An incident last night spurred some serious thought on my part surrounding the international facade, partaken by nations worldwide, that is multiculturalism.
It constantly saddens me to think what kind of world the children of my generation will live in.
I am a dual citizen of two of the most diverse countries worldwide. Australia's 22 million plus population boasts a richness in culture unlike any I have ever witnessed. The Australian Bureau of Statistics notes that every one minute and 46 seconds, the continent gains an international migrant. In 2006, over 24% of the entire residential Australian population was recorded as having been born outside the country. This number consisted of a combination of over 23 different backgrounds, with heavy influence from the United Kingdom, SouthEast Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, respectively.
This is the reality but where is the acceptance?
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, my second home, is also widely regarded as a multicultural landscape. In 2008, the CIA World Factbook noted that over 31.5% of the entire 6 million strong Jordanian population were actually of Palestinian descent. Superficially, our once neighbours live peacefully alongside smaller communities of Circassians, Chechens, Armenians and Kurds, that have also made a home for themselves in the Kingdom.
Mount Nebo, Bethany on the Jordan, Palestinian Territory - a symbol of religious peace amidst a world of turmoil
Yet this is exactly where my qualms lie. It is unknown for a nation to be undisrupted politically or economically for a prolonged period of time, I do appreciate this fact. However, I do not appreciate the prejudices that some nations embed in their people in due effect. Wether this is purposeful or not, the effect is detrimental to an entire nation, and like a relentless high tide, will eat away at the foundation slowly but surely, until it all crumbles. When it does, it will do so on the common people's heads, and not those in power. I do not understand how this goes on everyday, with the full recognition and awareness of likeminded people as myself, to no avail or material/significant changes by those with the authority to do so.
Shots from December 5th and the riots following the original assaults on the 4th
In 2005, a group of Australian lifeguards were assaulted on a beach in Cronulla on the New South Wales coast by a single individual of 'Middle Eastern' appearance. The next day thousands flocked to Cronulla protesting violence against 'locals'. Like attacks occurred during the weeks to come, with namely gangs of young men with Middle Eastern backgrounds and 'white' Australians coming to clashes over the events of the 4th of December.
In all honesty, I dont know who's holding the rifle and who's running from it - puts things into perspective
September 1970, or Black September as it is more commonly referred to, motioned for the urgent call to arms of the Jordanian military in quashing Palestinian movements within the country to gain political power. The conflict lasted almost 11 months, resulting in the deaths of thousands, the expulsion of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation from Jordan, and the immigration of thousands of refugees into Lebanese land.
I am a 23 year old woman, with dark hair and white skin. I've been told I have a Greek nose and people have guessed my nationality as a random mix of Spanish, Italian, Canadian, Lebanese and others I don't even remember. I am Australian. I am also Jordanian. I am by law, loyalty and gratitude entitled to the life and rights of any Australian and Jordanian. I have lived in neither for longer than a spell of six years at a time, however, the minute I step foot in either, I feel at home. It is a crime to rob anyone of this feeling of belonging due to race, religious affiliation or stereotypes.
A must read for any Australian, regardless of background
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. They are distinguished as either Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders, who currently together make up about 2.7% of the population. Less than 3%. They are the real 'locals'.
I find a t-shirt for everything
Jordan was the first country to grant Palestinians citizenship post the Palestine War in 1948. Refugees were granted full use of public services and health care, creating a life for them outside allocated United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) camps and creating leeway for integration into the Jordanian community. Her Majesty, Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the current spouse of the King of Jordan and one of the most powerful women on the planet, was born in Kuwait to refugee Palestinian parents.
One of my favourite images, ever
Makes you think, doesn't it?
