Does Australia have an identity or are we just multiculturalism?

[SpiritualGirl]

"There is no Australian identity just a mixture of different cultures and traditions"

Do you agree with this statement or disagree?

Spiritualgirl

 

[Lil'_Miss_Princess_Aimz]

i disagree...

i think that through all the different cultures australia has we have been able to make up our own identity, so while we have numerous cultures within one culture.. we are in fact one country with its own identity

 

[Brownsy]

I think there is still definately an identifiable Austrlalian culture, however I think it is becoming less and less defined, and although I think this is partly because of multiculturalism, I don't believe it is the only factor.

That being said, I think the day is not far off when there is no longer an "Australian" culture and it is all just a blend of various other cultures. Whether you think that is a bad thing or not is a matter of personal preference, I guess.

Blessings to you all

 

[winglovesall]

I agree with you both. Australia is so bright and colourful because of these different cultures coming into Australia, and blending themselves with people all over the globe

Our accent has changed and you'll find 50 years later, I imagine it'll be slightly different

 

[tsl]

Hey SpiritualGirl!

Warning: Some parts of my reply go into ranting but not insulting.

You said:

""There is no Australian identity just a mixture of different cultures and traditions"Do you agree with this statement or disagree?"
​

Yeah, I would agree with that. If someone were to ask me what is the Australian identity, I doubt that I would be able to give an accurate and honest answer. IMHO, multiculturalism (when they do not conform to the Australian culture - what ever that is ), 'political correctness,' suing the socks of everyone for the most stupid things (e.g. not taking responsibility for one's actions), among others have totally destroyed our country and its clear identity. For example, if you go down to Sydney you don't see one city - you see many little different 'countries' (where different cultures reside in groups of like cultures) combined under the name 'Sydney.' Don't get me wrong, I'm not a racist or anything, it just annoys me how they don't adapt too well to our culture and actually change ours for the worse. I mean, you can't even say that "X" religion is wrong because "Y" any more lest you be taken to court for 'vilification of religion "X"' and actually be sent to jail for it! I mean, if you don't like what you hear/read/see then no one is forcing you to hear/read/see it so just turn around and move on! Don't take them to court for what ever reason you want. This country is just filled with sissies!!

I don't know, I just dislike where Australia is and where it is going. I can't really think of much good that has been happening in Australia or what there is to celebrate. May be I'm just cynical...

I just needed to get that out.

Sincerely,
tsl.

 

[winglovesall]

All I'm gonna say is that, you have to look further into the truth...I disagree with you most of what you've said...
Ask yourself -
*Were we the owners of this land? Did we arrive by boat?
*When was the White-Australia Policy abolished? Up until now, how long has that been?
*Do you want people to have their own personal identity?
*Are we all humans, in the first place? Are these migrants humans? Are you a human being?

(I had a long piece of writing here, 5 paragraphs, but I decided to delete that...but it's certainly the truth)

 

[tsl]

Hello winglovesall,

You said:

"(I had a long piece of writing here, 5 paragraphs, but I decided to delete that...but it's certainly the truth)"
​

The 'truth' from your point of view. You'll find that many of the truths we cling to (such as your and my position in this discussion) depend greatly on our own point of view.

BTW, if you live in Australia, what on earth are you doing still awake at 5:54 AM and talking on the forum at such a time?

I too had several paragraphs of answers to your questions (many of which I believe show a distorted understanding of my position), but nothing I say will change your opinion and you'll probably continue to be blinded in your interpretation of my posts (like your last one) because of your 'multiculturalist' attitude; and that's cool.

I guess, if you go to China you expect to see mainly Chinese people. When you come to Australia, in most of our large centres it's like 'spot the Aussie.' This is Australia and we should expect [traditionally] to see European Australians and Aboriginals more than other cultural groups. This is not so in many major centres.

 

[Dylan_Chica]

white australians are descendants of criminals

 

[ebia]

Australian culture has always, and will always, change as new people arrive. That's what cultures do. That's how it was formed in the first place. That's what has created the richness of each of the cultures around the world. Trying to fix a culture and stop it changing is missing the point and attempting the impossible.

This is Australia and we should expect [traditionally] to see European Australians and Aboriginals more than other cultural groups.

Why?

 

[ebia]

I'm not a racist or anything,

If you need to say it, then your post almost certainly is racist and saying otherwise is a waste of space.

 

[little_wing]

white australians are descendants of criminals

Or soldiers, or sailors, or clergy or free settlers from any number of European nations between 1788 and now.

