14.2.2 Cultural diversity Embracing cultural diversity helps us understand diverse ways of living. Without it, we might assume everyone lives like us. Learning about other cultures broadens our view of others and ourselves. For example, you might feel uncomfortable in your classroom desk right now, but millions of students around the world don’t have access to desks, chairs or even textbooks. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate our own opportunities while recognising the challenges others face. Knowledge fosters tolerance, as seen in Australia’s immigration history. As different communities settled in Australia, it took time for their cultures to be understood and accepted. For example, Italian and Greek children were once teased for playing soccer — which is now one of Australia’s most popular sports. This shows how knowledge leads to tolerance and acceptance.
SkillBuilder discussion Investigating contemporary Civics and Citizenship issues 1. What do you notice in this image? 2. Discuss why Australia Day might be signiýcant for new migrants. 3. Identify the purpose of a citizenship ceremony in Australia.
FIGURE4 A citizenship ceremony on Australia Day is a popular event for migrants to formally gain Australian citizenship.
14.2.3 Conþict and division Australia has become increasingly multicultural and inclusive over time. Our history reminds us that cultural understanding does not always come easily. Important moments that have shaped our journey include the: • treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by European settlers (1778 onwards) • White Australia Policy (1901–1973) • Cronulla race riots (2005) • rise of anti-immigrant sentiment towards African communities (2018). These are examples of cultural intolerance . It is important to learn from these events and ensure cultural differences are understood and celebrated, rather than used to divide communities.
14.2 SkillBuilder activity QUESTIONING AND RESEARCHING Being Australian can unite us, but do we all need to be the same?
Supporting a sports team brings pride and identity. You wear team colours, cheer and on the other hand, boo the other side. It feels great to belong. But what if you keep your ‘colours on’ at home and see the other team as a threat? This is tribalism . An extreme example occurred in Cronulla, Sydney, in 2005.
516 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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