Mrs M
yoda76Take a souvlaki and baste it with vegemite
November 7th 2006 02:07
In his infinite wisdom John Howard a few weeks ago said that the Greeks should be the yardstick by which all other migrants should measure themselves by. You see the Greeks know how to be good Aussies.
"You integrate fully, you become part of the mainstream, your first loyalty is to Australia, but that doesn't mean you don't have a place in your heart for your home culture and that's how we want it," Mr Howard said.
The majority of Greeks migrated to Australia in the 50's and 60's when the White Australia Policy rife and the buzzword was "assimilation" not "multiculturalism".
The Greeks were arrived to this country and were encouraged to learn English. However, my father and mother's generation of migrants have a different story to tell when it comes to having "a place in your heart for your home culture". As long as "home culture" wasn't paraded out on the streets for the locals to see and hear, "that's how we want it".
It is clear to see that even today my parents are wary of politicians and their intentions. They believed when they landed in Australia way back in the 50's that they would be welcomed. But instead had to endure being called "wogs" or "dagos", getting lowly paid jobs and were generally given a hard time. Can you blame them for being disillusioned?
So forgive me if I think that Mr Howard sounded ignorant and his sentiments towards the Greeks sounded patronising and condescending. The Greeks may have blended nicely into the “Australian” way of life, but it was not an easy road to travel for my parents or for me – a first generation Australian.
So let's applaud the Greeks, the Italians, the Germans, the Dutch and whoever else came to Australia all those years ago and integrated not only with the Anglo Saxon Australians but with all migrants.
But the buzzword today is multiculturalism so let's not make the journey for the new migrants as difficult at it has been in the past. Okay Mr Howard? It all starts with you.
"You integrate fully, you become part of the mainstream, your first loyalty is to Australia, but that doesn't mean you don't have a place in your heart for your home culture and that's how we want it," Mr Howard said.
The majority of Greeks migrated to Australia in the 50's and 60's when the White Australia Policy rife and the buzzword was "assimilation" not "multiculturalism".
The Greeks were arrived to this country and were encouraged to learn English. However, my father and mother's generation of migrants have a different story to tell when it comes to having "a place in your heart for your home culture". As long as "home culture" wasn't paraded out on the streets for the locals to see and hear, "that's how we want it".
It is clear to see that even today my parents are wary of politicians and their intentions. They believed when they landed in Australia way back in the 50's that they would be welcomed. But instead had to endure being called "wogs" or "dagos", getting lowly paid jobs and were generally given a hard time. Can you blame them for being disillusioned?
So forgive me if I think that Mr Howard sounded ignorant and his sentiments towards the Greeks sounded patronising and condescending. The Greeks may have blended nicely into the “Australian” way of life, but it was not an easy road to travel for my parents or for me – a first generation Australian.
So let's applaud the Greeks, the Italians, the Germans, the Dutch and whoever else came to Australia all those years ago and integrated not only with the Anglo Saxon Australians but with all migrants.
But the buzzword today is multiculturalism so let's not make the journey for the new migrants as difficult at it has been in the past. Okay Mr Howard? It all starts with you.
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Comment by Stuart
Mediated
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Comment by Damo
We are migrants from somewhere and our forefathers all had a hard time.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I've been hearing the in the last few days that Howard's ancestors are actually convicts. Talk about a hard road.
If a future generation son of a convict can become prime minister, then there is hope that every migrant can contribute to this country. Maybe not immediately, but definitely down the track. That's the point of multiculturalism and having migration policies isn't it?
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
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The male mystique
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L.A.M.P.
Very well said about cultural assimilation. I think we should all try to strike a happy medium..different cultures enrich a nation. Separatism tears it apart.
I think you have just inspired me..thanks!
(marmite moussaka? ..ugh.)
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Yes, very much kidding. I haven't tried souvlaki basted in vegemite.
And I don't think I would try marmite moussaka either
I'm glad I've inspired you
Love & stuff
Mrs M