More than 250 birthplaces and over 225 spoken languages makes Australian’s population of 22 million one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world (Australian Bureau of Statistics). The other morning on my way to school I stepped onto an overly packed bus and found myself sitting next to an Australian with Greek heritage. He asked me, before I started talking and gave away my nationality, where from Australia my family was from. I told him that I was from America and he said, “well you never know these days in Australia, we are the land of Immigrants!” and he continued on about how accepting and loving Australians are to those who are different. Growing up in the U.S. school system I have always been told that American is the melting pot and fuses all cultures together to make the American nation. I have doubted the American right to that phrase since I have been in the land of Australia. America may claim to be the melting pot but it seems to me that Australia strives to make those who are different feel more comfortable in their country.
Australia has a day called Harmony Day in which all of Australian residents and citizens celebrate the cultural diversity of their country. The message for Harmony Day is that “everyone belongs” which means that all Australians are a welcome part of the country, regardless of their background. Although acceptance and equality are debatable topics among few cultures in Australia they strive and hold a day to appreciate the differences that their country can reflect on. Leaving America and being emerged in a culture that exerts itself to make all feel welcomed and at home makes me realize how important it is to love where I came from and have an open heart and mind to hear about the backgrounds of others as well. It is delightful to walk the streets of Sydney and know that I am accepted regardless of my culture.
Samantha Smith
Azusa Pacific University
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