How pleasing it was to see, on TV last night, those muslim teenagers practising their Life Saving drill, at Cronulla. In a couple of weeks they will be going for their Bronze Medals.

I understand there are about 20 of them of both sexes.

To me this is integration and beats diversity, with its emphasis on ethnicity, hands down.

I am sure these kids will feel part of the Australian community and whats more they do not have to give up their religion or major part of their cultural heritage to do that.

Others may call it what they will, but surely this ia the way of the future.

congratulations to all concerned.

Banjo, its interesting to note that you have set yourself up to decide what is acceptable integration/assimilation.

How many of these kids will have to put up with taunting and racism "just to fit in"? Would you put your children through the same?

Its all so bloody simple to you isn't it.

"How many of these kids will have to put up with taunting and racism "just to fit in"? "

Geez Rainier. You do seem to have a problem. The answer kinda depends on what kids learn from their parents and peers. Mine would be, "none, hopefully"

Rainier,
Set myself up to decide. What rubbish. As far as I am concerned any or most activities that encourages migrants and their families to mix with others than their own ethnic group helps to integrate them into the community. I applaud the initative of the Life Savers at Cronulla and I hope other organizations will follow their lead.

You may have good cause, but you do have a problem with racism. Try and get rid of the chip on your shoulder and have a more positive outlook on life. Here endith the lesson

Much more of this and we will be challenging Bradmans highest innings -

however the sneekmeister must signal this as his last post here - I really think the forces of good have triumphed - MC rules - it has weathered the storm -

Call me crazy but as I wander the various blogs here and there I get the feeling that the general sentiment about immigration is softening - more people embrace it than dont -

inspite of the best efforts of the few racial determinists left standing - things are returning to normal - John Howard and Amanda Vanstone twisted the face of Australia into something we no longer recognise when it comes to immigration - and even though it has taken a few years we are deciding we dont like what they have done -

Howard and his racially motivated attack dogs have backed off - mainly because the war is going pear shaped so they no longer need absolutely every one to hate Islam as much as they once did-

and as I said apart from a few of their fellow travellers with the energy left to carry on the fight - more and more people are recognising the Islamophobia for what it is and recognise how it has infected the manner in which we relate to all immigrants.

So I suggest we all return to our villages - prepare for Christmas - and stop worrying -

Geez Rainier,
I know you identify with a poorly treated minority and you LOVE to fight your own battles but you really can be your own enemy at times.

If you read the posts here with a bit more care and a much smaller shoulder chip you would realise that SOME of your reasons for having to face so much negativity and ignorance is because you create some of it. (True Mate - I am actually in agreement with your philosophy, just not your determination to see it everywhere you direct your own gaze to)

You don't have a clue that i have worked in the FED ED dept in the aboriginal grants area (an 'Unidentified' position at that time in the early 80's) for three years and had friends in the area for over ten, so i do actually KNOW what i am talking about here (concerning the Aboriginal community, having had to be on the front line of the 'racial' cultural war) and that as a pom i am used to the kind of racial abuse you endure (though not as bad because i am white).

Banjo and bennie don't understand just what those muslim lifesavers will go through but that's ok.

I believe i was the first person in this thread to mention Terra Nullius, that despicable Act which took Australia for the whites away from the 'non-existant' aborigninal tribal culture so please don't group me with some of the less understanding mob.

I am not your enemy, i know more than you recognise and all that i stated concerning Aboriginals in Australia is fact not bias.

I can view the true sitation with some degree of objectivism since i do not have to face the same bias daily you do.

I have bias as we all do. You are in a position to lecture me about what it is like to be aboriginal in Australia; don't try to tell me what i do know is wrong, however, or point out false observations about what i write because you misunderstood my intent.