Multiculturalism
The concept of multiculturalism refers to or is associated with understanding the perception that races, ethnicities, and cultures specific to minority groups are specifically acknowledged due to their differences (Holliday et al., 2010). However, in Malaysia, being a grandchild of a Chinese immigrant, the government’s political system promotes racism, and the minority groups in the country are racially discriminated against. For example, the Malaysian education system promotes Malay students with low academic performance in the universities compared to racially discriminated Chinese or Indian students who must have high scores to be considered for medicine courses. Moreover, in the case of government projects, only the Malay contractors are given tenders by the government, and since my father was a Chinese contractor, he had to tender for government jobs through his Malay friend. Multiculturalism requires the local government to safeguard the rights of minority groups as a way of compensating for oppression, discrimination, and past exclusion (Holliday et al., 2010). However, the Malay government fails in doing that since, through its political system, the minority and less dominant races, Indians and Chinese, are discriminated against.
Relocation
The concept of relocation entails leaving behind one place and moving to another for settlement where the new location might be a different country, city, or even neighborhood. In my case, having been born in Malaysia, I relocated to Australia, and among the first experiences I encountered after settling in Australia was a culture shock. Unlike in Malaysia, I soon discovered issues like kissing on the cheeks and public change rooms like leisureplex that allow naked ladies and shops to close early. However, despite these cultural differences between Malaysia and Australia, adapting to my new life was not difficult. While globalization is more entrenched in Australia, racism comes into play in several instances. For example, since I am Chinese, I often encounter racism when browsing in Australian shops or receiving racist looks when I wear traditional Chinese blouses during Chinese New Year.
Cultural Membership
Cultural membership refers to the understanding where an individual connects to their identity by being more receptive to the core characteristics of their culture (Holliday et al., 2010). Working as an ethnic education assistant, I have encountered different students, migrants, and international. Some of these students are migrants from Muslim countries, and by upholding the cultural values instilled in them through their religion, I have noticed Muslim girls refrain from assimilating to Australian culture. For example, some Muslim girls refrain from swimming, singing, or dancing and, therefore, fail to participate in end-year parties since they must interact with other religions.
Cosmopolitanism
Based on political theory, cosmopolitanism is founded on the idea that every person is entitled to equal consideration and respect regardless of their citizenship status or affiliations (Holliday et al., 2010). With more than ten years in Australia, I have been blessed with two children in the university. Despite the minimal encounters of racism, I believe the country and the government in place promote cosmopolitanism since, regardless of the different ethnicities in Australia, different people enjoy similar experiences. For example, I have friends from different countries residing in Australia, and the cultural diversity in the country has been a major contributor to how well A Chinese, an Indian, a German, and a Burmese can meet and have meals together. Moreover, based on how the Australian government has embraced cosmopolitanism, it is possible to live anywhere and feel safe regardless of background. For example, I live among Australians, Scottish, Malays, and fellow Chinese who freely exchange gifts during the new year and Christmas in my neighborhood.
Reference
Holliday, A., Hyde, M., & Kullman, J. (2010). Intercultural communication: An advanced resource book. Routledge.