This was based upon a speech given by the former Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard. Much of the ideas and wording of the sentences have been constructed to fit into the ideals of what it means to have a “strong Australia”, but also, to build upon the workings and add in my own personal ideas. This can also be considered a plea to the Australian Federal government for a more egalitarian society, by increasing Australia’s celebration of its diverse culture, not the dilution of its history and the separation of new and undiscovered stories from Australia’s newest arrivals. (The basis of this can be found here)
Without trying to “other” new Australians, it must be known that these new citizens must adapt (to a certain degree) to Australia and its lifestyle, for better or for worse. It is imperative that this nation stop worrying about whether we are upsetting a single person or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, there has been an increase in patriotism by the majority of Australians. Not something that should be stopped, but rather helped and semi-controlled to be regulated by educational bodies such as the school system, or a commercial campaigns funded by the Government, so as racism isn’t confused with Australian patriotism.
Australian culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom, including, immigrants from near and far, Europe, America, Asia, The Middle East, Africa and Islander nations. All of these cultures have played a massive role in Australian culture and have their place in the Australian psyche as much as any typical Australian narrative such as the man from Snowy River. This is a part of our proud and rich culture, and Australia should be known for its success as a multicultural and cosmopolitan society.
Firstly to become a part of the society, you must first learn the language. This is not to say you must forget your own language, but you must be able to communicate effectively in English. Secondly, a respect for Australia’s history and original owners must happen. The respect for the original owners on the land is something every Australian must adhere to, regardless of where they were born or their race, this pertains especially to the Australian’s who are already here (descendants of white settlers) who these days seem to have forgotten what it means to give respect to all races. Australia is not some Christian right wing nation but was built upon Christian principles. Sectarianism in the schools (and other areas) is an absolute must, however, any new Australian who tries to stop or impede any Australian celebration (Such as a public sausage sizzle, Santa Claus in shopping centres, ect.) is speaking out against where Australia came from historically, and therefore our culture. And finally, if you are to live in our country, you must refer to yourself as an Australian. A part of living in this nation means the freedom to celebrate where you came from and what shapes you as a person, but it’s more important to note that you are now an Australian. You now are a part of one of the world’s newest and most exiting cultures. If enough new Australians stand strong and call themselves Australian’s, celebrate the culture, the people, the land one day the word “wog” may cease to exist.
If all of these principles are to be followed, or adopted at some form by a new ideology, Australia can remain the strong cosmopolitan multicultural society that I can experience today or anytime I leave my house. I fear that if the social, cultural and sadly, the racial divide in society continues to widen, we’ll see the majority war with the minorities, the minorities war with the majority and we’ll live in a society where we cannot talk to anybody we please and our culture, then will die. To not follow this basic outline is to continue down the path of the divide, and as the path leads to Australia’s cultural death, you are therefore, Un-Australian.
