Me understanding commUNITY by discovering to first
Embrace Diversity this Australia Day
Firstly I acknowledge:
Australia is a multicultural country with a diverse population, comprising various indigenous tribes, convicts, refugees, and immigrants from all over the world. However, not all Australians see Australia Day in the same way. I have taken the time to educate myself to understand the different perspectives surrounding this day. Where it leave me is that I want to find harmony and move forward as a an individual, as a partner, as a family member, as a work collegue, as a member of my community and this great nation.
Acknowledging Different Experiences:
While I have faced my own challenges, fights, and hurts growing up, I recognize that my experiences of deep loss and struggles give me much empathy towards the First Nations people. I acknowledge that their lives would have been vastly different if it weren’t for the arrival of non-indigenous people on this land. History has shaped ALL individuals, and no one has landed here today in Australia without experiencing pain, gain, love, heartache and much much more.
Recognizing the Indigenous Culture:
Australia Day is not the start of Australia, as the many tribes of First Nations cared for and roamed these lands for thousands of years. I am sorry for what Captain Cook started when he landed, but if it wasn’t for him it could have been some one else. Australia Day should be a day of recognition and respect for the all cultures that now call this land home. It is an acknowledgment all of the lives lost in the fight for this land, I also acknowledge all the births that have taken place since including myself, so I do call Australia my home.
Embracing Multiculturalism:
Australia today is a multicultural country with over 300 different ancestries, making it incredibly rich in diversity. However, it’s important to remember that within each culture, there are individuals with different experiences, beliefs, values, and ideals. To find harmony and live together in peace, we must embrace and respect these differences.
Moving Forward:
As we reflect on Australia Day, it’s crucial to recognize the pain and struggles faced by First Nations people and even more so to work towards reconciliation. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from history and strive for a better future. By acknowledging the diverse cultures that now call Australia home, we can create a society that celebrates and respects each other’s backgrounds.
To sum up:
Australia Day should be a time for reflection, recognition, and unity. It is an opportunity to appreciate the multicultural nature of our country and strive for harmony among its diverse population. By understanding and respecting different perspectives, we can move forward together, creating a future that embraces diversity and fosters inclusivity. And this isn’t just in different cultures, it should apply to household, workplaces, school yards, a shopping centre, anywhere where more than one person comes together, needs to function together.
When we take the time to recognise how we treat ourselves, our self talk, the way we take care of our selves, we learn how to respect others.
