Dispelling ignorance about ethnicity

By Penny Carosi

While young people may hang around in groups based on ethnicity, the majority of these groups aren't gangs, University of Technology, Sydney Faculty of Economics and Finance Professor Jock Collins told a Federation Friday Forum on August 26.

About 100 people gathered to hear Professor Jock Collins speak on the topic, "Ethnic Youth in our Schools -- Moral Panic or Meaningful Dialogue".

Professor Jock Collins is co-author of two very informative books, Kids, Kebabs, Cops and Crime and Bin Laden in our Suburbs.

Professor Collins initially took many in the audience down memory lane, highlighting the development over the past three decades of multiculturalism within our schools and communities and acknowledging the important role played by Federation. Younger audience members were treated to a fast paced historical perspective.

Professor Collins then moved to some very interesting research he has conducted recently with colleagues, looking at the relationships between youth, ethnicity and crime. The results of the research showed clearly that young people in general, rather than older people, are more likely to be victims as well as perpetrators of crime and that although young people may "hang around" in groups which are sometimes based on ethnicity, the vast majority of these groups are not gangs. The media often ignores this balanced view.

In the current international context of terrorism being attributed to extremist Muslims, a national spotlight has turned on Australians of Arabic background, with some prominent but wilfully ignorant politicians fuelling a moral panic in respect of the "differentness" of Muslim and Arabic culture and physical appearance. The politicians and media appear to have little understanding that there are as many different Arabic cultures as there are different European cultures.

The discourse then turned to what effect the national and international events and pronouncements were having on ethnic students in our schools, particularly those of Arabic background. During the discussion that followed it became clear that a meaningful dialogue, or practical acknowledgement, of the global situation is needed in our schools and colleges.

Teachers reported to the forum that the response by our Arabic background youth to current events and statements varies. However, it emerged that some of our students have become so alienated by the constant negative portrayals that, at the moment, they do not consider themselves part of the Australian community.

Everyone needs to work hard in the community to dispel the ignorance that drives such alienation, and in schools ensure that the environment is supportive of ethnic youth so that alienation is not able to develop.

These challenges involve the provision of adequate resources in the form of direct support and consultation for ethnic youth and their teachers. Federation's campaign for additional ESL teachers and counselling support is one of the vital challenges that must be won. Federation will assist schools and teachers who would like advice and support on these issues. You can contact your Federation Organiser or the Multicultural Officer, Penny Carosi, on (02) 9217 2100.

Penny Carosi is the Multicultural Officer/Post School Organiser.

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September 2005 contents