The Cronulla riot events of December 2005 tested Australia’s multicultural harmony and social cohesion. Local tensions escalated when texts and media reports spread through Sydney’s beachside suburbs. On 11 December, a large crowd gathered at Cronulla Beach, leading to confrontations between different community groups. The day ended with multiple injuries and arrests, and showed how quickly misunderstanding and fear can damage community relationships.
Here are the reactions from the Prime Minister at the time, John Howard, and Eman Dandan, the Lebanese Muslim Association’s welfare coordinator: • John Howard: ‘ I do not believe Australia has underlying racism. I have always been optimistic about Australians’ character and do not think they are racist .’ • Eman Dandan: ‘ Invisible racism has
FIGURE5 Police and protestors clash in Cronulla.
always existed in Australia — unspoken feelings toward certain communities, rarely expressed publicly .’ 1. Find out more about the Cronulla riots. Use a reliable source of information to investigate the following: a. short- and long-term causes of the riot b. the role of media, including social media, before, during and after the riot c. community bridging efforts, following the event 2. We are born into groups that shape our values and perspectives . Our upbringing inþuences our thinking.
• Why did John Howard hold his view? • Why did Eman Dandan hold her view? • Which view matches yours? Explain and justify . 3. Discuss: How can we prevent another event like the Cronulla race riots in the future?
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Exercise
Learning pathways Level 1 1, 2, 4, 5
Level 2
Level 3
3, 6, 7, 8
9, 10
REMEMBER AND UNDERSTAND 1. What is meant by the term multi-faith society? A. An atheist society where there is no religion B. A society with many religions, where none is more superior than another.
C. Christianity is the dominant religion. D. One person having multiple religions 2. How many nationalities are represented in Australia? A. 50
B. 100 C. 150 D. 200 3. Discuss who you believe can truly call themselves ‘Australians’. 4. Identify one reason from the lesson that explains why some people may be intolerant of other cultures. 5. Identify an event in Australian history where cultural intolerance led to conþict.
TOPIC14 Citizenship, diversity and identity 517
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