Don't Go Back to Where You Came From

by Tim Soutphommasane

Offering an unflinching and informed defense of cultural diversity, this book boldly stakes a claim for the overwhelming success of multiculturalism in Australia. Arguing against European governments that declare multiculturalism a failure, it asserts that multicultural Australia has been a national success story. Creating a solid case for why multiculturalism works, it argues against those who believe a multicultural approach to integration and diversity is detrimental to society. This is a celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Australia, Politics

237 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2012

Reviews

[Timothy Dymond · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this book you'd have to conclude that multiculturalism, like democracy, is the worst possible system except for all the others. Tim Soutphommasane wants to offer a full throated defence of multiculturalism, but really can't stop being too cerebral about it for his own good. His definition of multiculturalism is very liberal and sensible: a presumption of equal recognition of all cultures. The word 'presumption' is important, because it doesn't entitle all cultures to equal respect. Rather it is more like the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. An impeccable notion - but one that is more often honoured in the breach.

Nationalism and cultural identity are still more akin to being in love rather than being persuaded by elegant arguments. So the best parts of this book are not when Soutphommasane tries to explain what multiculturalism is, but when he sets out what it is not. For example: people conflate arguments about Australia's population, or urban infrastructure, with arguments about multiculturalism - when really they are entirely separate issues. A good lesson to draw from this book would be not a conclusion about multiculturalism as such, but a firmer idea of what we actually want to debate when we debate something we choose to call 'multiculturalism'.

[Jim Rimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soutphommasane mounts a compelling and erudite case for the unique nature of Australian multiculturalism, and the enormity of it's contribution to the modern face of the nation. From global and historical positioning to clearly identifying the origins of the politicised rot, Don't Go Back is a highly informative read.

At a time when the cultural, economic and civic benefits of multiculturalism have become lost in a fog of xenophobia, isolationism and worse, one can only hope this book is able to support movement toward a more thoughtful and enlightened future.

If you're an Australian it will make you think, it should make you proud, and it seriously needs to be added to numerous curriculum lists.

[Dino Asproloupos · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far so good. A great explanation of multiculturalism in Australia from a historical & policy perspective. Analysis has just started and becoming even more interesting and relevant to current affairs in Australian politics. Ended even stronger than it started. Gets more relevant each day in light of the recent, apparent racist attacks in the media. A good wake up call & well worth the read.

Finished & sharing with as many friends as possible. If only I had friends in high places - where this book could make its greatest impact!

[Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book with good intentions. Simultaneously, however, it is a book that provides barely any evidence as to why 'hard' multiculturalism benefits Australians. Goes on and on about how great diversity is and how cultural relativism is important to immigrants regardless of whether their views contradict liberal democratic traditions. As an immigrant myself who believes in Western values of freedom and democracy, the author's argument was overall poor.

I give him 2 stars because in some level, his point about individual racist cases have a point. It's still a poorly argued book in my eyes.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broadly good, I have some gripes on the endorsements of certain national policies, but I think that has more to do with looking at this through anthropology as opposed to political theory/ political science

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eloquently written book on multiculturalism from our immediate past Race Discrimination Commissioner.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Out of the corner of my eye I see a young blonde-haired woman caped in a flag, leaning out the back window of the car alongside. She is yelling, 'Go home!' and making slit-eyed gestures at me - a tribute to my Asian ancestry. Her companions laugh and jeer. Figuring that a civilised conversation is out of the question I respond with my own one-fingered salutes and robust compliments. Two of the blonde's friends in the car, both male, respond in turn as we wind around one of Canberra's circuitous roads [...] and then we come to a red light together. 'Why don't you come out and say that?' one challenges me. For a moment I consider testing my courage. Then the lights turn green."

That section cracked me up. If that happened where I live, somebody would be severely beaten, or dead.

Anyway, the book is very interesting. It refers to a lot of immigration policy that Australian politicians and parliament enacted throughout the 20th century. It enlightens people as to exactly what the policies entail and some of the reasoning behind it. It is also interspersed with the author's own experiences growing up in a multicultural environment in Sydney, and anecdotes about incidents and utterances which were seen to be racially charged, but of course, denied by the top brass as racist.

The language is very accessible and not too difficult to grasp. The book is a candid discussion of the pros and cons of multiculturalism in Australia and how it is different from 'multiculturalism' in other countries which people are constantly comparing Australian multiculturalism to.

The overall conclusion is about right - we have it a lot better than most Western countries when it comes to multiculturalism. Apart from verbalizing our dislike of things, it's not like there's news of a massive race riot every year... that only happens once every five years here.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful summary of historical and present multicultural policy in Australia and related issues such as the "big Australia" debate.

[Déwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative read.