Assimilation, Integration, Multiculturalism or ???

There has been a lot of talk recently about Australian Values and whether these should (at least in part) form the criteria for citizenship.

When we read about the issues that confront our societies these days, we most often have one in particular that seems to leap out of the pages of the news media at us namely the conflicts that are arising between the population of the host country and people who migrate to that country as migrants and as refugees.

What is happening with migrants and refugees anyway?

In the past migrants were people who for one reason or another were dissatisfied with the country in which they were born and sought to move to a different country where they hoped their lives would be better. Refugees were people who could no longer live in the country in which they were born and simply HAD to go to another country to stay alive and safe.

In BOTH these instances the people who moved understood that part of the "price" they had to pay for leaving their country of origin was that they would have to adjust and accommodate to what they found there to be able to obtain what it was that they wanted.

So it was in Australia.

Flemming Rose, the cultural editor of the Jyllands-Poste states:

"We live in a state where there are basic democratic and constitutional values. And then you have immigrants with other value systems.

How far do you go in accommodating these newcomers?

What is a deal-breaker?

The question of integration and assimilation is the number one issue facing Europe over the next decade."

This small excerpt asks the question about the future within Europe - I wonder if Australia is any different?

This excerpt is that it uses two words "integration" and "assimilation".

In Australia prior to the Whitlam government Australia had "assimilation" as its cultural credo.

During this administration, and largely thanks to the then Immigration Minister (the late Al Grassby), the country moved towards "integration" and eventually towards what is currently in vogue, namely "multiculturalism".

I know that as someone who was born overseas and has managed to be part of the reality of all of these fads in dealing with people like myself, I have my own views and prejudices.

It would be nice to see how others feel about this topic.

Maybe by having an open discussion we could identify exisiting fears, prejudices and desires and so make this country a really democratic and free country to live in where no one has to cower in a corner in fear.

Anyone care to comment?