...Real problems emerged for original (European) Australians, at the point of repeal of the white Australia policy. It becomes important to call-in an historical perspective here: While defending an entrenched European culture from early settlement, to expunge the Aboriginal encroachment became a necessity, so the cultural war had begun way back at that point.

...A unique Australian culture emerged from the embryo of first settlement; Australians stood back to back for survival against the natural forces of nature, and an entrenched native population. Sticking together was the imperative to survival. It is that entrenched and learned part of the Australian culture of mateship which Multiculturalism most effectively plunders.

...Multiculturalism is the induced cancer enriched with the nutrients of the market forces of Global economics. (Interesting it is to note, whenever the benefits of multiculturalism are mentioned, it is always in the same breath as economic development). What better and more effective tool to enforce a new economic world culture, free of National boundaries, with the appendage of annoying sovereign interference, than this sinister weapon?

...Pause

Susie,
I disagree, since 1788 we have been a multi-racial country but never multicultural. The foundation stones are all derived from the UK and our basic social standards reflect that. Look at our governance, military, police, education institutions and nearly all community bodies and local government.

Multiculturalism is a failed ideology that splits the community into groups based on ethnicity, each viaing for government funding for their particular group.

We must recognise that some groups have cultures that will not/cannot integrate and this leads to lack of community cohesion.

The answer is in us enforcing our social standards on such matters as equal rights for sexes, forced marriages and FGM, for example. Then stopping further immigration of those groups that have shown they cannot integrate. I am appalled that some groups still show hatred of others even after 2-3 generations of being here.

The sooner MC is abolished the better off we will be, and that does not mean far right extremes.

I was once a firm believer in multi-culturalism. I'm a liberal.

I'm now questioning whether it is appropriate when immigrants to our society are not sufficiently accepting or inclusive of our essential tolerance.

There have always been enclaves of nationalities with the waves of immigration, but underlying all was an acceptance of and a gradual inclusiveness of our ways.

That is not occurring so much with the vast majority of the mid eastern immigration.

No proof! Well how many of us, in our neighbourhoods have mid-eastern people, like we used to have people of other ethnic backgrounds in the past?

the very

So David Jennings - I have carefully reread my post. I made mildly sarcastic suggestions that Alice Aslan should go spend time in Afghanistan or Saudi and that I was good for $100 towards her travel fund - insinuation that she has no concept of 'intolerance'. There was no mention of or reference to her religious and ethnic background.

I responded to her writings and views which I find totally skewed and at odds with the truth of what is happening in Western societies which have supported a non-integration model of immigration.

For your benefit, follows the information provided, presumably by Ms Aslan about herself:

"Alice Aslan is a social anthropologist, writer, filmmaker and photographer based in Sydney. She was born and grew up in Turkey, resided in New Zealand, and now lives in Australia. She happens to be from Turkish-Muslim background, but considers herself atheist, bohemian, cosmopolitan, intellectual and left-liberal. She is the author of Islamophobia in Australia. She formed 'Muslims Against Homophobia', which proudly took part in Sydney Mardi Gras Parade for the first time on 5 March 2011"

The last time I checked - pointing out the inconsistencies and contradictions in published articles, including against the stated beliefs of the writers, does not constitute abuse.

So unless you have some REAL issues - apart from any 'whiff' you may have picked up (check your personal hygiene) that I, an Anglo Saxon (wrong again, I'm mixed race) may have the audacity to refute the authors viewpoint - pull your head in Mate!

If you find this advice 'abusive' - tough! I find your false accusations and inaccurate observations offensive.

Shouldn't she have formed "atheists against Homophobia"?

For an Athiest, or whatever she is, she sure is nice to Islam. SIn fact, she adopts a position that is little different from that of Muslim radicals towards non-Muslims: Everything, every problem, any problem, is the fault of those evil non-Muslims. Her solution? Non-Muslims must change and be more respectful of Islam and Muslims - and not say anything that will hurt their very sensitive ears. This, she believes, will solve all issues and the world will then hold hands and sing kumbahyah.

Here's a thought, Ms Asian - why not end the apostasy and blasphemy laws in Islamic societies? why not stop cursing and preaching hate against infidels in the mosques? why not renounce the violent verses in the Quran? Why not have Muslims say they do not agree with Allah when he/she says that unbelievers are "lower than animals"? Why not condemn the dozens of vile attacks by Mohammad on his peaceful non-Muslim neighbors?

Maybe then, who knows, quien sabe, the problem of what you call "islamophobia" will go away.

Diver Dan wrote:

>>...Australians dwelt comfortable inside the confines of cultural norms of the white Australia policy. Australians have an historic repulsion to Asians, and scratch the skin of an Australian at a relaxed moment, and you will soon discover the rejection of Asians is alive and well!>>

Speak for yourself!

I hereby emphatically dissociate myself from any such sentiments.

Yes, there are people who loudly protest multi-culturalism to disguise their racism just as many anti-Semites bash Israel rather than declare openly their hatred for Jews.

But antipathy to "multi-culturalism" and racism are too quite distinct phenomena.

I am totally opposed to "multi-culturalism" - by which I mean official programs designed to favour / promote / protect specific cultures. Usually they are simply exercises in vote buying.

But I am NOT a racist.

On the other hand I can think of nothing more calculated to promote racism than official "multi-culturalism."