@ombra Said
True enough, but there is a big difference between a Chinese immigrant wanting to live in a Chinatown section of Sydney, and one who refuses to learn English, or do much else to fit in, or in any way embrace the culture of Oz. I had occasion a year ago to read some pamphlets put out by Australia for foreigners wanting to become an Aussie citizen. It talked about Australian culture that emigrates are expected to embrace, rights of citizens, and what is expected of new arrivals. It seems to me that people are moving to Australia, America, etc., with the expectation that they need make no effort to fit in, because the country and its people will adopt to their every custom and cultural whim.
Yes they are, and somehow the method required has changed.
Being a post war migrant (with my family when I was 3) we arrived in Australia into a camp where mum and dad (and I) were taught aussie culture and language.. and assisted with job hunting.
Once sufficient English was learnt, and a job secured, and only then, were we able to leave camp.
Sure, we seeked out other Germans to share memories and traditions with. But also had to deal with non-acceptance by some Aussies - the "you taking our jobs.. go back to where you come from" mob.
I had to deal with some of that at school by kids who learnt it from their parents.
I married a Pommie and my second partner has French/aborigine blood in her.
Let's talk Chinatown, albeit for me... Melbourne.
Yes you have the Chinese restaurants etc etc but venture into the alleyways to find real chinatown. Like real chinese food served up in a family's dining room on a 1950's laminex table.. where the old cook and waitress speaks no English and chatters away in Chinese to the couple at the other end of the table.... regulars.
From this other couple I learn that this old lady came with her brother and daughter... excaped from China... he husband executed. In the eight years in Australia never learnt English.. her sponser brought her over and made her work as a kitchen hand for no pay. Friends helped her escape.. set her up here.
Her daughter is going out with an Vietnamese aussie "Nice boy"
Assimulation - yes it happens.Just not the way it used to.