A nation of people from diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds living in peaceful co-existance under one law determined by legally democratically elected Government is strong, cohesive and a great place to live.

A nation of multiple cultures where some seek recognition of cultural identity and rights over and above that of Law, where members are discouraged or restrained from participating in life outside their cultural group is not.

I don't claim Australia is overly troubled right now but the seeds are sown. We can choose, in the name of PC, to ignore the phenomonem (history shows 'heads in sand' strategies to be very effective, no?) or be reactive/proactive and choose not to tolerate the unacceptable.

Contrary to claims of two posters, (including "Editor" Graham, who seemingly can't back his accusation so chooses to ignore) I've not made "Fit in of Eff off" statements.

I wrote: "How much more so when you come to live in a country and adopt it as your home? If you are not prepared to adjust cultural practices to fit it why should you be accepted?" - in the context of having to FIT IN during my few years of travel and living overseas. "When in Rome ...."

Anyway it occured to me: What ARE the obligations of new citizens according to law and the OATH taken when being awarded the citizenship they have so eagerly sought?

Copy of the Pledge follows:

Pledge of Commitment
Form of Pledge No. 1
From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

Form of Pledge No. 2
From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

The Pledge came into effect in January 1994. There have been no changes since.

Sort of says it all doesn't it? "I, new Australian Citizen, promise to FIT IN .."

That is all ....

This Canadian incident would make Ms Asian's heart flutter:

http://www.cireport.ca/2011/11/rcmp-inspector-shahin-mehdizadeh-on-shafia-shame-killing-case-%E2%80%9Cyou-can%E2%80%99t-just-go-by-customs-it%E2%80%99s-the-murder-of-four-people-we%E2%80%99re-investigating-%E2%80%9D.html#comment-4136

Quote: Three Afghan-born defendants – mother, father and son – are on trial, charged with killing four family members, a trio of teenage sisters and their father’s first wife in a polygamous marriage. The Crown is arguing this was a crime driven by shame and fury over the victims’ un-Afghan, un-Islamic behaviour… The drowning deaths have been called an honour killing… What’s been startling thus far, however, is how the most stringent interpretation of Afghan Muslim culture has seemingly been accepted and exploited as a defence leitmotif, as if a given, and shame on those who failed to observe proper etiquette.

This same thing can happen, is happening in Australia. The multicultural industry cares little for the ideals that have given us so much. Some immigrants are fine, others not so much. Any country that takes in the followers of Mohammad is asking, begging for trouble. Islamic values are not those of the West. Worse yet, because Muslims believe Islam is perfect, they refuse to reflect on Islam’s teachings or even the many problems in Muslim societies. They will not change. Muslims will give lip service to certain ideals but they will never question Islamic dogma or much less reflect on Mohammad's vile actions, as narrated in their own traditions. Remember, this man is, according to the Quran, a great moral example. Figure out, if you can, what that means.

Note that in the case of Islam, the worst extremes are not politically motivated, they are taken directly from the pages of the Quran, which by the way is as much political and social as religious. I have been talking to Muslims for years and the news is not good: they are never honest about their religion or their vile prophet. Read the hadith, the stories of Mohammad’s war on his neighbors. Read Quran 9:111 – it explains purpose of Muslims on earth. (Hint: it is not about love, peace or justice…).

Or we can just keep pretending all is well and there are no problems except insensitivity and rudeness.

I am surprised that there is even discussion about whether
multiculturalism has failed. It obviously has failed otherwise this
discussion would not exist.
Lakemba and district is now a moslem enclave.
Chatswood is fast becoming a real Chinatown.

That is the definition of multiculturalism.
It leaves no point to be argued.

I am immigrant - and have adopted the wonderful way of the Australian people - and would never presume to ask my neighbours to make exceptions because I wasn't born here. I still have some practices that were from my home country, have lost those that weren't worth keeping and got some new ones from Australia.

What gives these other immigrants the right to make their adopted country change to suit them? Why did they come here if they didn't like the culture here? Why didn't they *&%^%%& stay where their culture suited them so well? And why does everyone kowtow to their demands. I've got an idea - go back where you came from if you don't like it here - but if you do like it here, then welcome.

A friend told me yesterday of his sister's (short) imprisonment when she flew her English flag in her front garden (in Essex UK).
While watching an international football match, she flew her flag - when a policeman knocked on the door and told her to take it down, because her neighbours (who happened to be islamic) were insulted - she refused and they took her to jail.

Now there's multiculturalism for you ... but don't worry it's coming your way - as long as you continue to be tolerant of cultures - (including ours) - tolerance means you lose the ability to choose and be discerning.

Guess what, in some cultures it's still ok to mutilate children - vaginal and penile circumcision - do you tolerate that? I hope the answer is no.
In some cultures it's still ok to beat your wife - stone her if she is raped or commits adultery - so you tolerate that? I hope the answer is no.

"Human beings are born equal but cultures are not - They are human-made and for the most part man-made. There is nothing sacred about cultures and nothing blasphemous about reforming them."

quote: Irshad Manji, the Canadian Muslim feminist

No, No Bazz:

...You are guilty of describing an ethnic ghetto. Get on board with “multicultural-speak”. These ghettos are now “Ethnic enclaves” of love, harmony and good old fashioned economic activity where, as an alternative to a day at the zoo, we may now stroll through the safety zone of ethnicity, surrounded by the humdrum of commercial ethnic joy and the cosmopolitan chattering in languages unfamiliar.

...No more the drug running streets of Cabramatta Bazz, but the squeaky clean enclave of commercial dealing in natural herbs and spices (heroin). Not criminal activity Bazz, but good business in overseas trade of import and export, a trade fashioned by years of extensive experience in the calming properties of herbs and spices.

...Gone now the “grass castles” of Griffith Bazz, with its old fashioned “Mafia Dons”; trumped by ethnic superiority of architectural splendour fashioned into new “grass mansions” , riddled with bullet holes from ritual drive by shootings, a Saturday night sport now Bazz for Sydneysiders in the western suburbs, the ethnic version of rugby league.

...Gone also the old Australian way of sorting out the rare but occasional misunderstanding , a brawl behind the “local”, with drinks all-round to follow. And gone to a better place, White Australians, customarily recruited for the Armed services of this “Once” great Country of “used-to-be” ours; fighting for democracy in foreign lands, facilitating the movement of immigrants to a “better “ land of milk and honey, Australia. So Bazz,It is almost as if you and I "sigh" alone for the days "bygone".

Thank you, Fiandra, beautifully put. All the best,

Joe