 

[The Bad Templar]

"There is no Australian identity just a mixture of different cultures and traditions"

Do you agree with this statement or disagree?

Spiritualgirl

I disagree with the statement.

I think the fact that Australia has a very young culture doesn't mean it is any less valid than older cultures and their customs, cuisine and national dress etc.

I think the Australian identity has been shaped by the land we live in and our unique history.

In general, we are resistant, resourceful, egalitarian, irreverent, anti-establishment and democratic. We don't hold sectarian grudges for generations like the Balkins and Northern Ireland.

We're not perfect, but we are who we are.

I think migrants have made a contribution to the Australian way of life when they have introduced the positive aspects of their cultures. I think Australians give migrants a 'fair go' provided they respect the established mores of their country.

I'm concerned we are becoming more capitialist and greedy as a society... but perhaps this is an inevitable result of globalisation.

And yes, Winglovesall...... I think the aboriginal people have been failed by both sides of the political fence... whilst accepting the fact that colonialism is fraught with difficult issues.

 

[SpiritualGirl]

white australians are descendants of criminals

Generally over minor crimes such as stealing a loaf of bread to feed a starving family

Thanks for the replies, I think multiculturalism is part of our culture! I think Australians should just accept other races and people from different countries because they are a part of us and they are a part of our culture! They do not destroy our culture but built it up! It is a part of what makes our country Australia today.

God bless
SpiritualGirl

 

[little_wing]

We don't hold sectarian grudges for generations like the Balkins and Northern Ireland.

There was significant Catholic/Protestant conflict here for more than a century.

 

[The Bad Templar]

There was significant Catholic/Protestant conflict here for more than a century.

Oh really? So how many car bombings and assassinations were involved in that particular 'conflict'?

I'm well aware of the protestant Masonic/ Irish catholic divide... but it was nothing compared to Northern Ireland and the Balkins.

 

[little_wing]

Oh really? So how many car bombings and assassinations were involved in that particular 'conflict'?

I'm well aware of the protestant Masonic/ Irish catholic divide... but it was nothing compared to Northern Ireland and the Balkins.

Of course. You said we didn't hold sectarian "grudges". I believe the longstanding feuding between Protestants and Catholics qualifies as a grudge

Peace

 

[tsl]

If you need to say it, then your post almost certainly is racist and saying otherwise is a waste of space.

ebia, this is what annoys me. People are so ignorant that when anyone (such as that poor Professor who was nailed for his views several months ago) expresses views that go against the norm or just so accepted views, then they are considered racists, and so on.

Calling one a racist is a very big claim and not one to be taken lightly, so please provide evidence from my posts where I have been racist or please retract your statement as it is nothing more than absurd and in addition apologise. I also believe that part of your perception is based on ignorance surrounding what the term 'racism' is. So, in addition, please define what you believe 'racism' means.

Perhaps, purposeful misrepresentation of my post is a more accurate way of describing your response, which is a banable offence according to the CF FAQ...

 

[ontheside]

Yeah, I would agree with that. If someone were to ask me what is the Australian identity, I doubt that I would be able to give an accurate and honest answer. IMHO, multiculturalism (when they do not conform to the Australian culture - what ever that is ), 'political correctness,' suing the socks of everyone for the most stupid things (e.g. not taking responsibility for one's actions), among others have totally destroyed our country and its clear identity. For example, if you go down to Sydney you don't see one city - you see many little different 'countries' (where different cultures reside in groups of like cultures) combined under the name 'Sydney.' Don't get me wrong, I'm not a racist or anything, it just annoys me how they don't adapt too well to our culture and actually change ours for the worse. I mean, you can't even say that "X" religion is wrong because "Y" any more lest you be taken to court for 'vilification of religion "X"' and actually be sent to jail for it! I mean, if you don't like what you hear/read/see then no one is forcing you to hear/read/see it so just turn around and move on! Don't take them to court for what ever reason you want. This country is just filled with sissies!!

I agree, I dislike how people come to Australia expecting things and wanting to have their own ways.. People wanting to be allowed to have their face covered on in licence photos because it is their religion? what a load! I am japanese but if I see an asian that cannot speak engish, I get annoyed... Perhaps I am too harsh. I just dont like people that dont want to change their way of living when they come here. They are more free here... They even have the freedom to LEAVE. If they whinge so much about Australians not accepting them, why dont they?

Now watch as I get shot...

 

[The Bad Templar]

Now watch as I get shot...

I say Amen to that Korske.

 

[ebia]

I say Amen to that Korske.

You want him to watch him get shot, or you just want him to be shot?