Seriously,I think that it just too late.A population that indulges itself such as ours,produces no offspring,lacks discipline,courage,and is too busy worrying about offending all other cultures/minority groups,has no vision or future.

Australia will just become a mottled group of feel goods,who live in fear of offending everybody,and lack the wisdom and courage to do what their instincts are telling them.

BD takes young Foxy aside for some serious 'therapy'........

FOXY !! to whom was your post addressed ? all of us.. me ?.. er.. *confused look*

Mate..! It appears you are equating 'compassion' with cultural hari kiri.

There is NOTHING 'un'compassionate about expecting newcomers to fit in to the existing social structure. When you have a new baby.. you expect him/her to fit into your family social rules....right?

But more than that..you actually take affirmative active steps to guide the child into that social normality.

I may have misunderstood you, but you seem to be only recognizing ONE aspect to the cultural/migration equation. i.e.. "new people come here..and WE dance to THEIR tune"...

Now.. your beautiful quote from Luke.. is very appropriate..FOR MIGRANTS :).. yes it is.. because in another place Jesus said (perhaps more appropriately for this discussion) "Don't goto a wedding banquet and seek the most honourable seat, for the host might come along and say 'no, you go over here.. someone more honorable than you is here, he must take your seat'... and with shame and humiliation, you move to the lowest seat, Far better to take the lowest seat that the host may place you in a better position" (paraphrase)

See it ?

GUEST.. takes the lowest seat, that the host may come along and say "Oh... don't sit there.. come here where it is more honorable"

HOST...decides the position you (as the guest) should take.

In migration terms, this tranlates to nothing more serious than "wait ur turn/ do as we do/speak as we speak/respect our law"

Your quote applies exactly to people who come along and say "Well.. here we are.. now you can all dance to our tune.. follow our values, and abandon your own"

Ok..*Therapy* officially over, you are now 'healed'. :)

Am member of a segregated family not separated, segregated as the Central Land Council denies "Traditional Owners" their otherwise held basic human right to reside together as a family in their family home.

This despite CLC's belated acknowledgement to the NT Supreme Court
members of our family held "Traditional Owner" status at Kintore, NT.

The NT Supreme Court ordered a stay of the proceedings commenced to
resolve these issues because denial of legal assistance thus our
representation continues.

Clearly for some is far more important we identify on racial grounds than as Australian

Since the 19th century we have had Muslims in our country. We have Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Bai Hai's and other groups. We have never experienced any problems with these groups. In fact, they have not only enriched our society - but also see themselves, and are recognised, as Australian as any of Anglo origin.

Since WWII we have witnessed waves of peoples from other countries - unfortunately, many received a very rough time on arrival. Despite this, they courageously persisted with their intentions of becoming loyal Australian citizens. They are now very much part of the Australian landscape, indeed have contributed to Australian society in every field; often becoming Australian icons. Without these different peoples, Australia would not be the Australia of today. Earlier waves of immigrants to this country, many of whom were highly cultured and highly educated, would have undoubtedly seen shortcomings in their land of adoption. However, they never expressed this aggressively.

So what are the problems we have with the current wave of Muslims?

When one goes to another country, it is a courtesy to recognise the dominant culture of that country. Perhaps this is the problem with some (not all) of our Muslim immigrants. This does not mean ridding themselves of identity - cultural heritage (much of which is very beautiful) or religion, or any other aspects which are enriching to themselves and indeed offer much to the wider community.

However, a number of Muslim leaders have been divisive, creating a "them and us" mentality; too few of the Muslim community (whatever their private embarrassment has been) have been sufficiently openly and publicly critical of statements coming from these leaders. To "vocal" Aussies (accustomed to expressing views on all sort of subjects) and to some "discontented" Muslims this sends a certain type of message.

We are a multi-cultural society, but we have a dominant culture, as do all countries. The US is a multi-cultural society. There are problems ... But no matter what a citizen's origins, they are, with black, blue, brindle, and white, "hand over the heart", proudly and firstly American.

Dear Danielle,

Thank you for those sentiments so beautifully expressed.

You represent the Australia that I know and love. It's an attitude of mind. A capacity to understand the most fundamental values of Australian society - our commitment to justice, egalitarianism and a 'Fair go' for all.

Thanks everybody! This is all getting a little 'fluffy' though. Speak YOUR minds. The last post read like a government PR response.

The central question of this thread is: why are we afraid to speak out against minorities?

The gentleman who wrote about people worrying about their careers is probably as near the truth as anyone!! Historically in fascist countries where speaking out against minorities was a sure way to fast-track your career. Did people hold back? I don't think so!!

From personal experience, this is only true experience we can go on, Muslims are the most racist group I have encountered.

If you are not a Muslim, you cannot marry a Muslim and it is looked down upon to go out with non-Muslims. You have a choice: either convert or see ya. Muslim men have relations with non-Muslims but would never bring them home to meet their parents! I see this in the UK everywhere.

The simple truth is wherever humans go they try to dominate. Some groups have found more effective ways than others: religion/race card are highly effective.

Are we all blind??