What a reconciled Australia looks like to me.
Two concepts come to mind; assimilation and cultural diversity. On the one hand we have an idea, assimilation, which supposes integration of the 'other' into a relatively homogeneous society, a melting pot of sorts. The consequence is often a loss of the diversity and identity that each culture's history and tradition brings to our society. The other idea, cultural diversity, holds that there is a separation of cultures which maintains the integrity of each culture and also highlights the uniqueness of each group. Unfortunately, this also tends to alienate the group from the rest of society making it an easy target for stereotypes and often persecution. Can we reconcile these two concepts? Can we be both separate and together?
The ability to be both separate and together requires some basic elements, most of which have been stolen from the Aboriginal communities of Australia. These elements include:
- the acknowledgement of the past and justice for wrongdoings,
- opportunities for success,
- a supportive and supported community,
- access to appropriate healthcare, education and jobs.
The most important element is respect; self respect of course, but equally important is the Australian society's respect for our Aboriginal people and culture, and its ability to embrace them as an asset that enriches our nation.
A reconciled Australia will be achieved when our Aboriginal communities feel empowered to live as they choose and succeed as equals. When their chances of success are not determined by where they were born or who their parents are. A reconciled Australia will be achieved when the whole of Australian society feels a sense of pride in our country's traditional owners and their land. It will be achieved when all Australians can share a vision of the future filled with the expectation that their children will live in an even better world than we do today.
Daniel Almagor
