Immigrants....?

For the last 8 months or so, the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has been celebrated as a courageous woman; stating her mind in plain words. The reason is how she addressed a limited group of people who reside in Australia.

Her speech is now embraced by many groups of people and individuals all over the world, who instantly take a liking to what was expressed. It is not put dead, as many speeches  and statements are, her words live and thrive by the help of social medias.

Only problem is: This is a statement which is awfully applicable for those who look for reasonable arguments to attack not only those she tried to address, but vulnerable groups which really need the protection a free democracy can provide. Groups which have left their network of family, friends, traditions, culture… everything known and part of their background, to be safe. And they use the words of a respected Prime Minister to do so; Adding credibility and affirmative effect to extreme views. On either side. On every side, in fact.

It is hard not to agree to what is stated, but I find it in many ways speculative. Paragraphs are taken out of context and published as the truth. And it fits their agenda perfectly, as they leave out the background to what was said. And the cause they justify by these extracts are far from friendly minded.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard - Australia
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:

'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT... Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

''This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Australian Prime Minister says immigrants have duty to integrate
http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-09-20/australian-prime-minister-says-immigrants-have-duty-to-integrate

These days I give lectures about Australia. The curriculum says I am to present social conditions in a selection of English speaking countries.

Knowing what has happened in Australia for two centuries (i.e. to those who had lived in the country for at least 40 000 years), I can’t help but thinking that the bravest thing about her speech was not to be as blunt as she was. The bravest thing was to state what she did, fully knowing Australia and Britain only 7 years ago apologized to the lost and the stolen generations. And they have not reached their goal yet, by far, if their goal is to set things right.

Looking at history, I don’t think any country, with a clear conscience, can talk about immigrants as “them”, because people have moved across borders, clearing way for themselves, bringing their own background with them, for… well, forever, I guess.

Makes me wonder: When do you stop being an immigrant and can fully claim freedom of speech, religion and political view? When the citizenship comes through? Two generations after? Ever?

Unexpected Pleasant Conversation

At times I attend social events where people of mixed ages are present. Last time, I ended up talking to a young man who did not seem to be in a hurry to move along.

Till he approached me I was quite content where I had settled down; on a bar stool a bit back in the assembly room. Quite frankly I thought I was safe and would be left alone until I could leave; sometimes I am just too tired to be good company for anyone, and I know this, so I try to protect both myself and others from a sarcastic older hag.

In danger of being wrongly perceived as a cougar, I told him that: “You are awfully young, I think you would be better off mingling and find a young person your own age to talk to.” (I know how to be very unwelcoming, you see. Not proud of it, but some times it comes in very handy.)

Very politely he told me he was quite comfortable talking with me, even though he must have understood I was more than just a little bit uncomfortable as I announced that: “I usually don’t engage in private conversations with men as young as you… it makes me feel as if I have a “Demi-Moore-moment”.

You get the picture: I was trying to brush him off while he was stubborn and just stayed… I thought maybe he was hiding as well, so I soon settled for my thought explanation and decided to make an effort to be polite. Well, we sat there like two perchers; chit-chatting about everything and nothing at all. You know: music, his future plans, how expensive it is to own a car, whether asparagus is delicious or not, and how to prepare…

Anyway, I glanced at my mobile and to my surprise the event was coming to an end. I’d been enjoying myself a lot, in spite of my initial apprehensions. He turned very quiet for a bit and I could tell he had something on his mind. Then, in a very low, shy voice the question was asked: why was I so reluctant to talk to him to begin with?

Taken by surprise over his candour I don’t really remember what I answered, but I do remember telling him I was wrong and that I had really enjoyed the evening.

Walking back home I fell into thoughts: It is a shame that when I talked to someone, in a social and festive setting, it would very likely be perceive by others to be something more than just enjoying each other’s thoughts and opinions. I reluctantly have to admit I fell into the trap myself. I think it has something to do with the general indication most people seem to have adopted: the first thought to pop up in mind, when two people of opposite sex talk, socially, is a setting involving some kind of sexual nature. (We don’t usually have that instant thought when two people of the same sex talk, even though they may actually have that agenda… just planting an evil thought there…)

To be friendly to someone is a risky business as rumour very seldom is of good nature. And what people see, or think they see, is also told. I guess my inherent fear of others’ opinion of me (even though I work hard not to give into it) protruded.

I totally admit to my prejudices to young people: I am too old to handle the sarcasms and puns young adults seem to master to perfection, on my spare time. I deal with them every day at work, and have no desire to be on the alert when I need to wind down.

Thing is, however, young people are no different than any other people at any other age: They adapt to the situation. And now, in the aftermath of my pleasant evening and pensiveness, I think they enjoy the relaxed conversation with adults who don’t represent a threat or argue to everything they say. They just enjoy the input and the harmless spending time with someone, without obligations. Just like we all do… at least I think we do. I do. I just tend to forget.