It was only a few years ago that the thought of conservative rhetoric in mainstream Australia was taboo. Australians valued globalization, and all the supposed financial benefits that came with it. Obviously, an increase in population size contributed strongly to robust, resilient economic growth.
But now, positive sentiment towards mass immigration – particularly from non-white countries – have waned noticeably. As evidence, consider the reaction to the New Zealand terror attack, one where a white supremacist was the main culprit. Rather than reach out in a show of solidarity with Muslims, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison called for another plan: restrict immigration.
Restrict immigration? For the longest time, I’ve grown accustomed to Australia’s increasingly progressive politics. Secretly, I called it the “U.K. Part Two.” After all, multiple similarities exist: the Anglo-inspired accents, the Anglo people, and the dry mannerism. Moreover, both nations are incredibly liberal, publicly supporting the globalization agenda.
However, rising discord, along with the rising immigration, have created distinct dilemmas for Australia’s political elite. One could no longer rely upon key words such as “unity,” “diversity,” or “solidarity.” Instead, sentiments such as heritage or legacy is mounting and intensifying among the populace.
Globalization Without Integration
In a rather shocking twist, two-thirds of Australians today say that they no longer need more immigrants. That’s an about-face from earlier this decade, when a majority disagreed with that sentiment. Naturally, the question becomes, what changed?
While I obviously can’t speak for any Australian, it appears that the cons of globalization impacted the thinking process. Sure, having more people increases the economic base of a nation. However, when masses of humanity don’t share a common link or goal, integration becomes a huge problem.
The country is one of many which has had to confront radical Islamic terrorism. And while the New Zealand terror attack is unacceptable and horrific, it also demonstrates how conflicting ideologies can go awry. We should not just expect one side to engage in extremism if the conditions that cause it continue to mount.
Indeed, even the government slowed visa approvals, and will plan to cut immigration further. We’re talking about a considerably liberal nation discussing how to curb the globalist agenda! It’s a remarkable step, if you ask me.
But I also believe Australia is just the first step among many. Other western nations will follow suit. We’re already seeing much discord in western Europe which has accepted millions of immigrants in recent years. Perhaps some sanity in immigration policy can occur without the dreaded and unfair label of racism.