way Judeo-Christian traditions is one of those fluff statements like family values. Christians like to make believe that our culture is based on Judeo-Christian tradition, this is nonsense that only Christians would swallow. It’s a sort of urban myth that most Christians except and don’t question. If you have a close look however you find it is exactly the opposite and our culture has emerged despite the corrosive effects of our Judeo-Christian conservative elements. The version of the ten commandments used most by Christians (remember the goats milk one) only three of them are reflected in our laws. Theses three (murder, stealing, lying) are present in every value system on the planet. Time to put some reality into your life Kev
Posted by Kenny, Sunday, 8 January 2006 10:15:58 AM
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I think the truth should be taught.

Skilled immigrants are the darlings of the capitalist system because they shun workplace reforms, like to work longer and longer hours, have a distaste for strikes and will provide the push for capital gains in the property market in already over populated cities. They already have been educated at a poorer country's expense and many have funds available to inject into the Australian economy.

Refugee immigrants are the darlings of the socialist because they can use them as pin up people for their own ego massaging causes. Of course all left ideals are eroded by mass migration. The more migration and the more educated a society becomes the less able it is to be sustain an egalitarian society, social benefits and environmental health. So why support the migration of some who have only an underclass destiny is cruel and selfish when it is only to make some loppy left feel like heroes.

Anglo people that populated these shores were mainly from oppressive backgrounds and fought for worker rights, a fair go for everyone, equality and religous freedoms. They were the backbone of the labor party and the backbone of Australia's economic success. They voted for aboriginal rights and voted for a more diverse society through immigration. They worked side by side with people from all over on projects like the Snowy Mountain scheme and called them nicknames often from affection but now labelled racist.

Such committment for a fair society is not recognised because these often colourful people are seen to lack culture, fine dining appreciation, have beer bellies and straight talk. I am not born here but am entertained by, and love, the raw Aussie spirit. I hate to see is disappear. I can also say they are to be trusted like no other.

But boring robotic university clones spat out of the system stripped of any unique personality, who denigrate these true blue Aussies, seem to think they are the ones to have culture. HA HA

Thats what we should teach kids. The truth.
Posted by Verdant, Sunday, 8 January 2006 11:46:15 AM
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Ha

At last some common sense.

Kevin Donnelly is enunciating the thoughts of many. He does so eloquently, forthrightly and without vilification or unjustified criticism.

Although I'd contend western society hasn't just drawn from the Hebrew it has also, as Mr Donnelly's writing shows, drawn heavily from the Greek.
Posted by keith, Sunday, 8 January 2006 12:16:17 PM
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Verdant and Keith, anytime you'd like to come in and present to my class let me know, I'd welcome you're input.

Be warned, kids like to ask questions like 'why do you think yours is the only perspective?' (Its whata good education should do)

You talk about telling the truth?

Whose truth?

Your truth and the truth that deliberately dis-remembers whole chunks of Australian social history?

In other words let’s trot out the Disney land version of Australian history, where Skippy the bush kangaroo saves the day. Puleeeze!

I've often wondered about what a true blue Aussie is, looks like, and believes. But it seems that like Bunyips they seem to be elusive and mythical.

Let’s face it, what you want kids to learn is your myopic and scared sh*itless version of Australia - where xenophobia is a virtue and benign racism is dressed up sheep’s clothing- just to keep you comfortable with your own fears and justifications for these fears.

Teaching people skills without giving them a vision for a better future - a vision based on common values is only training. I teach and so do thousands of teachers across the nation. You obviously didn't have one of these teachers. My deepest sympathy for you. You got short-changed big time.

Donelly is an intellectual dinosaur and a failed education bureaucrat looking for political kudos.

Multicultural education happens regardless of whether syllabus or policy dictates. It’s a reality of schools and the multicultural, multi-ethnic populations within ‘our’ schools.

Get over it!
Posted by Rainier, Sunday, 8 January 2006 6:04:00 PM
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