Quote: Yet she always decries a lack of tolerance by the "West" against immigrants of the Muslim faith.

Of course she does. The fact is that for both liberals and Muslims, morality and tolerance are things that are required from some and not others. One basic characteristic of Multiculturalism is that it is unendingly critical of Western cultures but makes no demands on others.

And there is the fact that Multiculturalism is only promoted in certain places in certain situations. If a white majority is not present, there are no shrill cries promoting multiculturalism.

Squ - the “rise of intolerance” that you speak of is a reaction to the intolerance and rejection of common social values by certain immigrants. Better yet, it is a defense of fundamental rights dear to some of us – but obviously not the author of the article – such as freedom of speech, religion, equality and separation of religion and state. I don’t know about ‘purity’ but there are basic values that must be persevered, not that you or Ms. Asian care about these.

Personally I think any use of words linked to the root ‘tolerance” by a Muslim or Muslim sympathizer is a case for amusement. They obviously have no understanding of the concept.

There is a place for constuctive intolerance, just as there is a place for peaceful protest - where these are utilised as mechanisms for voicing a legitimate view in favour of improving societal harmony, equity and cohesion, and human rights and social justice. Care is needed in interfering with these mechanisms of the right to protest and the right to free speech, for these are foundational in an effective democracy. If the Aust government is planning to revise legislation regarding multiculturalism in our society, it would be wise to exercise great care to avoid doing damage to our culture and our democracy, or it should expect a groundswell of discontent through protest and in the ballot box.

Contrary to some views, we have an Australian culture, and it's a good one, and better than most, and very much worth preserving. Any who would interfere with our culture in favour of any minority group should think twice, and then back off.

We have seen some unacceptable minority views put forward on occasion, in at least one instance being partly responsible for some youths committing a heinous crime. The spokesperson responsible for purveying that unacceptable minority view was deported. There are some things we should not and will not tolerate, and so it should be.

I must firmly agree with some views put forward on this thread to the effect that "when in Rome ....".

Whether we like it or not, there are some Islamic teachings and practices which are alien to our culture, are unacceptable to a majority of Australians, and must be opposed. There is a need for compromise in this respect, and in the absence of which there will continue to be discontent and distrust. The same should be seen to apply to any unacceptable teachings and practices in respect of any minority group within our midst.

Multiculturalism should mean fitting in.

The issue has become Graham's editorial decision-making.

1. Graham saw nothing wrong with publishing an article which proposed abolition of free speech in the interests of an intolerant minority.

2. Graham is surprised that people feel strongly opposed to ideas like that and feels hurt on behalf of the person who proposed it, without actually confirming that any hurt was felt.

3. Graham alters mid-stream a biographical note which has been published and which has been quoted in posts - the original bio was clearly pertinent to the issues raised in the article or the author would not have written it. His explanation is that he was just following orders.

4. Graham misinterprets one post in particular:

>>...it was your post on Thursday 10th at 1:00:07 PM and it was of the "if you don't like it here go back where you came from" variety.

That post said nothing of the sort.

Alice Aslan's article proposes the silencing of free speech in the interests of an intolerant minority. No change on the part of that minority, however.

The proposition is the essence of intolerance itself.

Graham, if you are going to publish articles which propose attacks on our civic freedoms, you can expect strong reactions from people who value those freedoms.

But if you do publish, look on it as an educational opportunity for Alice and others.

By exposing their ideas to vigorous debate, you can help them come to grips with democracy and the freedoms and responsibilities it entails.

Why should immigrants have to give up their cultural practices when they migrate to Australia--be assimilated? Why didn't the original invaders take to the bushes and adopt the indigenous lifestyle? When in Rome.. ?
But since when have any expats living in Australia given up their home culture? Shouldn't we then be purging the place of Catholics and Anglicans and socialists, fascists and anarchists, and all the other exotic elements Australia is comprised of? The only desirable requirement for me is that we all get along according to the democratic values that put no group on top. I work at a university and mix with virtually every ethnic group imaginable; I don't expect them to give up their cultural observances, just to be polite and civil--and the ones I've met are and could teach the archetypal Aussie a thing or two about manners!
Australia is and has always been multicultural (well, for a paltry 200 years anyway), and its diverse European elements have always retained the traditions of the home country. What divisiveness we do have in Australia is more often than not instigated by anti-social Aussies, and not interlopers. Ethnic enclaves are generally the product of that kind of hostile reception and not wilful separatism.
Integration is the only ethically defensible multiculturalism, and not assimilation. If the purists don't like they can f off so far as I'm concerned. Australia would be better off without them.

Ken and Divine, you both seem keen to have a fight. You asked me why the author's biography had been changed, then you said it was disrespectful to change it. I pointed out that we frequently change biographies and there is nothing disrespectful about it, but I did suggest that if you were looking for disrespect then the "If you don't like it here go home" comment of Divine was in fact disrespectful. Not that disrespectful that I saw any need to delete it, but certainly distasteful.

I haven't taken sides for or against the author.

However I will say that the piece does not suggest taking away your right of free speech, any more than legislation against religious and racial vilification already does. To suggest that I somehow erred in publishing a piece that supports no more than the current law is ridiculous.

If you have read what I have written in essays and articles over the years you would know I am no fan of vilification laws, but that doesn't mean I want to censor others.

Quote: "Ethnic enclaves are generally the product of that kind of hostile reception and not wilful separatism."

Oh yes, blame "the other", or in this case, the majority, for any problem.

There have always been ethnic enclaves but only until recently, under the sacred doctrine of Multiculturalism, have we seen a minority demanding that they be exempt from scrutiny and criticism. Worst yet, these demands are being supported by government, the media and academia in open contempt of the will of most citizens, and of long held democratic ideals.

Let me say that Islam, it's dogmas and practice, is a very different kind of 'culturalism' from that experienced with prior immigrants. Islam brings a diverse set of values that are totally incompatible with Australia or Western values. If you have doubts about this, read the Quran or just take a look at Islamic societies.

Let me also say a word in defense of this site and its editors / moderators. Whatever its sins, whatever their personal beliefs, I have never been censored or deleted here. I have been deleted dozens of times in other sites because of my views (particularly in relation to one religion), yet never at On Line Opinion. That means a great deal to me and I respect them for that. Thank you, OLO.