If someone could explain to me what the term "multiculturalism" means I would be able to decide whether I was for it, against it or indifferent to it.

stevenlmyer,

So far I've never read, or heard, the definition of 'multiculturalism' from its promoters and neither have they explained why in fact, a 'multicultural' policy is necessary in a liberal democratic state.

That's not all, stevenlmeyer.

>>If someone could explain to me what the term "multiculturalism" means I would be able to decide whether I was for it, against it or indifferent to it.<<

I found myself stumbling over the idea of a "cultural diversity movement". Where, apparently, "there is a ripple of apprehensive expectation".

I think they may be a dance company.

There is also this throwaway line to chew over.

"...waves of protest from ethnic organisations across the country"

It must have been while I was asleep. Have you had any such waves up your way? It's been pretty quiet here in our little backwater of Sydney.

Oh, here they are. A "sell out crowd" of "more than 300 people" who "packed the lower Town Hall".

Gasp. Too many, obviously, for the upper Town Hall.

And what was this riotous mob calling for?

They were "unanimously resolved to call on the government to reinstate the term 'multicultural affairs' in the title of Bowen’s Cabinet post"

Shades of the People's Front of Judea.

"Whadda we want?"

"Reinstate the term 'multicultural affairs' in the title of Bowen’s Cabinet post!"

Wenda we wannit?

"Now!"

Take cover guys and gals. The revolution has begun.

Aux barricades!

For those who have not read a definition of multiculturalism and its purpose in liberal democarcy - here is an original definition from Fraser:

"Multiculturalism is concerned with far more than the passive toleration of diversity. It sees diversity as a quality to be actively embraced, a source of social dynamism. It encourages groups to be open and to interact, so that all Australians may learn and benefit from differences set within a framework of shared fundamental values which enables them to coexist on a complementary rather than competitive basis. It involves respect for the law and for our democratic institutions and processes. Insisting upon a core area of common values is no threat to multiculturalism but its guarantee, for it provides the minimal conditions on which the well-being of all is secured. Not least, multiculturalism is about equality of opportunity for the members of all groups to participate in and benefit from Australia's social, economic and political life" (Fraser, M. (1981). Multiculturalism: Australia's unique achievement. p. 3).

It seems that only those scared of loosing their own cultural dominance question its validity or need.

Hi Pericles

I've just come back from a walk. I can report a marked absence of burning barricades, sirens or police baton charges. In fact there was a total absence of police. Nor did I detect even a whiff of tear gas in the breeze. I spotted no police helicopters overhead.

Mostly I just saw a beautiful spring day.

En route I bought bread at a French bakery run by a Vietnamese gentleman. Now there’s a splendid example of "cultural diversity"!

So 300 people attended this meeting in Sydney! Well the number who attended last week’s AFL grand final numbered 300 SQUARED. That 300 X 300 for those not mathematically inclined. A like number are expected at the replay this weekend.

I guess that shows where Victorians’ priorities lie.

The “indifferent” vote seems to be winning by a landslide.

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=11040#184801

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=11040#184806

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=11040#184808

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=11040#184819

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=11040#184820

Gentlemen, Here is THE real definition of "Multiculturalism". Together with WHO & WHY they invented it.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8630135369495797236#

Yes, that's right, its another branch of cultural & economic terrorism, invented by CARS, Communist, Anarchist, Radical, Socialists to destabilise, weaken or "white ant" modern western capitalist democracy.

What happened in OZ between 1945 & 1965 was not "Multiculturalism". It was multiple linguistics. Those immigrants who did not come from Britain, came from Europe, in other words they did not come from other cultures, they were educated Christians, from other, 1st world, modern western capitalist democracies.

Their mothers recipe for Sunday dinner after church may have been different, they may have started life with another language & needed to learn English, but apart from that, their culture was identical to ours.

Radical Extreme Muslims are another kettle of fish altogether. The Politically Correct Thought Police who inflicted this on Britain & Europe have proven beyond all doubt that it is a recipe for racial & ethnic tensions leading to more crime, more wasted taxes, moral & ethical degeneration.

All of the Communist regimes who encouraged us to adopt this rubbish are cohesive, stable, Mono-cultural & Patriarchal regimes which are now rising above us White fools in the west after they adopted capitalism, economically, but remained as stronger, stabler cultures, or societies, than ours.

The really sad part is that "liberals" like Malcolm Fraser fell for the Propaganda of the Politically Correct Thought Police as well.

2blokes in a pub, the communist says "i want to destroy modern western capitalist democracy". The Liberal, Egalitarian, Christian turns around & says "really, Me Too".