Redefinition of cultural identities in America

An article which appeared yesterday on OhMyNews International by Ramzy Baroud, who himself is a Palestinian-American, explored the current identity struggle and treatment of Arab and Muslim immigrants residing in the U.S. Baroud recounts witnessing first-hand the open discrimination of a Muslim man in front of him at a Washington airport, subjected to what Baroud terms '...selective screening and harassment...' which are very 'real' in today's America.


Shifts in the way Arabs and Muslims establish and understand themselves within the American culture since events such as the Sepetember 11 attacks, have seen conformity become the favoured response amongst these groups. As Baroud states, ' "assimilation" is now becoming a tool for survival' for these cultures. Furthermore, Baroud believes a unamimous '...sense of escapism and detachment, as opposed to community...' has emerged. It has caused many to '...redefine the way in which they exhibit their background...', also to what extent they choose to display their religion and culture.


It's sad that these groups have been pushed to compromise their cultures for a position or feeling of acceptance in wider society. In Australia I believe there is an undercurrent of anti-middle eastern feelings amongst some of our society, take the Cronulla race-riots in Sydney in 2005 for example. This kind of activity revealed a degree of racial unrest amongst Australian youth, predominantly young adult males.

However, John Howard disagrees,

"I do not accept that there is underlying racism in this country. I have always taken a more optimistic view of the character of the Australian people. I do not believe Australians are racist."

You may not accept this view of Australia Mr. Howard but your belief is clearly contradicted by past events.

Federal Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, also adopted a blasé attitude to the racial motivations of the displays.

"Australian multiculturalism is alive and well. Just take a look a few weeks ago [with] the response to Australia's World Cup win."

Not only is Mr. Beazley shying away from the embarrassing reality of these events but he instead makes a unsupported, irrelevant case against racist claims.

This serious and disturbing event gathered world-wide media attention which Prime Minister John Howard failed to publicly comment upon immediately. When he did so, instead of bluntly reprimanding such obvious displays of racism or enforcing the need for multiculturalism, that is; celebrating unity in diversity, he distanced himself from the matter, describing it as a "law and order issue". Furthermore, the Prime Minister put it down to everyday Aussies simply '...having fun in the sun." Personally, i would describe the Banana Boat sunscreen advertisement as "fun in the sun", not drunken louts shouting racial obscenities at eachother.