"Discrimination". The first word a migrant learns.

"Discrimination". The only word a white person is not allowed to use.

Neo-Nazi. Racist. eek.

Hamlet: Rancitas wrote a lot more than you responded to. Nevertheless, you responded as if to confirm Rancitas’ opinions. Most of the “cultural heritage” that Hamlet alludes to is misbehaviour that is seen in most cultures including, Hamlet’s mostly English culture.

One can’t help notice Hamlet’s bias re: supposed ethnic evils. For instance: Hamlet says “when an ethnic group stacks a local political party (allegedly) in order to get their own way.” Given that branch stacking is supposedly wide spread, it seems to me that, for Hamlet, misbehaviour only comes onto his radar when it involves ethnic people. This is also confirmed by all the incidences that Hamlet cites. It is wrong to say that these incidences are supposedly representative of the behaviour of the Salam’s culture. From Hamlet’s argument I think Hamlet is racist, ethno-centric and culture-centric.

I think that the behaviour of extremist groups who keep winding up people with their negative portrayals, naysayer attitude to immigration and exclusionist position negatively impact on Australian culture more than the day to day cultural exchanges with new Australians.

Listen to me, listen to me. All the ill-mannered and inconsiderate behaviour that you wrote up can be attributed to Australians of all backgrounds as well. However, it does not stop you and I from holding firm to our code of conduct. On a national scale, and generally speaking, I still think that Australians (that includes new Australians) can practice our culture alongside other cultures without unreasonable impacts. Perhaps, the lack of social skills to communicate with people of different cultures is the real problem.

I don’t think anyone should be forced to assimilate, integrate – I think the key is to accommodate other cultures, groups and individuals of difference (within reason). Change and cultural exchange are something to relish and savour. We are always going to have disputes with other folk – how you resolve those disputes is the measure.

Hamlet I posted that list of rules you requested. Tell me what you think of Rancitas’ list of rules just for a bit of cultural exchange (Diversity).

Quote Banjo: “Salam, Ifran and others seem to be in denial regarding the cultural problems of Muslim males, but it has to be confronted. Otherwise, in time, it will worsen and there will be the possibility of restrictions on Muslim immigration”.

I doubt very much that Salam and Irfan are denying problems exist, be they cultural or otherwise.

One should be careful not confuse defence (under siege) as denial. There are no doubt structural impediments to better interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim that needs to be addressed and I’m convinced Salam would be aware of them and advocate on this basis.
See Andrew Bartlett’s call for greater political investment and resources into multiculturalism and migrant settlement programs. http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4099

In Matilda magazine (December 14) Salam wrote:

" I am Lebanese and I know what these young Lebanese boys are capable of and how they behave in public. For years I have travelled on public transport and gone to venues where groups such as these have been loud, rude and obnoxious, and it disgusts me to think they are part of my cultural heritage. And I am not the only one who feels this way.You may be surprised to hear that most Middle-Eastern people agree that any person of any culture, including their own, should be arrested, punished in accordance with the law and taught right from wrong."

Irfan has publicly proclaimed similar views. Demonising all Muslim comment as regressive and in denial won't deliver any solutions either.

Rainer, thanks for posting the quote from Salam and the statement regards Irfan's public comment. Do you have a reference to the latter (or quote), I have been very bothered by Irfan's apparent dodging of the issue in his articles and posts on OLO. If he has responded to the problem elsewhere it would be somewhat of a relief. The stance he has taken on this site (or the bit's I have seen of it) have if anything strengthened the mossie bashing brigades position.

Irfan has been a writer and commentator who I have had a lot of respect for (and enjoyment of his posts), if his recent posts on OLO are an aberation rather than a reflection of his overall position I would like to know it.

R0bert

Hi RObert, I'll track it down and post it up. Sorry for not responding to your previous post. I'm tied up tutoring BD on some basic sociology, but its still there on my 'must do' list.
Cheers

The whole purpose of multiculturalism in Australia (a global experiment gone wrong)and many nations is to destroy all semblence of Judeo-Christianity.

A fully Christian nation won't use hate,revenge,divisiveness, materialism, greed or get into financial holds that governments want .
They like the credit card debts,bank hold and capitalistic control of the masses.

So multiculturalism and secular beliefs will bring in the end of all religions.
Sport,entertainment,credit cards,lots of alcohol,partying,music,dvds, tv,cars ,debt,celebrating Australia Day ,Christmas,Easter,New Year's and anything at all making Aussies blotto so they don't and can't think ,will stop Australian's from growing up into real men and women.

It is time for Aussies to grow up and stop the stupidity that is ruining our once GREAT nation.
Tony Pitt Editor of Save Australia Alliance has hit the nail on the head with his latest paper .Titled ,"We Can Restructure Australia", His website is www.tonypitt.info