Multiculturalism In Australia

Australia is home to many races. Long before the Europeans found settlement in Australia, the aborigines were the first people that inhabited the place. Their existence can be traced back 50,000 years ago. The next generation of Australians came 200 years ago.

Many migrants from all corners of the world flocked to Australia because of their greener pasture both figuratively and literally. In the last decade alone, the continent accommodated 90,000 and increased by more 3,900 in the last three years. This number is more than compared to the influx of refugees after the WW II.

The 2001Australian Census showed that the percentage of Australians that were born outside of Australia is 23%. Australians speak different languages depending on their country of origin. The languages spoken reached up to 200 in number with 7 languages that are commonly used: English, Mediterranean (Italian and Greek), Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Arabic, and Vietnamese.

Australians are mostly Christians with 12, 763, 880 population, the Buddhism has 357, 814 followers, and Islam has 281,586 faithfuls. Hinduism and Judaism are the two least practiced religions with 95,448 and 83, 990 respectively which is reported by the 2001 census.

The issue of multiculturalism in Australia started way back in the 70's. It recognizes the fact that in deed Australia is a fusion of many cultural minorities. Its purpose is to bring unity among the different and diverse cultures that coexist with each other, to foster camaraderie among the citizens and to bring about economic and cultural prosperity in the entire Australia nation. But the debate on multiculturalism in Australia has earned both supporters and oppositionists.

The proponent of multiculturalism in Australia believed that it is for the best interest of protecting and preserving the culture of the Aboriginal and other cultures as well. The aboriginal people deserve the right to be protected from the perils of socio-politico-economic development. The proponents also include the preservation of their rights and interests.

Those at the opposing side of the issues viewed multiculturalism as defective because it entails the huge public fund expenditure in supporting programs that are otherwise unnecessary. It is does not necessitate such program, because it is believed that as people interact with each other they bring with them their culture and tradition. With this interaction comes the flourishing of a culture that will truly be Australian.

The challenge on multiculturalism still continues as more migrants are coming to Australian shore to live the kind of life that the country promised. Multiculturalism in Australia makes the country what it is now--growing, progressing and evolving.