·
"-------a well-written, honest, first-hand
account of the trials, the pain, the pleasures, the frustrations, and the
ultimate success of an Asian immigrant in Australia-------contains important
lessons-------.The story is peppered with keen observations, acerbic comments,
strongly expressed opinions and wry humour.-------Totally fascinating and
strongly recommended". --Probus News (Spring 1999)
·
"-------honest,
insightful, and marked by a genuine perception of the workings of Australian
culture and society-------provides an intelligent and spiritually perceptive
man's views and reflections on how Australia has changed over the past forty
years.-------It is the sort of book that should be widely read as an antidote
to the blinkered views held by both pro- and anti-multiculturalists, because it
offers humanity (and spirituality) in an area too dominated by abstract and
barren intellectualising" --Dr Gregory Melleuish, Senior Lecturer
(History and Politics), University of Wollongong,, and author of "The
Packaging of Australia"
·
"-------a valuable book".
--Prof Bob Birrell, Director, Centre for Population and Urban Research,
Monash University.
·
"-------a timely book. The author is well
qualified to comment on burning issues of ethnicity, tribalism and cultural
hegemony, -------having had personal experience of settlement in Australia over
a period of half a century; voluntary involvement in a range of community
organisations; and work experience as a senior public servant-------" --Prof
Jerzy Zubrzycki, Emeritus Professor; and Member, National Multicultural
Advisory Council
.·
"A
rare blend of experience, reflections, and strong judgements, grounded in keen
insight. Arasa knows how vote-seeking parliamentarians and ambitious
'ethno-politicians' do not see how their actions work against the life-chances
of immigrants, by distorting social justice, democracy and language as power
foci of official multiculturalism. A cleansing fire! Highly
recommended!" -- Dr John Atchison, Senior Lecturer (Classics,
History and Religion), University of New England.
·
"The family re-union (immigration) program
and structural multiculturalism have come in for their share of criticism and
analysis in the 1980s, and Arasa has some pungent insider's comment on these
topics and on the humanitarian (refugee) intake." -- Dr
Katharine Betts, (Senior Lecturer, Swinbourne University of Technology) in
"People and Place",
vol. 7, no. 2, 1999
"-------a narrative interspersed with
charming homilies and thoughtful commentary about Australian society and its
reaction to the substantial contact with people of non-European
origins-------" "-------a wealth of empirical
material regarding the transformation of Australian society, with particular
regard to the sensitive areas of immigration, cultural diversity and race
relations." -------"He has many salient points to make about the distinction
between cultural diversity and State-funded multiculturalism, and the problems
of public education and the welfare system-----" "This authentic testament of the migrant
experience in the midst of the White Australia policy also offers refreshing
perspectives, bereft of bureaucratic jargon and, more importantly, of the sort
of predictable rhetoric one has come to expect from some political
activists." --Jason Soon in "Policy" (Spring 1999), organ
of The Centre for Independent Studies, Australia.
Summary -
Reader responses
·
"-------thoroughly enjoyed it. It is well
written, informative and slyly witty."
--Noel Purves, Retired school
principal, Western Australia
·
"Raw honesty, with unsettling insight. Read it
and reassess multiculturalism." --Danny Ronis, Planning Manager, South
Australia
·
".......I found his account of
childhood.......fascinating and nostalgic,.......his experiences of emigration to
Australia and subsequent struggles to understand and come to terms with the
culture are where he affords insight and sympathy with the new immigrant's plight." --Philippa
Cairns, Co-ordinator, ESOL (English as a Second Other Language) Home Tutor
Service (Western Bay of Plenty). New Zealand.
·
"I must congratulate you on your commendable
work in bringing out a worthy publication. I enjoyed your language, particularly
your humour and quotes." --C.Rajadurai,,
former Bursar, University Technology;
Executive Secretary, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia; and community leader,
Malaysia.
·
"I recommend that all Australians read this book
to understand what immigrants go through"
--Maria de Rocco (ex-Italy), Music
Tutor, New South Wales.
·
"......Arasa's insight into problems that arise,
along with suggestions on how to avoid them and live in harmony in a
multiculturally enriched society is an intriguing read." --Hilary Chaly, Legal Executive, New Zealand.
·
"Arasa's
book is poignant and informative for anyone of adult age. We have lived
through enormous cultural/political changes in Australia since World War Two. I
have watched the face of the nation change, and read the book with
fascination........" --Maureen Nathan (ex-South Africa),
Pharmacist, New South Wales.
·
"A definite inside story reflecting prejudice
and his success against mountainous odds due to his colour........Excellent
reading." --Dr. Zyg Atlas (immigrant), medical practitioner, and author of "Just One Life". Victoria
·
"It is the detail about your personal history
and about your experiences in Australia that are particularly rewarding for the
reader ..........Full marks for the penetration and perspicacity of your
observations, the lucidity of your English, and the wealth of detail". - -Robert
Purves, barrister-at-law, UK and
Australia.
