I'm from an immigrant family - does that still mean I'm an Aussie?

As Australia Day and it's controversy and opinions near... I think about my own heritage and upbringing as a child of an immigrant family.  A white, English speaking family, but an immigrant family just the same.  I am 'lucky' enough that the background I am from doesn't immediately identify me as a child of immigrant parents, I don't have different eyes or coloured skin and don't wear 'strange' clothing.

I consider myself an Aussie, through and through.  I was born here, I have the lazy accent and even say 'strewth' from time to time.  I don't cope well with being cold and don't consider a six hour drive to be particularly long to get somewhere for a weekend away. 

My parents and two older brothers arrived in Perth in August 1971.  I was raised and schooled alongside many other children of 'new Australian' families as well as families who's Australian heritage goes back for many generations.  Greek, Italian, Indian... the list is endless.  As kids, we didn't know the difference, we were all just kids.  Children are cruel and there was teasing.  You were teased and taunted if you were big, small, fat, thin, fast, slow... you get the picture....  I have distinct memories of students arriving to our primary school from non-English speaking countries (the one who stands out the clearest was Berit, who came from Denmark and became one of my closest friends through my school years).  These kids weren't ostracized - they were embraced.  We accepted the challenge to teach them to speak English and how to 'be Australian'.  How to avoid blistering sunburn or losing the skin off the soles of your feet in summer.  How much tomato sauce to put on your pie or sausage roll, the best seat in the car at a drive-in... the important things.

Many people from these different backgrounds changed our little city for the better.  Buildings, designs, gardens - and the food!  The culinary options that literally appeared before our eyes.  I can so clearly remember the first Chinese restaurant opening in our area and our visits there (they were only on very special occasions, we didn't just eat out for the sake of it back then).  Looking back, I guess Mum and Dad hung onto some of their British traditions and embraced some of the Aussie ones.

It saddens me to think of how dramatically attitudes towards immigration have changed over the years.  On both sides.  There are those who are seen to abuse the system.  Who bring hatred and violence with them.  Who see our beautiful country as a place to exploit and convert.  There are also those who add to our excitement and beauty just by being who they are.  Who have enriched our society with their knowledge, culture and traditions.  There are people who oppose immigration "but it's ok if they speak English and live like we do".  I can think of several examples of Australians who have cruel and violent hearts and have committed despicable acts.  The correlation between where you come from and your intent to do good or evil just doesn't seem consistent to me. 

I fear for where we are headed, with so much anger and hatred, but have to hold some optimism that there is enough tolerance, understanding and love to remain the Australia that I love and am proud to call home.

Happy Australia Day - but don't 'chuck another shrimp on the barbie'... nobody says that.  Ever!