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'Journalists have long had a reputation for unwinding at the pub after a tough story ... What happens when you combine alcohol consumption, stress, real time and a live publishing platform that's unmediated?' Journalist, academic and 'furious citizen' Julie Posetti discusses the pros and cons of the Twitterisation of journalism.
The tragic deaths of five Australian soldiers last week in Afghanistan highlights yet again the ongoing cross-cultural and interreligious violence that is very much a mark of our times. Usually we look for solutions to conflict through talking and negotiations. However interfaith minister Helen Summers does it through promotion of cultural activities.
Once, my mother reprimanded a young student whom she taught at an expensive private school. The boy replied that his dad could 'buy and sell' her. As easy as it would be to conclude that private schools breed poor behaviour, rude children are just that — class has little to do with it.
The concept of multiculturalism is under severe strain, with German and English political leaders going as far as declaring it a failure. Melbourne academic Des Cahill sees multiculturalism as an effective means of promoting harmony, and lessening the likelihood of terrorist acts like that of Norway mass murder Anders Breivik.
Too often I've opened my front door and found myself tempted by some sales pitch. So today I'd answered warily, spoke through the screen door and tried to keep the encounter brief. 'I'm sorry, but we're not interested.' The salesman knew better: 'It's because of the colour of my skin,' he replied.
Embracing an individualistic Australia that transcends ethnic heritage would leave us with a culture that is young, thin and commercialised. If we wish to promote unity and equality, the best thing we can do is learn our own forgotten stories of ethnic heritage.
Pubs with boutique beer are creeping their way north. Day-old bread at the café where the yummy mummies drink lattes is $4. Gentrification. The cycle of life. I want to save my heartland from this fate, but I should first register my own complicity.
Fatima Meesham speaks frankly about the ups and downs of migrating to Australia from the Philippines. She explains that she delayed becoming an Australian citizen until she was satisfied there was enough common ground between her values and those of the Australian Government.
Last year, in year ten, we had a subject called 'Religion and Society'. During a lesson on Islam one of the girls said 'I hate Muslims, the world would be better without them.' I bit my lip, turned around and said 'I'm a Muslim.' Confused, she replied, 'But you're nice.'