Civic Nationalism: Culture, Identity and Equality
Australia is sometimes described as ‘the most successful multicultural country in the world’, and in many ways this is true. Metropolises such as Melbourne and Sydney are among the most affluent and multicultural cities across the globe, and over 20% of Australians speak a language other than English at home. When it comes to multiculturalism, we have a lot to be proud of. Yet true multiculturalism requires an array of
communities to be not only tolerated, but valued as an intrinsic part of the whole. In this regard, Australia also has a lot to be not so proud of. In the words of Harlem rapper Immortal Technique, “you’re nothing like diversity without equality”. Australia’s multicultural society is not always one of true equality. Immigrant and migrant populations are often framed as ‘new-age’