Snatching Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory

It is well known around the world that a lot of bright, talented, hardworking and enterprising people flock to the developed, western countries from the developing countries. They may start out chasing opportunities, but then often decide to settle down and put roots in their new home. There is a sound legal process to admit and indeed welcome many of them for the mutual benefit of the migrants and their new homeland. While this phenomenon is due to many factors, part of the reasons for this migration is simply this - They do somethings right in the West. It is certainly a victory of many features of civil life in the developed Western countries. While not perfect, the following are mostly true selling points of life in the West - rule of law, honesty in civil transactions, opportunities for personal and economic growth and a certain sense of personal freedom in private lives. Of course, one can see now a growing trend of Westerners seeking opportunities in developing countries these days and it will likely grow. 

In the West, there are other features such as easier, reasonable basic access to cleaner air, water, food and affordable stuff and gadgets. While clean air and water are not freely available in all developing countries, many westerners still will seek opportunities for the short term, or even long term if the opportunities are sufficiently lucrative. If someone makes a lot of money, they can get personal access to these to some degree with bottled water, air-conditioners etc at some considerable expense.

Like most migrants in history, many will assimilate and become part of the native population and identify themselves as locals. By the second and third generation, their connections to the new homeland will tend to be stronger than to the lands of their parents or grandparents. This is the natural, normal course for most. Of course, there needs to be a feeling of mutual acceptance to make this happen. Mostly it does. This is a victory of sorts for the local culture, that does not have to be at the expense of the homeland left behind. 

In Australia, I have met many migrants from the UK, who have lived here more than 40-50 years and still identify themselves as NOT Australians. They have worked here, contributed to society, made a living, made fortunes, visit their homeland only rarely now. They have all kinds of differing opinion about the local and global politics, history or philosophy. Many are even citizens, but consider themselves British first and Aussies second. There is a certain mutual and often good natured, friendly banter, teasing and faked resentment between these 'Pommies' and 'True Blue Aussies'. Occasionally, there is not the good nature or friendliness. The Poms put down Australia, its culture (or lack of it) and compare it regularly to how things are/were back in the home country. Most Australians stand up for their country, give back a bit if pushed too far, but move on with confidence, knowing that Poms remain because overall the positives overcome the negatives.

The children and grandchildren of these Pommies that were born or brought up here mostly tend to identify themselves as Australians. But there is never a question or issue of whether the 'Poms' belong here in Australia or not. They are absolutely accepted as part of the Australian landscape. This is a victory for the Australian culture.

In my experience and opinion, people whose personal experiences are positive overall, tend to become more and more loyal and avid supporters of their new homeland. It is a bit like religion, the new converts tend to be more earnest and passionate in their convictions or beliefs. They tend to be blind to the failings or less critical of it - sometimes to the point where they do not seek it better it, but just appear 'properly thankful and grateful'.

However some migrants or their next generation, encounter intolerance, racial abuse or vilification - more than what they can bear or more than the positive, accepting people who reflect the best of the local culture. Some of them can become pessimistic, over critical and perhaps 'radicalized' as the say in the media. Some children of immigrants, by stroke of chance, encounter petty, bigoted, narrow-minded individuals in their daily life (social online forums are now increasingly part of someone's daily life) who are more resentful of the new comers, feed their ego or try to let out their jealousy or resentment by persistent expressions of hate, threats and intimidation. They are constantly threatened, or told to leave the country if they do not parrot views or opinions of the people who hate their presence in the first place. It becomes a struggle against those that try to keep them down psychologically. People that do not know how to deal with these - those who are struggling themselves to make a living in a new society or culture, but who themselves have a sense of pride, fairness or ego themselves often cannot simply digest the racial abuse can give up trying and develop a sense of deep resentment. 

This is very difficult to detect or eliminate in a relatively free society where the long term citizens (even if they were immigrants themselves a little while ago) are accepted with a wide range of views, opinions and even disagreeable views. Government, businesses and most reasonably civil, sensible people are all usually positive, helpful, kind and help newcomers fit in and make a permanent home. They will usually accept a migrant of different race with same differing political views or opinions as a 'native' with equal grace or tolerance. This is critical in helping new comers develop a true, deep sense of belonging and acceptance in a new land. Once they develop this it is hard to shake off. 

It is a small number of numbskulls, who undo all the good done by good policies of immigration and the good work of a majority in any society. All it takes is to respect and treat fairly a person with a different view point, but for some their own private satisfaction in stoking their ego is apparently more important.They will not tolerate the same opinions in a person of a different race or religion, that they will happily tolerate in someone of European origin. Sometimes they are not even really serious, but just 'joking' or 'having fun'!! But their targets may not see it or feel it that way. It is these unthinking people who often snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, in deeply antagonizing someone unfairly. Just a change in their attitude can make so much of a difference in the life of someone and their own country.

Do you see this phenomenon in your own country too?

Now, recently, Australia has a minister in charge of issues relating to immigrants, their assimilation and sometimes their radicalization or of their children from mainstream society. Even though it is not stated explicitly, a lot is made in the media about the 'different' culture or religions of the new migrants towards whom these measures are targeted. This is a sad commentary and a defeat of sorts for the best of Australian values that it has reached this state. However, this can be turned into a positive in the long run.

One hopes that the government and law enforcement will take this opportunity to work sensibly to address the real issues here. In doing so, they will have to deal with and counter those with extreme views in all forums and in society. This will need to become the norm - just as there is vigilance against terrorism, extreme or violent view points from outside the country, there will be a need to counter them from within as well. This will make Australia more secure and stronger from within. It will help develop loyal, happy and accepting people as citizens, even if they are from different cultures, races or religions.



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015
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