Aussie Pride

We celebrated Australia day yesterday. The flag was burnt in an Aboriginal demonstration, flyers with white supremacist slogans were distributed at the beach in Sydney, Mr Iemma called for teaching kids about Aus values at school, and getting them to sing the national anthem every morning, Mr Howard talked about respect and loyalty to the Australian values and how to integrate migrants into our society….but mainly, Aussies around the country relaxed, had a BBQ and a couple of drinks…watched the tennis or went to the beach.

This has got to be one of the best countries to live in, no matter where you come from. We are all free to voice our opinions here, a right that is not afforded to many of us in our countries of origin. But lately, and especially after the Cronulla riots, there’s been a lot of talk about Australia being a racist country. What? What country are these people living in?

A couple of days ago, there was a news item about Mr Iemma’s proposal on the evening news. He basically wants tour children to learn the national anthem and understand the importance of having common Australian values. Nothing wrong with that. Yet, many people said “oh! Well, we wouldn’t want to get too “American” about it”. As if being patriotic is limited to the American people. As if it’s bad to be patriotic?!

Mr Howard’s speech on Australia day also raised a few objections. “He wants us to have shared values? He wants us to share Judeo-Christian white values? Noway!” they said.

It seems there are so many people in this beautiful country of ours, who believe we should sacrifice good old Aussie values “just so we don’t offend the migrants” or “just so we don’t foster an us and them atmosphere”

Well, my friends, I am a migrant. And I am telling you that even though you have the best intentions; it seems you might be the ones generating the us and them atmosphere. Why do you assume that all migrants want to isolate themselves from the rest of society? This is one country where people come from all corners of the world. It’s not fair to ask them to abandon their heritage…but it is equally unfair to expect this society to change just to suit everyone’s heritage, beliefs and values.

When my family and I came here over 15 years ago, we were happy to have the opportunity to live in a place where we had actual real freedoms…not just on paper. As long as we had the right to practice our faith, have our own opinions on issues, vote and generally exist here as respected citizens we were happy…happy to accept our responsibilities as citizens, respect others and most of all happy to be loyal to the country that offered us a chance for a better life. We never had the expectation that Australia must change to fit into our value system.

That’s the way it should be guys. Australians are by far the most tolerant people I have met, and I am ecstatic to be counted among them as a proud Aussie girl. This is our home and there’s nothing wrong about being proud of it and protecting its safety. Nobody forced anyone to come here. In fact many come here on boats seeking refuge in this great country. The law here protects everyone equally and if you work hard, you get rewarded no matter what your colour, ethnicity, sex or religion you are. The least we can do in return is to be loyal to this country…our country and our fellow Aussies.

Happy Australia Day All.