Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

Can I Have An M For Multiculturalism, Please?

I was reading the Letters section of the Herald Sun and was attracted by a letter headlined "Don't Try To Change Aussies". It was written by an Indian immigrant who was outraged by the 'insensitiveness' of those Muslims in Australia who choose to retain their traditions and beliefs. "If I wanted to keep my Indian traditions and customs, then I would have gone to India. Likewise, if Muslims wanted to stick to their traditions and way of life, then they should have migrated to a Muslim country". I refuse to believe that you should only live the 'Indian' way of life in India.

It is fine for the writer if he/she wishes to discard his/her heritage, but to be offended by other people's choice to retain theirs is something else. Indians form a significant minority in Malaysia and I'm sure if they hadn't brought in their traditions and way of life with them and integrated it into Malaysian society my country would not be as fascinating as it is today. I cannot imagine a Malaysia without roti canai ( a local variant of chapati) or tandoori chicken, the glowing beauty of Saris or Hindi movies. They form such a vital part in our society.By bringing their culture and traditions, the Indians did not "change" other Malaysians, they simply enriched our lives and made it all the more interesting.

Likewise, I doubt the Australian way of life will change just because Muslims choose to practice their faith. There is a big difference between living your way of life and imposing them on others. I strongly disagree with the latter, but I have no problems with the former.The writer ended the letter with a strongly worded suggestion, that "if politicians in Australia don't come to their senses soon, Australia will become a Muslim country and then God help us all." God help us all? The writer made us sound like a bunch of marauding barbarians out to colonize the entire planet. I was not so much offended as I was saddened by the statement.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 12:09 | link | comments |