As a student, I encounted academics from different sides of the political spectrum. Some made their political leanings known. Others didn't. I would say that there were probably more on the left side of politics. Either way, I found that it in no way adversely affected the quality of teaching that I received, or the research I was involved in.

Are academics now to disclose their political affliation to the university before being appointed, so that the university can ensure a 50/50 mix? Or are universities to permit no political activity from their staff?

While I lean to the left myself, I have not had encountered academics who have failed to challenge me, even if we come from the same side of politics. Most (note most, not all) academics genuinely remain open minded and inqusitive, and many students from the opposite side of the political spectrum simply could not distinguish between a intellectual and person challenge

Another "precise definition of an oxymoron" - A right-wing academic.

Gee Browyn how original!

The definition of a leftwing "academic" = a POXYmoron

Dear James Arvanitakis

Your name raises an opportunity to provide some clarification on an issue the 'left' seems most passionate about "MultiCulturalism".

Equally, the 'Right' as represented by Andrew 'Bolt of lightning' and others are passionate about the way this matter has been abused for the sake of particular ethnic groups.

From your name I would assume you have a Greek heritage. ?

"Leftist" academics at Uni's (or perhaps 'most' Academics ?) seem to sing the praises of Multi culturalism, and the left in particular (from my observation) seek to always advance this cause as though it was inherrantly right, worthy and honorable.

QUESTION.
Do you see any problem with the following ?

a) 3rd Generation Australian mother of Greek ancestry telling a journalist that she is 'so proud to be GREEK' at a cultural festival. (the Age, some months back)

b) Australian born and migrants of Greek heritage taking Greeces side in the Soccer ? (And Italians taking Italy's side)

Given that 'sport' is our modern and peaceful cultural equivalent to "Warriors raiding other (or defending ones own) territory" Do the points above not raise some questions about intrinsic loyalty to this country ?

Is it not reasonable for an Australia of predominantly British background to expect migrants who accepted here to express loyalty to this country rather than the one they came from ?

Is it unreasonable to expect that by the 3rd generation that ANYone from any ethnic background (including 'British') will identify with 'Australia' rather than a foreign country ?

The statement of the mother, was one of the most blatantly racist (in the 'racial superiority' sense) statements I've come across recently.

If I had the power, I would send that woman and all who identified with her remark back to Greece, (or Croatia, Italy, even Britain)and any other country) and deprive them of Australian citizenship.

BOAZ: I understand (and even sympathise to a degree with) what you are saying. However, I'm a bit wary of nationalism in general. I think there are plenty of one-eyed Australians here who can be as much of a problem as those who don't hold much allegiance to the place. At the end of the day, if someone isn't hurting someone else, who cares?

Also, what is it to be an Australian? Without getting into cliches that probably don't fit a fair segment of the populace (eg. not everyone is a mad sports fan), might we say someone who contributes to society in some way? Hypothetically, it's possible that someone who doesn't display allegiance to this country works hard and also is involved in some way in the local community as compared to some bogan who collects the dole yet waves the flag at a sporting event.

BOAZ_David, take you loyalty tests and stick it.

The thought of exiling people because they barrack or identify with another country or that the same is an indication of treason, is horrifyingly idiotic.

Had I know of your stance earlier, I would've been happy to fork out the fare for you to travel to Iraq and live under Saddam's regime - a regime that you so desperately appear to want recreate here in Australia.

You'd have to be some kind of special nutter to want to banish people over a game of football.

Oh, and loyalty is a sick and twisted ideology.