Multiculturalism
So, I am doing a 'talk' at a community event today locally... It's in regards to a new system that the Victorian government is initialising in this state. This 'talk' is to help people to become aware of how the system works, who to get information from, the benefits of using it and it's inevitable integration into our society.A man in the group rudely interrupted and then went on to say that it was 'stupid' and it should not be implemented. Rather than react overtly to his comment , I asked to him to expound upon his thinking ... Once I understood what sparked his antagonism, I simply said that it is inevitable. The decision was not mine, I was simply present to explain how it worked, why it was introduced and to assist with questions. The man wanted to make it into a political argument.
I continued the talk , addressing the others in the room... and there was no more negative outbursts. There was following this outburst some rather concise questions , which I responded to.
After the end of the talk, I mingled in the room and made my way to the man and asked him if he wanted to talk to me about his earlier statement. He seemed to be more settled and told me that the Australian government kept making mistakes... I pointed out that no government in the world was perfect.
Interestingly enough as I allowed him to steer the conversation simply to see where he would take things, he continued on to say that multiculturalism was obscene and should not be allowed and that Hitler had the right idea.
There was no point in being outraged by his opinions, I simply wanted to understand where they were derived from. He came out with some more general statements, one of which was , " I feel sorry for anyone born in Australia, they are stupid".
I wondered if this man had ever stopped to think that he was a long way from home, as he was born in Greece. I further wondered why an individual would stay in a country he did not approve of.
Just food for thought I guess. Respecting others opinions is important. I guess this was one of those cases where someone opened their mouth and inserted their foot.
Comments (9)
I believe they had 'server' issues, so the site was down. Nice to see you... It's interesting when a site goes down like that, you aren't sure whether to lay back and enjoy the moment... or to be nervous.
I believe my point with the man at the 'talk' is that he was Greek living in Australia... As he is a product of multiculturalism... does he have the right to bemoan it?
an idiot is an idiot independent where he is. on your last comment, i try to respect everyone opinions, but i have little patience for these kind of "illuminators".
...Ohhh but to say what I was thinking...
I do find it interesting to hear the opinions of people though and I often wonder where they get their ideas from. I also saw this man's demeanor change once he felt he was in charge (by sitting at the head of the table) at the lunch table. Maybe his issue was as simple as dealing with a female in charge of a group.
I believe you when you say he would complain anywhere, I think he is intrinsically motivated to do so. People's natures often hold true.
As for 'dumping' people with mental illnesses... Yes, we had a place locally. What is worse, leaving them on the streets for others to deal with , or giving them three meals a day in a safe environment. I am not sure I have the right answer. I do know that the men in blue spend a lot of time locally looking for the 'lost' ones, or dealing with issues that arise because of their intergration in society.
Thank you for elaborating on your thoughts, Ken