I don't know why some people want to be so negative towards people, not of their own background - cultural or otherwise.

It's more of a case of not knowing a person - because if someone does know a person well, individual, family or a group of people - they simply would not make negative comments - if these people were doing great work.

For example I go to Chinatown in Adelaide and there is a fantastic food court business I eat at - at least once per week. In fact so many people go there, their food is brilliant and the operators are also currently looking for a person to fill a full time position and now also open seven days per week.

The business owners there know what I and other's like and are so friendly and nice to meet. Something business wise to be proud of in Australia. A small business doing very well!

Banjo,

Robert D. Putnam (political scientist)did a comprehensive study on the effects of ethnic diversity. He also wrote "Bowling Alone".

He has found the following. More diversity being associated with less communal trust (even of one's own race).

"Diversity and trust within communities:
Lowered trust in areas with high diversity is also associated with:
• Lower confidence in local government, local leaders and the local news media.
• Lower political efficacy – that is, confidence in one's own influence.
• Lower frequency of registering to vote, but more interest and knowledge about politics and more participation in protest marches and social reform groups.
• Higher political advocacy, but lower expectations that it will bring about a desirable result.
• Less expectation that others will cooperate to solve dilemmas of collective action (e.g., voluntary conservation to ease a water or energy shortage).
• Less likelihood of working on a community project.
• Less likelihood of giving to charity or volunteering.
• Fewer close friends and confidants.
• Less happiness and lower perceived quality of life.
• More time spent watching television and more agreement that "television is my most important form of entertainment"."

Dear Constance,

I don't quite understand why you're quoting Robert
D. Putnam. He's made a study of problems that he
saw as existing in the United States - and some of
his arguments for the decline of communities
in America are difficult to sustain. In this country
our situation is totally different to that of America.
And hopefully always will be.

Constance, I imagine the original inhabitants of Australia felt just as unhappy as you about the 'new-comers' not 'fitting in'. And yet, here we all are today.

There are good and bad people in every race, culture and religion, and I believe all human beings should be treated the same, just like the story of The Good Samaritan in the bible.

You were very quick to hose that down, Foxy. No reasons given apart from your 'not local, not relevant' though and you certainly didn't make any attempt to address any of the points.

However, from a quick look Robert Putman has excellent, relevant qualifications. See here,

http://www.gov.harvard.edu/people/faculty/robert-putnam

On the other hand, you have repeatedly cited a novelist as your authority, but where is the relevant training that sets her up as the authority you make her out to be? You continually direct readers to her doctorate (in what?) and commend her 'extensive research' too, but you don't say what research that is and whether it was ever published in any journals of note.

Your dogmatism continually blinds you to any evidence that could challenge your opinions and world view.

Constance,

The points you refer are not simply about diversity. It's a range of factors. Diverse views for example can be a good thing when like working on a community project - but this can take a lot of effort.

For example, I'm of a younger age - yet a lot of people I volunteer with (re groups) are 50 plus. I have very different views than many of these people - as I want to see the groups I'm passionate about continue. I also have exciting future ideas.

This can be challenging for some to take in (even people of my age) - but when a message is put together well - it can win people over.

For example I organised (after negotiation) a photographic book launch presentation which included large, scanned, cinema sized photographs, put onto a screen. I had one person come to me saying I'd done a great job.

With any project or direction - I want all people's views heard as much as possible. People out there don't keep any great ideas to yourself! A list of - "problems" and not some basic "solutions" doesn't take our nation further. To all, these pages will 100% benefit if you can put some ideas down. So get thinking!