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OT: Human Rights Framework 1-May-2010 At 1:38:21 PM Hendo

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On 1/05/2010 Wendy wrote:
>Displaced is such a nice way of putting it. Attempted genocide doesn't
>sound so acceptable. Of course there is a long history of european nations
>invading and overtaking other nations. That doesn't make it ok, and one
>of the wonders of having a concept of human rights that has been legally
>recognised is that we can now use them to prevent things like that happening
>again.

I’m not trying to pass judgement here. All kinds of animals have territories that they try to maintain and expand at the cost of others, from insects to fish to lions and all things inbetween. Sometimes the means of deciding who rules the roost is done without too much pain, othertimes not. There is no reason humans should be much different.

>In the modern, educated world

People who think that we who live in our new fangled modern world are the ‘enlightened ones’ and people in the past were somehow ignorant and in the dark are kidding themselves.

>I'm sad that living in a multicultural community makes you feel so threatened.
> Integration works both ways, and it's always an opportunity to learn about
>other countries, another language, eat different foods, whilst sharing
>your knowledge of Australia.

This kind of thing is fine for a holiday and at small levels at home but mostly I want to live with people like me. That’s fair enough and that’s why these enclaves form. I don’t want to live in a country fractured into different groups.

>And Australia really isn't being overrun
>by Asians, or indeed any nationality that people seem to consider a threatening
>culture. 8% of the population is of asian descent.

No it isn’t just asians but the example of where I live it is and if you were here you would agree, the asians here agree, I have asked them!

>British and NZ migrants
>way out number them, there being a bit over 1.5 million of people born
>in those countries currently resident in Australia and about 90% of the
>population of European descent. About 65% of people practice some form
>of christian religion, compared to 1.7 islam and .7 hindu.

I live in Sydney so that is mostly what I can comment on. Sydney is divided into various racial groups, of course there are many exceptions but broadly it is undeniable. I don’t think it is a good thing.

>If anyone was
>to feel threatened for the loss of their culture, it should be these minorities.

Sure, but they chose to move away from their culture! Also if you don’t keep a handle on it you could find yourself as a threatened minority.

> Societies don't become cohesive because we force other people to be like
>us. Australian policies have moved from assimilation to multiculturalism
>for a reason - assimilation (which is effectively what you are calling
>integration) didn't work.

Multiculturalism is silly, why should I give up part of my home to some people who are going to live segregated from me? People have been fighting to protect their homes for good reason since the beginning of time, why just give it away? If I’m not using it I’d rather leave it for my children and further descendants.

>Another thing I regularly wonder, what aspects of Australian culture do
>people percieve to be so threatened by other cultures?

In general, being replaced and confined.

On 1/05/2010 Wendy wrote:
>Another thought about enclaves - we have enclaves of all sorts

Yes, people will always tend to form groups of various description, some good, some indifferent, some bad, all categories depending on your opinion…and probably your groups ☺.

On 1/05/2010 Sabu wrote:
>Can I clear something up, is there a general consensus that Australia
>is a racist country?

Racism is essentially universal. Unless you are blind or have some kind of other unusual attribute it is impossible to not distinguish people by their physical features. Hence, there are only levels of racism. Also a lot of the time racism is not bad and makes perfect sense.