Another boy of middle-eastern descent scaled a flagpole at a licensed club run by the Returned Serices League (RSL), tore down an Aussie flag - and pissed on it. His punishment? Community service ... and a peace-offering suggestion by the RSL that he carry the flag at the head of the Anzac Day veterans march, which many young Australians might feel is extreme punishment indeed and nearly as bad as a jail sentence.
So where did it all come from? Go back 30 years, to Australia's open-door migration policy in the 1970s that allowed thousands of Lebanese (and many Palestinians) to escape the strife in their war-torn country by coming to Australia to begin a new life. Most settled in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, and the numbers grew over the following decades as more immigrants arrived, many of whom were encouraged to leave Lebanon thanks to generous family reunion provisions.
But Lebanese migrants, along with other groups from around the world, have been coming to Australia in considerable numbers since the turn of the 20th century, with no dramas at all. Their descendants have included the current Governor of New South Wales, Marie Bashir, and Nick Shehadie, the former Lord Mayor of Sydney and a star international rugby player who had turned out on the paddock wearing the Australian jersey.
So this mass migration was hardly cause for alarm. Indeed, most Australians felt proud that they could offer people the chance at a new life, and as always, it was thought they would embrace the opportunity along with our free-and-easy culture.
And therein lies the problem that no one foresaw. Many of the migrants arriving in that period were Muslims; many were unskilled workers, and many were forced to live on Government support while they learned English, overcame the culture shock and looked for work. They felt marginalised, and gathered around their own community, close to the mosques that had sprung up in south-western Sydney. And these areas, ironically crammed with the traditional Aussie-style working-class fibro- and weather-board houses, became little ghettos.
Muslim parents laid down the same strict ground rules they'd grown up with, while warning their children of the dangers presented by secular Australian society, with its laid-back attitudes to sex, alcohol, and drugs. As a result, many young men, having grown up in a strict religious environment, were torn between the two, and while craving all the surface trappings - the fast cars and snazzy clothes - of western culture, were unable to grasp the real nature of the culture behind the culture of their adopted country.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Nancy
Perhaps all of you ought to arrive in PANTS bearing the flag of Oz - and let the authorities try to confiscate them, thereby creating a bunch of bare-assed patriotic Aussies!
You're right: this sort of thing is ridiculous. And why is it that the rest of us must always make some sort of provision to accomodate the muslims? It seems a disproportionate percentage of muslims create problems where ever they go.
2 - Emry
Nancy, this so-called "rest of us" you talk about have made life a living hell the Aborigines since 1788. Forget about accomodation and think about oppression and misery.
3 - Nancy
??? That was a non-sequitur. What the hell are you talking about? I was addressing the flag issue. BTW, the aborigines seem to be targets of the muslim invaders just like everyone else, if I've read correctly.
4 - Adrian
It is a private company, they are making a decision based on security. Isn't it a little ironic that the same people prepared to roll over when Howard reduces civil liberties for the public get in a huff when a private company exercises their right to restrict clothing worn within their private function? If people don't like, don't go.
This is a completely nothing story being blown out of proportion by columnists who glorify in an attitude that immigrants are fine, as long as they act like us. They revel in the stereotype of Australians as beer-loving, cricket-loving friendly jokers, and yet hide from the racism that is a large part of the Australia psyche. We have destroyed the culture of Australian Aborigines, long denied them any vote or say, and still blame them for their own situation. We eradicated our native languages, and then have the gall to deny immigrants entry into Australia if they are not quick enough to learn English. And please, let us not fall for the tired attack on Muslims - the people leading these attacks know little about international events, and equally attack anyone different, whether race/religion/language/sexuality.
I wish the ban on the Australian flag was not necessary at this event, but wishing does not make the racist thugs start to respect diversity.
5 - Rick Eyre
Let's check some facts, Stan.
Sydney's Big Day Out is NOT held on Australia Day this year. The organisers have shifted it to January 25 this year.
The Big Day Out concerts - which are held in both Australia and New Zealand, not just in this continent - are held over a period of two weeks, not all on the same day, and NEVER all on Australia Day.
My view is that the BDO organisers have a valid concern, but expressed it in a very clumsy and naive manner. The kneejerk reaction from the pollies, the Murdoch comic books and so forth have done more damage and will create more tension than the BDO's initial faux pas would ever have generated.
Sure, if people want to take the Aussie flag along, maybe even wave it in tune with Laura Imbruglia, let them. But please don't let it be used as a banner for the "You Flew Here We Grew Here" yobbos.
Oh, and the whole issue has nothing to do with Islam.
6 - S.T.M
Rick, the story does point out that the concert has shifted to Australia Day eve ... the 25th then. And yes, Muslim Australians have suffered and been marginalised in this country, but some have also done some damage to the wellbeing of the nation too. Perhaps those are issies better dealt with by handing out olive branches rather than big sticks,
And this has nothing to do with reconciliation with Aboriginal Australians. That's a separate issue that hopefully will get more currency once John Hoawrd is punted.
