Multi-culturalism and diversity are some of hte greatest parts of being an Australian. We are able to proudly share in rich cultural traditions with people from every corner of the globe. Traditions, festivals, cuisines and religions dating back hundreds of years, shared through joint experiences and understanding.
Cultural tolerance and understanding is not always simple or easy. However, it is something that our society and community should aim to make pillars of the world we are trying to build and strive towards. Diveristy has benefits in all aspects of our lives. Just recently we posted an article looking at the tremendous benefits of diversity in the workplace but the advantages reach much further than this.
Understanding and being receptive of new cultures and ideas influences every aspect and facet of our existence. It allows us to expand our minds past our own upbringings and experiences and share in an netire world of possibility. However, despite all this amazing potential, this culturual eutopia is hard won.
Systemic racism and intercultural conflict have plagued every part of the world, including Australia. However, in the past few years, there has been a clear shift to open an inter-cultural dialogue and to move towards a world in which this diveristy is not only tolerated but celebrated. We have accomplished so much over the last hundred years. This is the next step and we all have a social responsibility to be part of it.
In the famous words of Jean Monnet, a French diplomat, “If I were to do it all over again, I would begin with culture.”