Multiculturalism Is Covering the Underlying Racism

Ok I haven't posted for a while. Even I'm not sure of how many of you that still visit and read my blog, I appreciate your loyal attention (or maybe you're just bored and don't know which site to browse).

Anyway, on the beginning of December, Australia was shocked by a social incident that triggered by a race-hate feeling. It attacked in one of the popular beaches in Sydney, Australia, the Cronulla Beach. In December 11th, crowd as many as 5,000 turned up on the beach and started to chant racial slurs and bashing everyone who looks as Middle Eastern or Mediterranean. The tension was caused by some people who bashed two lifesavers on the beach on the previous time. They were said to have Middle Eastern appearance.

This incident has divided the nation by two main reactions. Some might couldn't believe what they saw on TV when the brawling was aired on national TV. The others might just shook their heads and probably murmuring "I knew it's gonna happen sooner or later here". It's like sitting on a time bomb. Australia has been promoting their 'multicultural' society, that claim to be a well-blended and stable society. Different backgrounds from cultures, customs and beliefs are said the strong foundation within the people of Australia. However, if you live long enough in here, you could still see the strong antipathy feeling towards people that are 'un-Australian'.

The distinctive definition of "Australian" is dominantly for being white for many. Immigrants - that were not born in Australia - are never defined as 'true' Australians, even they have the Australian citizenship. Over the years, the dislikes feelings and negative prejudice are growing with the antagonistic media coverage that have created a more tense and fragile relationship between population to population.

While many Australians are trying to unite indifferently, for many others the concept of multicultural society is still an elusive idea. There is no single thing can be used to justify us to single out someone just based on their physical appearance. The disputes between members of the society should be taken objectively. Really, seeing the news today would make us wonder whether these 'nationalists fighters' are just looking for adrenalie rush or are we really looking at a new breed generation of neo-Nazis?

This also has proven that racism does exist in every layer of society. Be it a poor or Third World nation or a prosper and savant nation like Australia.

Many also knew and aware for years about the existence of underlying racism in Australia. One of the major TV station held a polling relating about this matter, where 81% of the participants support the idea of multiculturalism in Australia, 75% of them agree of the underlying racism in Australia. It is no different than what happen in Indonesia. The concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) that has been inherited since the 14th century, has failed to unite people in the region. Tension is created by the gap and difference on collective perceptions, culturals and religion also education background. Although maybe the Sydney riot came from different circumstances, the foundation of the hatred share the same value as what we have in Indonesia. I just hope it won't get any worse as the Australia that I know is a peaceful country and has a deep tolerance and acceptance on differences. Xenophobia does exist in every community, however it is time to show a manly declaration that multiculturalism is a core Australian value.

"Those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself."
Richard M. Nixon