Don't worry ... there are plenty of indigenous Australians who'd think a ban of this kind, even though it's at a concert, is absurd.
Anger at ridiculous aspects of PC isn't confined to the rabid right in Australia.
7 - S.T.M
Nancy, people will tell you this has nothing to do with muslims, which is not strictly true.
It actually does, since this ban results from the actions of people who wrapped themselves in the Australian flag and targeted Musliam Arab-Australians in race riots at Cronulla.
Australians of middle-eastern descent were the victims of that, though ... and no one with an ounce of conscience could suggest otherwise.
8 - Emry
S.T.M, complaining about flag flying and "politically correct lunacy" in a country that blatantly oppresses the indigenous inhabitants is ridiculous.
When does the "...philosophy of fair play and a fair go..." ever apply to the Aborigines?
9 - Dan
The concert is not on Australia Day, it's on the 25th of January and the organisers have not banned the flag at all.
It's a real shame you don't know more about the facts of the story before publishing it.
10 - STM
Dan, yes, they did ban the flag ... and the story does say that the concert, traditionally held in Sydney on Australia, has been moved to Australia Day eve. Perhaps you should read the story first.
Emry, I agree with you about the treatment of Indigenous Australians. However, while it's not enough, I do believe that the moves towards reconciliation in all aspects of Australian life over the past 30 years have been the catalyst for some real changes that hopefully might be ongoing.
Even those priveleged schools you've derided me over in previous threads have made opportunities available to boys in the past 20 years that wouldn't have been available 30 years ago - I can think of two in particuilar in Sydney, both Catholic, although a snooty Anglican one has done the right thing recently too.
My own experience of that is there has been no drama for the boys there because of race - although one had to be talked out of joining the National Party because he thought he could be of more benefit to his people that way. But those things are a good start.
My personal hope and vision for this country, for what it's worth, is one of inclusion, for all Australians.
It also doesn't involve John Howard and his populist brand of right-wing politics.
Hopefully we will soon get a Prime Minister who can say one simple word: "Sorry" - and if you're an Aussie, you'll know what I mean by that.
Until that happens, any continuation of the healing process sadly remains on hold.
11 - STM
In the interests of fairness: the big day out organisers have posted this on their website today, clarifying their position.
12 - Lara
So suddenly because an organiser says so out flag is now inciting racism?
If you dont like the flag you can move somewhere where it won't shine!
I am sick of pussy footing around political correctness. You want to live here, then live as an Australian, be proud of our democracy and stop crying about what happend several hundred or only a couple of hundred years ago!
13 - Zedd
STM
I understand your frustration and it does seem PC but it also looks like a security issue.
A few months back, I was googling and ended up on an Australian Skinhead group. They were highly focused on Middle Easterners and talked about crashing events. They discussed the neighborhoods that you referred to and referred to them as vermin and every thing else as you can imagine..
I guess what I am saying is that, perhaps for the normal public, there is no issue. But maybe this ME community experiences far more than is noted, also perhaps the authorities are aware of threats that the public isn't aware of. It seems like a safety measure.
I am however interested in how you said the problem started when they immigrated to Australia. Perhaps the Aboriginals would say something different.
14 - Clavos
Stan,
Nice piece, Mate. You're getting a good variety of POVs, too.
Couldn't help notice the JD logo on the BDO website.
Heh. Fair dinkum whiskey.
15 - STM
Yes, there were minor problems at the concert last year (on Australia Day, when it's traditionally held) but nothing serious.
Australians of Arabic descent (and my guess is most just want to be accepted in Australia) have certainly been targeted, but they give as good as they get, don't worry ... still, it's pretty sickening that a) the national flag is hijacked by racist dickheads, who think it's OK to use it to fuel race-hate attacks, and b) that organisers of a rock concert subsequently think they have to avoid any risk by stopping people from bringing in flags.
They now say they are not, but they did say yesterday they didn't want flags there.
I would also point out that this issue really has nothing to do with indigenous Australians, except that some - not all - obviously very much don't see the flag as a symbol of inclusion.
You will never, ever get an argument from me about how badly indigenous Australians have been treated. It's a disgrace, really, but I really believe most people would like to see it put right. It is now too late to change the past, but not the future. I have tried to do small things on a personal level (in an area where I can do it) to redress some things, which everyone should do, as anyone can say they want change in relation to this but then do nothing about it.
There is certainly a genuine mood of reconciliation taking root but we will not see any more ground made up on that issue at government level until this right-wing federal government is gone and is replaced by one that actually has a touch of compassion about it.
16 - STM
Thanks Clav ... a couple from people telling me the concert was no longer on Australia Day and that I should check the facts. Oh, look, it's in the story!
I knew it would bring out those who'd want to compare this to the plight of Aboriginal Australians. To be honest, I wouldn't insult the indigenous community by drawing that bow. What's been done to Aborigines here goes far beyond any of this stuff. But it doesn't change the fact we are having lots of problems here at the moment unrelated to that.
