Racist, bigot, xenophobe are the cries! Never have I had such an annoying discussion. I certainly do not consider myself opposed to the concept of ‘multiculturalism’, at least not in a way that I would actively discourage it. That being said, I recently viewed a video of ultra-conservative Mark Steyn giving his views on this concept. He challenged some very basic views I had on the topic and most importantly, he challenged a concept that seems well and truly entrenched in our society under the assumption that it is obviously a good thing. Due to my experiences with the dogma people hold in relation to guns, I could not help but be at least a little sympathetic to the skepticism he holds towards an issue as emotionally charged as this. As such, I took his points on board and acknowledged them as a valid viewpoint on the topic. This to me seemed something that any sensible person would do.
Now, yesterday in a seminar I was in at university, the topic of ‘multiculturalism’ and immigration came up, and naturally I voiced some of the reservations that I had heard from Steyn. I barely articulated my point on cultural values when the lecturer proclaimed an end to the discussion, claiming it was getting an “I’m not racist but…” tone. I was stunned. Note this happened immediately after someone proclaimed their puzzlement as to why so many Australians fear immigration as the devil. The irony was obviously lost on the lecturer. This is not the first time something like this has happened.
I certainly do not consider myself a conservative (nor a lefty for that matter), but I do however have extreme sympathy for conservatives in that the education system consistently stifles discourse on conservative concerns. While I personally have my own well formed arguments in opposition to many conservative positions, I am sure many do not, and the complete ignorance of the fact that many students may have reservations towards commonly accepted ideas, reflecting what are often immediately dismissed as “racist” viewpoints, is very dangerous. It is something that infuriates me in education.
It is becoming increasingly evident to me that the number one concern stifling progress in society is the constant state of denial ‘progressives’ and lefties seem to live in. If someone challenges their peace, love and harmony dogma, they immediately retort with ad hominem arguments, usually finding some modernly constructed pejorative buzz word to label the challenger with, that somewhat oddly, usually accurately categorises as hostile what is an otherwise valid viewpoint. My dream is to be able to create a forum in society to argue contentious questions over multiculturalism, cultural differences, non-partisan legislative reform and anything else one sees fit. My dream is freedom of speech.
Next time, ask a supporter of multiculturalism if he or she would point you to an academic study proving its benefits. You might assume that in leftist dominated universities the shelves would be creaking with thousands of reports demonstrating beyond all reasonable doubt the merits of multiculturalism. In fact, there aren’t any (although some have tried http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Putnam ). If there were we would all know about them.
Instead, the ‘benefits’ must be taken on faith. On questioning, the diversity fanatics usually start with the popularity of foreign cuisine before rapidly thinning out into feeble references to ‘dance’ and ‘clothing’.
‘Music’ and ‘literature’ are sometimes cited as other benefits, but neither of these require a society to be multicultural. You can access all the music and books you like, either from bookshops or over the internet. You can read Shakespeare or listen to Elvis without them moving in next door.
If you’re lucky, you might get some waffle about the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme being a ‘triumph’ of multiculturalism, and how all the diverse people put aside their differences to work together. But surely this really means it was actually a triumph in spite of multiculturalism - not because of it. They overcame an obstacle that would not have existed in an homogeneous workforce. Otherwise, you’d have to explain specifically how all the different cultures were essential to it working, and how, say, an homogeneous workforce of Chinese would have failed.
When it becomes apparent that pro-multiculturalist is losing the argument it will descend into a “you racist, nazi, fascist” etc, etc. Why someone who insults and hates me that much would want to ‘bless’ me with multiculturalism is something I’ve never understood. Surely this ‘miracle’ should be imposed on poorer nations first? And if it was such a good thing, then why are the most culturally diverse areas of the western suburbs inhabited by the poorest people? Why aren’t millionaires like Pete Garrett, Philip Adams and Paul Keating beating a path to Bankstown or Blacktown?
James, I think for me the principal argument for multiculturalism is an emotional. My instinct is to support it as that is what my inner moral compass dictates. Perhaps I am a little biased on the issue as my parents were immigrants from communist Poland, so had they not come here, I would likely be in London right now (I know, I know, cheap shot).
Silliness aside however, I can see a valid argument in that if migration to western countries becomes the primary goal for successful foreigners, improvement in their homelands simply will not happen. Who is to say that a successful Australian immigrant could not have become a great leader for change in their homeland?
Aside from that however I instinctively believe that a persons fortunes in life should not be defined or limited by the country they are born in. I find such an argument a little hypocritical considering many Englishman came to Australia and the US as freemen in search of a new better land.
To be clear however, I certainly have not decided as to my position on this concept so I could never pretend to have a solution to the many issues surrounding it.
“I certainly do not consider myself a conservative…”
Sorry, but i think your fellow students probably consider you just that now.
“My dream is freedom of speech.”
As you experienced, some free speech is less equal to lefties.
Steyn never struck me as an ultra-conservative, just a guy who talks a lot of sense and says it damn well. If you like read a bit by Victor Davis Hanson, he’s also not into multiculturalism and he’s a Democrat.
I wouldn’t be so sure, I tend to be very clear about my beliefs when I am discussing a controversial issue. I would hope they consider me a skeptic before a conservative.
I will have to check out Victor Davis Hanson as I have had some difficulty finding intelligent arguments against multiculturalism to analyse.