Australia's faith in multiculturalism has been shaken by ferocious attacks in the public arena over the past decade. Borderwork in Multicultural Australia, reviews the hot spots, reasserts the value of multiculturalism and argues that a multicultural society is the best bulwark against terrorism, racism and injustice.
Refugees. Border protection. Ethnic gangs. Terrorism. History wars. Pauline Hanson.
Australia's faith in multiculturalism has been shaken by fierce attacks from its enemies and a sense of crisis among its friends. Multiculturalism has become a political tool to win votes and generate community anxiety. What is left of the multicultural ideal?
Bob Hodge and John O'Carroll take the pulse of multicultural Australia in the wake of September 11. They investigate the hot spots' of multiculturalism, showing how they cluster around fiercely defended boundaries and borders, both literal and symbolic. They tackle the issues of racism past and present, and show how injustice impacts on many communities in Australia, including Aboriginals as well as more recent migrant groups.
The authors argue that despite appearances, multiculturalism is alive and well in Australia, and a commitment to tolerance and diversity characterises daily life. In fact, Australia's multiculture is the best kind of borderwork against terrorism, racism and injustice.
