Multiculturalism in Australia is often defined as welcoming, inclusive and judgement-free. In fact, we often include this notion in tourism campaigns that advertise the country (Come and Say G’day - Corporate - Tourism Australia 2023). However, as strong as our words might be, our ‘exclusive and very judgemental’ behaviour requires a firm and actionable response if we want to be the accepting nation we love to claim to be. Modern Australia is not as multicultural as we say we are.
In this investigation, I will pick apart the juxtaposing key ideas behind Bruce Woodley’s ‘I am Australian’ and Mehreen Faruqi’s book ‘Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud’. I am Australian, a renowned, famously patriotic song for Australia shares the message of Australia …show more content…
For example, Mehreen Faruqi’s book uses strong and concise language as well as thought-out and thorough arguments based on her unique experiences. In her book, she says "I'd rather see fewer people proclaiming 'I'm not racist, but.' and more actually walking the talk by challenging racism when they see it.” This quote is great, because it almost directly counters the main ideas behind ‘I am Australian’, as well as most of the current ideas surrounding multiculturalism in Australia. To break it down, Faruqi is basically saying that instead of just presenting ourselves as accepting and claiming all the high moral points we want to be known for, we need to actually respect, demonstrate and enact a broad and encompassing range of cultures and identities, and incorporate them into the Australian identity. The use of her personal circumstances to narrate her story and build connections between the topic of multiculturalism in Australia and her experiences with racism are so effective in placing the audience. The bestowment of such a perspective that opposes the traditional Australian view, with the use of strong and purposeful language, makes the reader question themselves, rather than giving the answer right to them (Lesson bucket,
In this investigation, I will pick apart the juxtaposing key ideas behind Bruce Woodley’s ‘I am Australian’ and Mehreen Faruqi’s book ‘Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud’. I am Australian, a renowned, famously patriotic song for Australia shares the message of Australia …show more content…
For example, Mehreen Faruqi’s book uses strong and concise language as well as thought-out and thorough arguments based on her unique experiences. In her book, she says "I'd rather see fewer people proclaiming 'I'm not racist, but.' and more actually walking the talk by challenging racism when they see it.” This quote is great, because it almost directly counters the main ideas behind ‘I am Australian’, as well as most of the current ideas surrounding multiculturalism in Australia. To break it down, Faruqi is basically saying that instead of just presenting ourselves as accepting and claiming all the high moral points we want to be known for, we need to actually respect, demonstrate and enact a broad and encompassing range of cultures and identities, and incorporate them into the Australian identity. The use of her personal circumstances to narrate her story and build connections between the topic of multiculturalism in Australia and her experiences with racism are so effective in placing the audience. The bestowment of such a perspective that opposes the traditional Australian view, with the use of strong and purposeful language, makes the reader question themselves, rather than giving the answer right to them (Lesson bucket,