I hope Australians of all persuasions decide to stand up and be counted at the next federal election and vote in a new government that might have the wherewithal to properly deal with some of these issues in a way that isn't confrontational.
17 - ProfEssays
Perhaps, Muslems want to replace Australian flag with some green banner?
18 - Nancy
I was obviously out of line to say anything, seeing as I know nothing. My bad. Mark Twain once warned "beware of anyone who wraps themselves in religion or The Flag: they're up to no good". That would seem to apply universally in every country.
19 - Angelo
You subversive liberal tools fail to understand that it will always be in man's genetic programming, the need to defend one's culture, clan, ethnic group, family and the symbols thereof. The day will come when Islam is ascendant that you will be the first ones slain in the name of Allah and his prophet. Every great society eventually falls from within. Western culture is well on it's way. The Koran does not place a value on tolerance, abortion, diversity, gay rights etc. Muslims see you for what you are, weak and ignorant, but very useful.
20 - Zedd
Nancy #18
I was comming on this thread to say what you just posted. I was trying to think of a way to say it that wouldn't be too offensive and then I read your contribution and thought, YES!
So Ditto to what she said!
21 - Zedd
STM
I am concerned that what the non Muslim public are thinking is a minor problem may be a more pervasive problem to that population. I would guarantee that these people have dealt with verbal attacks all their lives. Because the general public hasn't dealt or known about it, there is a tendency to think that the problem started when they became aware of it.
You can be assured that the incident at the beach was not the first, second, third or fourth. You can bet that those teens who lost it and went in retaliation mode, were not reacting to just that incidence. I am sure they have stories to tell.
So again, as we grow towards looking at people as just people, we begin to see beyond the "obvious" signs and chose to see like they see. Our world changes and it actually becomes more beautiful, more safe, and more expansive and then and only then do we suck every ounce out of this experience that we call life.
22 - Zedd
Angelo
How we react to some Muslims will determine what happens to our culture.
You see be going ape and attacking spurious "Islamic" states in retaliation for attacks by other Muslims is a way to empower Islam. By supporting the state of Israel we promote a greater Islamic radical alliance.
By attacking people on the beach we en-vibe angry teens to retaliate.
We are by no means victims.
...Excuse any typos... migrane afoot.
23 - STM
Zedd, I guess you really have to be here to understand this. Most Australians have been very welcoming of migrants of all descriptions over the years, as since European settlement the whole country has been built on migration anyway.
I don't really see Muslims as being a separate grouping. I mean, they are Australians of a different religion. Simple stuff really, and even in the leafy suburban area where I live, it is not a shock to anyone or an issue to anyone to see, for instance, a woman in a headscarf.
People of many different cultures make up this country, which is what these days makes it so good. We are very different to the US in that regard in terms of the acceptance of migrants (but of course there are always some who don't like it).
I go to the south-western suburbs to celebrate the end of Ramadan with some friends, and they are pretty solid, traditional muslims.
But even they admit that some of the younger men/youths of middle-eastern descent forming the gangs are causing too much trouble, not only in their adopted country but also within their community.
They tend to be very heavily involved in all sorts of crime and it has spiralled out of control to the point where the boys' own communities are shocked by it. The problem has been the marginalisation of the past.
On the other side of the coin, there are the people of Anglo-celtic background, mainly teenagers, who are using what are really crime issues, as the police keep pointing out, as an excuse to go on the rampage. Undoubtedly, while many on both sides are just stupid kids, there are some on each side who are motivated by racial hatred.
The bashing of the lifesaver wasn't an isolated incident: at Cronulla Beach, women with children had been harrassed by gang members while using the beach showers, others had been called names and told on the beach to cover up, people had been beaten up and bullied and spat upon, and the list goes on.
However, while it had been annoying, once again not every person of Arabic descent going to the beach had been guilty of any of that stuff.
In fact, many go with their families on the weekend for picnics etc just like any other Australians.
According to the police, the problems have been caused by a hard-core of I believe about 1000 gang members.
That is what made the Cronulla riots so disgusting - the non-Arab rioters just attacked anyone who looked different. And to their credit, about 99 per cent of Australians were appalled as much by that aspect of it as they were by the retailiation - which was pretty violent stuff, BTW.
That included a Greek Australian whose family had been here for a long time.
It's a police issue more than anything, and the more I think about it the more I can see the worry of the BDO organisers.
However, in my view, it is still erring too far on the side of PC: as my son said last night, his mates want to take an Aussie flag to celebrate the spirit of the Australia Day weekend - and given his background, he would be the last person to drag the flag around and turn it into a point of difference.
24 - Zedd
Sounds very interesting.
25 - STM
Although I must say, Zedd, it's pretty much already covered in the story ... :)
I think it's important not to judge us by the standards you encounter in the US. They are very different places. We are much smaller, and much more accepting generally of the large influx of migrants from different parts of the world - although there will always be those who aren't.
This is a far more laidback place and is genuinely working hard to right the injustices of the past. Like I say, when the conservative Howard government goes, hopefully things will improve on that score too.