CM, are you saying that interaction cannot lead to a harmonious national society of different ethnicities?

While history does show problems within national societies, it is also the case that many thousands of political entities have evolved into far fewer nations today where many still agree on some norms and institutions between them.

Some nations are indeed relatively harmonious, held together by a commitment to common rules and norm.

I am not saying you are right or wrong. Just saying that there are two sides to the story.

Well argued defence, Chris. However, the problem is not an Eddie Mcguire so much, but a small cohort of brainwashed from birth, white supremists, the alt-right and a vociferous neo-Nazi cohort?

We need to call these folks out and have them removed from our sports stadiums and deny them access to our social media before this swill can affect young minds that haven't honed their critical thinking and fact-checking skills! Freedom of speech is one thing and I support it! But not a freedom to lie, lie, lie, lie and bully!

We are all earthlings sharing a single planet! And need to cooperate as never before! Being true to the truth will assist that! But not helped in any way by a culture of ingrained racism/bastardy!
Alan B.

"Interaction". It rarely occurs, despite TV ads depicting one of every colour in "family" scenes. All people prefer their own kind. Get used to it. Multiculturalism and mass immigration have given some people false notions.

There is always Cultural Relativism.

If you are able to admit that there are two sides to the story- or even that there might be two sides to the story- you could be accused of being a fascist or a neo-nazi these days- kudos for your bravery. As we've assertained you have a good pedigree in political science- so at least it shows that there are a few rare people academically inclined that are still able to discuss both sides.

As I understand Trotsky similar to Alan B made liberal use of synonyms of the term "racist" for his propaganda in the 1920's all in the name of equality. Looks like we can expect big things from Alan B.

Most people just want to be left alone to live their life without getting in the way of their neighbours- but those that seek power get in the way of their lunch. To then call these people out as nazi's is adding insult to injury.

I don't have much of a background in The Arts or History- but I hope my understanding is better than the background level.

My understanding...

Even the Nazi's were reacting to events of 1800's colonialism- WWII has been said to be an extension of WWI- Germany was pulled into WWI because of the assassination of the Austrian Prince just as the UK was. Germany lost much of it's Prussian territory due to WWI. The UK fought the so called fascists in WWII and suffered much for their commitment- against people that are ethnically related to the British and US for that matter. However today they are probably the most labelled as racist fascists. The western world is one of the fairest regimes- it isn't perfect..

Britain seemed to understand that the cause of the world wars the pogrom's in Russia and Germany was based on certain causes such as Slavic/ Germanic/ Hebrew territorialism and sought to find a more humane solution.

Sadly territorialism continues- politics of immigration and Trotsky permanent revolution making a peaceful solution impossible. Communists actively seek divisive conflict to bring down the so called Ideological State Apparatus for Communism.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideology_and_Ideological_State_Apparatuses

"Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses... French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser 1970... it advances Althusser's theory of ideology. Where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels posited a thinly-sketched theory of ideology as false consciousness, Althusser draws upon the works of later theorists such as Antonio Gramsci, Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan to proffer a more elaborate redefinition of the theory. Althusser's theory of ideology has remained influential since it was written. "

Everyone wants more power- using the label of racism is one way to get it for certain people- propaganda is a powerful tool.

Everyone acts in their own interest- if you give up what is in your own interest you die.

The politicians toolbox ranges from diplomacy to murder, from politeness to black propaganda, from soft power to terrorism- everyone uses these tools to a lesser or greater extent and based on their position in the global hierarchy superset. The communists probably used the black arts of politics more than most- probably justifying it as a necessary evil.

I think stability is important- because it is often those most vulnerable that are harmed by instability- perhaps I am talking my own self interest.

We should try to find a way to balance the solution of intrenched misery with the need for stability and security of our communities. I see some benefits in the aristocratic systems of Britain for the last one thousand years. The Lords shouldn't upset the peasants too much for fear of uprising- they can't run away with their wealth (as it was based on land which wasn't transferable) so they are forced to manage their land and people properly.

There seems to be a trend that all that is old is bad- I remember this being a common propaganda technique among communists- but without traditional systems there can never be stability- and we will always be at war with each other

CM, ethnicity/race is a most interesting topic, assuming none of us are being adversely affected by it.

I watched a show about plight of pigmies in Africa.

Some wanted to go back to forests and embrace their own culture, others said no as they thought they lived in an evil way but wanted govt to give them land and equality before law so they could prosper.

NTIV has some great shows. Thanks SBS, a much better tv channel than the ABC.