NedKelly

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) will now be known as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21103905-2,00.html

Nomore

so what does that exactly mean?? will the system still be the same?

Pollyana

Just means a name change. Its not referred to as DIMA now, but as DIC.......

NedKelly

And former Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews is now the DICS HEAD.

Pollyana

Its an interesting concept though - no more multiculturalism.
"Prime Minister John Howard officially scrapped multiculturalism today" (from the link in post 1)

CasG

Couldn't that be construed as being racist??

Pollyana

To be honest thats what I was thinking. I may be reading the thing wrong, but it certainly seems to be giving the message that everyone has to assimilate and be "Australian". It reads as if we all have to abandon any of our culture that we have brought from "home" wherever that may be. I'm sure that even the migrants that have adjusted easily to their new lives will not enjoy being told to leave every vestige of their culture behind. Australia has such a huge migrant population, and its culture is built on the parts of their lives that the migrants brought with them. How can he say that the country should now turn its backs on this? And how will they decide what is "Australian"

Louiselondon

as long as their 'rebranding' doesnt affect my visa they can call it whatever they like!!!
Louise

woodiesinaus

Multiculturism is a Socialist invention from the 1960's that has only bought about antagonism and violence. Prior to that we had assimilation which had served the UK well for 1000 years resulting in a race of people that co-existed in harmony. You choose.

CasG

Cultural assimilation, or 'assimilation' for short (but that word also had other meanings), is an intense process of consistent integration whereby members of an ethno-cultural group, typically immigrants, or other minority groups, are "absorbed" into an established, generally larger community. This presumes a loss of all or many characteristics which make the newcomers different Ref Wikipedia

So what is wrong with tolerance and harmony of the differences between peoples - and so the enrichment of people lives?

And regarding what you say about the UK in harmony ....are you forgetting the battles waged between the Welsh, Scottish Celts and the Britons?

Pollyana

Thats certainly the way I see it. Different cultures can exist side by side and form a rich tapestry of life. Tolerance of the ways of others can bring plenty of enjoyment as you learn how other people live.

CasG

I live in suburb which has an extensive Eastern European/Jewish influence - and so the cultural differences between Australians and themselves are relatively vast ...but it is still a vibrant, cohesive community.

The only sad thing is that the Jewish schools all have Security Officers outside the school gates

Wol

EUWW - you *are* awful - but I like you!

Pollyana

Sad about the Jewish schools, I agree. The rest of it though sounds great - you get to experience the culture of others, without having it forced on you, and suburbs like that show what variety really is possible in life. Its like where I came from in the UK, Brighton, many different cultures, and a vibrant gay community. They existed alongside the straight community, and where the two mingled together - in carnivals, nightclubs, parades, it was a fantastically varied experience of life. Brighton also attracted a wide range of shows and other entertainments simply because of the diverse audience, and everyione profited from this.

I'm sure that any attempt to stop this "multiculturalism" that Mr Howard hates so much will only divide Australia, not unite it.

woodiesinaus

And regarding what you say about the UK in harmony ....are you forgetting the battles waged between the Welsh, Scottish Celts and the Britons?[/QUOTE]

Are you forgetting that they were battles between different Nations for the purpose of empire building.