Multiculturalism
1. DEFINITION
The Macquarie Dictionary defines multiculturalism as “the maintenance of more than one culture within a society with rights and opportunities for all, regardless of ethnic origin”. It also adds “the theory that such a structure is beneficial to society”.
2. BIBLE REFERENCE
According to Paul Hiebert, a multiethnic (or multicultural) church is “a church in which there is (1) an attitude and practice of accepting people of all ethnic, class and national origins as equal and fully participating members and ministers in the fellowship of the church; and (2) the manifestation of this attitude and practice by the involvement of people from different ethnic, social and national communities as members in the church”
God’s desire for this kind of multiculturalism is found from the beginning to the end of the Bible. The God of the Old Testament is the God of the whole world.” In Genesis chapters 1 through 11, God’s work and activity are directed at the whole of humanity. The promise of divine redemption given to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 declares, “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (NIV). Many prophecies throughout the Old Testament foretold the coming time when salvation would be offered to all nations (e.g., Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 26.4; 28:14; Psalm 67; 72:17; Isaiah 2:1-5; 11:10; 60:2-3, 6; Joel 2:28; Amos 9:11-12; Habakkuk 2:14; Zechariah 8:20-22; cf. Galatians 3:8).
Likewise, the New Testament affirms not only God’s intention to save people from all cultures and ethnic groups (e.g., Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; John 4:42; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 1:10; Titus 2:11; Revelation 5:9-10; 7:9-17), but also His desire for those people to be joined together in one body (e.g., Acts 6:1-7; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:12-22; 4:3-5). Thus, in Christ, the church has no real “choice” in the matter. God has called the church to embrance those of other cultural backgrounds and to seek unity with them.
3. FACTS
·Immigrants come to Australia from over 150 countries
·150,000 immigrants to Australia every year
4. FEDERAL POLICY
In l978 the Federal Government adopted multiculturalism which recognised the right of migrants to maintain their cultural identities, encourage and assist migrants to do so, and promote equal opportunity and access to services. The l989 Agenda for Multicultural Australia and the l999 New Agenda for a Multicultural Australia recognised multiculturalism as official Government policy. In late 2006, the Government decided to abandon the term ‘multiculturalism’ and in January 2007 it changed the name of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The Government has indicated that the policy fundamentals of multiculturalism will remain but that there will be a change of emphasis towards a shared national identity based on a core set of values.
5. NSW STATE POLICY
In l979 the Ethnic Affairs Commission was established with the objectives of encouraging full participation of ethnic groups and promoting “the unity of all ethnic groups in the community as a single society consistently with the recognition of their cultural identities” According to the Government, NSW was the first State to adopt multiculturalism as participation and equality of opportunity. In l999, the Government changed the title of the Ethnic Affairs portfolio to the Citizenship portfolio and it replaced the Ethnic Affairs Commission with a new Community Relations Commission. The new Act restated the principles of cultural diversity as principles of multiculturalism. In 2004, the Government released its Ethnic Affairs Action Plan 2012.
6. MAIN CRITICISMS OF MULTICULTURALISM
Terrorist attacks in recent years (in particular the London bombings in July 2005) and the December 2005 Cronulla riots have reignited debate about multiculturalism.
· It is divisive and threatens social cohesion – this is at the centre of the debate (increasing isolation of some ethnic communities)
· It denies and denigrates Australian culture by promoting other cultures as more worthy
· It tolerates objectionable practices and behaviour that violates our norms and values, not to mention our laws
· It costs billions of dollars of public money – all immigration, settlement and multicultural program
· It has lead to a large increase in crime and corruption
· It has exacerbated Australia’s national security problems
7. SUPPORT FOR MULTICULTURALISM
· Creates social cohesion by allowing migrants to feel welcome and to participate – it is the glue that binds society and makes the nation strong and resilient
· Provides the framework for addressing problems of intolerance and extremism
· Does not deny or denigrate Australian culture, which is dynamic not static. Further, it has been modified and enhanced by the arrival of many migrant groups.
· Has always required migrants to support the law and basic principles of society (shared values and institutions)
· Does not cost billions of dollars and it yields significant economic dividends – it has strengthened the Australian economy
· Has helped Australia to become the most successful culturally diverse nation in the world.
8. PUBLIC OPINION ON MULTICULTURALISM
Public opinion towards multiculturalism is not clear. Goot’s examination of public opinion polls on the subject from l988 to l997 found that there was majority support for assimilationists views (i.e that migrants should try to forget their old national customs, adopt the Australian way of life and behave the way the majority of Australians do) but there was also majority support for multiculturalist views (i.e. that ethnic groups should not be criticised if they want to mix mostly with themselves, that migrants should be able to become Australians without giving up their own culture, and that multiculturalism promotes fairness and is necessary for a harmonious society). The l995 and 2003 Australian Surveys of Social Attitudes found majority support for some assimilationist views but did not necessarily indicate a rejection of multiculturalism. A public opinion poll after the December 2005 Cronulla riots found that 81 percent supported multiculturalism.
9. HOW YOU CAN ACT
There will not be social harmony as long as many Australians go on thinking that only those of particular descent or culture are real Australians. To understand more and support multiculturalism in Australia the following reading is suggested:
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING
Macquarie Dictionary (2007) “multiculturalism”
http://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/202.146.8.4@FFC1863309/-/p/thes/article_d
Goot M, ‘Migrant Numbers, Asian Immigration and Multiculturalism: Trends in the Polls, 1943-1998’, in National Multicultural Advisory Council, Australian Multiculturalism for a New Century: Towards Inclusiveness: Statistical Appendix, April l999
Brahm Levey G, ‘Multiculturalism is integration’, (2007) 15 Australian Mosaic 28
Department of Immigration and Citizenship website
http://www.immi.gov.au
Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW website
http://wwwcrcnsw.gov.au
Ethnic Affairs Commission of NSW, The Way Forward: A Consultation Document leading to a Community Relations Commission, June l999
‘ Ssh! Let’s give three quiet cheers for the M-word’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29/1/07
‘Multiculturalism is still the way to go’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23/11/06
