MULTICULTURALISM

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism

Introduction

The policy of multiculturalism was embraced by the Whitlam Labor government in 1972. The policy recognised ethnic groups across Australia could preserve their identities and cultural heritage while at the same time having an overall commitment to the nation as a whole. In 1977 a charter for multicultural Australia was drawn up. This charter recognised the three basic principles for multiculturalism to be successful. They were: Economic Efficiency - the need to maintain and develop the skills and talents of all Australians regardless of their background. Cultural Identity the right of all to express and share their cultural heritage, language and religion. Equality of Opportunity - the right of all to equality of treatment and the removal of barriers of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, gender or place of birth.( Ankerl, 2000)

The policy was introduced because it appealed to the public, it was apart of the Whitlam government campaign and the ethnic groups wanted it. The policy also would've have been more inviting for people wanting to migrate to Australia. The effects of the multiculturalism policy have been good for Australia's culture and society. We have become more tolerant and culturally diverse. The economy also benefited from the migrants. The nation is a better place because of the policy.

Discussion

The multiculturalism policy was introduced after a large amount of ethnics had already entered the country. With the large amount of different races in the country Australians were becoming more tolerant of them. There was still plenty of discrimination amongst the population but when the government started to enforce multiculturalism and that the migrants were new Australians people started to change their views. When the views started to change more people felt better about the people entering the country and accepted their beliefs and cultures. With the acceptance of the people and their cultures it proved we were becoming more tolerant. This tolerance has helped make Australia world renowned for being a great happy place.

Another quality of Australia that is world renowned is its large range of foods. Before the introduction of migrants the average Australian diet was the basic British diet. It consisted of roast/boiled meats and vegetables. With the introduction of migrants' cultures their recipes and cooking styles also migrated here. This has broadened the range of foods available to us. The average diet now would consist of anything from fried rice to curry to steak to spaghetti to shish kebabs. The migrants also brought their languages and they have worked there way into Australian culture. More than 200 languages, including 48 Australian indigenous languages, are spoken in Australia. Many of them you can learn at certain schools or from tutors. This also encourages students to come to the country for leisure and/or exchange.

The migrants brought over many skills from their homeland. When they first arrived they would have been placed in unskilled jobs but later on they used their skills for many needed jobs across the country. The migrants teach in universities, own major companies, are ...