Criticism of multiculturalism appears to be in fashion
lately. Looking at how the word is used, it appears
that multiculturalism means different things to different
people.

To some it's simply a demographic description of a
diverse population.

To others it can be used as an ideal to be aspired to
about how a diverse society should be organised to be a
just one.

To others its a collection of ghettoised individual cultural
elements - that do not enrich by diversity but rather
pollute the society.

In Australia our society has been described as a successful
multicultural society. I thought it might be interesting
to see what posters on this forum feel about this description
in 2020?

Here's what two of our former Prime Ministers had to say
on the subject:

Julia Gillard:

"Multiculturalism is not only just the ability to maintain
our diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is the meeting
place of rights and responsibilities where the right to
maintain one's customs, language and religion is balanced
by an equal responsibility to learn English, find work,
respect our culture and heritage, and accept women as full
equals".

Tony Abbott agreed and added:

"Newcomers to this country are not expected to surrender
their heritage but they are expected to surrender their
hatred".

Your thoughts please.

"Multiculturalism" is simply the recognition that culture is not the state's business and individuals ought to be free to live in their own way (so long as they do not hurt others that live differently).

Thank You Yuyutsu.

so long as they do not hurt others that live differently
Yuyutsu,
Yes, that's how it should be even in mono culture. But, when you have a situation where so-called refugees demand from those who take them in to conform to the culture or rather baggage they bring with them then things invariably take a sharp turn.

It is important that we recognize the aim of having
a cohesive society centred around defined cultural
ideals rather than a collection of ghettoised individual
cultural elements.

A society that would assume that
culture is enriched by diversity rather than polluted
by it, and that the diverse cultural elements exist within
a cultural envelope that creates its own common ground.
Where fairness, equality, non-discrimination, and
justice are viewed as an all important foundation.

Dear Foxy,

«It is important that we recognize the aim of having
a cohesive society centred around defined cultural
ideals rather than a collection of ghettoised individual
cultural elements.»

Are these your own thoughts or is this a quote from somewhere?

I am asking because I totally disagree.

It is human to fear, then seek shelter and the illusion of safety in numbers. Human - but not wise. The only real and reliable shelter is in the One, in God, not in the many!