- (cont)
Conversely, multiculturalism's critics have argued that it has been a malevolent force, that its promotion has been divisive. They maintain that state-sponsored multi-culturalism patronises ethnic minorities, that it has pitted ethnic groups against each other, that it has unfairly denigrated the culture of the indigenous population, and, ironically, actually served to exacerbate racism.

I believe we endure the poverty of multiculturalism and that state-sanctioned multi-culturalism has been counter-productive and worsened race relations; that cultural relativism, its philosophical parent, is self-contradictory: cultural relativism is an invention of the West, and thus it is self-invalidating.

Tolerance is something for which we should strive; the idea that minorities should not face unfair discrimination and that cultures and customs of different peoples should be tolerated, is a benign force. There is a difference between multiculturalism as a lived experience and multiculturalism as an enforced ideology. There is a difference between living alongside people who have different customs and outlooks, and the State encouraging us all to retain these differences, using its financial muscle to do so.

Cultural intercourse can be a healthy, fascinating and rewarding enterprise. Exploring and embracing other cultures are means of learning about our own culture's shortcomings—about what wisdom we can appropriate from 'the Other'. The study of difference, of contrasting languages, kinship structures, religions and ethnic arrangements has led us to a better understanding of the human condition in general.

no Banjo, I think StabInTheDark is absolutely correct.. unless u have an intimate understanding of the Lebanese community u can't go making assumptions based on what 'he' or 'she' said, show some perspective.

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are acutally rearranging their prejudices."
- William James (1842-1910)

“The Lebanese muslims are brought up that way. Even 2nd and 3rd generations. We do not have the problems with non muslim Lebanese or with most muslims of other nationalities.”

I’m sorry Banjo, but I have given two clear examples of non muslim Lebanese ‘gang’ related problems that are very real. You’re right, the problem IS cultural. But it’s not any one particular culture, it’s a culture of separation that the human race seems to face and harbour wherever they reside.

“If we wish to live in a peacefull and cohesive society, then we should stop allowing Immigrants from those groups that flaunt our laws and social standards.”

Like I’ve stated several times throughout this thread, we have laws in this country and anyone who doesn’t abide by them should – and will - face the penalties.

I have met several Lebanese men who treat women with respect and abide by this country’s laws. I have met many Australians of a white European background who do not. You may see the Lebanese community as a ‘problem’ because they are an easily identifiable group. I think the problem goes much deeper, and exists in all cultures and all societies.

Your solution adds to it.

Stabin The Dark,

So where are these Lebanese, that are not muslim, that are acting in an anti social manner? And what do they do that could be classed as anti social? I have only seen and heard good things about Lebanese that are non muslim.

"Good News Geoff" Gallop was a mediocre Premier. Sadly, his academic performance does not buck the trend.

Not once does this prolix article mention Australia's Western culture, history and heritage. Rather, Geoff treads down the same tired old road - the cult of the immigrant, the emphasis on separateness, vague values in place of common culture and the general "feel good factor" associated with mushy multiculturalism.

Piffle Geoff. Absolute piffle.

Caedmon said: "I believe we endure the poverty of multiculturalism and that state-sanctioned multi-culturalism has been counter-productive and worsened race relations; that cultural relativism, its philosophical parent, is self-contradictory: cultural relativism is an invention of the West, and thus it is self-invalidating."

Multiculturalism is particular to a Western urban environment and cannot survive as an ideology outside it. So although "mainstream" society may suscribe on face value to multiculturalism's cultural relativist philosophical underpinnings, multiculturalism also equips non-Western, non-egalitarian minority cultural groups with disproportionate power and influence, thereby allowing them to usurp the value system of the larger society.

Simply put, multiculturalism is cancerous, dividing a nation's cells until it ceases to support the living body of Western society (in this case, Australia).