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  • Writer's pictureSam Wilks

Cultural Transmission in a Multicultural Society: The Challenge of Preserving Western Traditions


In the tapestry of modern society, the intricate interplay of cultures, beliefs, and traditions creates a rich mosaic of diversity. Yet, beneath this colourful surface lies a profound challenge: the preservation of Western traditions amidst the vast array of divergent cultural practices. This challenge is not merely theoretical; it is a pressing reality, particularly evident in regions like the Northern Territory of Australia.


At the heart of this issue lies the clash between Western values and those of incompatible cultures. The proponents of multiculturalism advocate for tolerance and acceptance of all cultural practices, regardless of their compatibility with Western traditions. However, such an approach overlooks the inherent tension between preserving Western values and accommodating divergent cultural norms. Moreover, it presumes the acceptance of certain cultural norms. For example, the notion that pedophilia, child mutilation, sex trafficking, or slavery could ever be considered acceptable is categorically dismissed. The West has expended immeasurable lives, resources, and time in the arduous struggle to eradicate these abhorrent practices, a monumental effort unmatched by any other culture. These moral, ethical, and legal boundaries are inviolable, non-negotiable, and sacrosanct, forming the bedrock of civilized society.


To unravel this complexity, it is essential to delve into the insights of eminent thinkers across various disciplines. Drawing from the wisdom of judicial philosophers, economists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and criminologists, I have sought to gain a multifaceted perspective on the challenges of cultural transmission in a multicultural society.


From the realm of judicial philosophy, we glean insights into the principles of justice and equality. John Rawls' veil of ignorance invites us to imagine a society where individuals make decisions without knowledge of their own backgrounds. This is in complete contrast to my own personal beliefs, those of prominent criminologist James Q. Wilson, and those of most modern economists, which act on the premise of incentives as motivators. In such a hypothetical scenario, the preservation of Western traditions becomes paramount, as they serve as the foundation for a just and fair society. Ronald Dworkins' concept of "rights as trumps" underscores the importance of upholding fundamental Western liberties, even in the face of cultural diversity.


Economists provide valuable insights into the economic implications of cultural preservation. They argue that the free market thrives on a stable framework of Western values, including property rights and individual responsibility. Any erosion of these values, prompted by the uncritical acceptance of incompatible cultural practices, always, without exception, leads to economic stagnation and social disintegration.


In the realm of psychology and psychiatry, thinkers like Jung shed light on the importance of individual agency and collective identity. Jordan Peterson's emphasis on personal responsibility resonates deeply with the ethos of Western traditions, which prioritise autonomy and self-determination. Jung's concept of the collective unconscious underscores the enduring influence of Western archetypes and symbols, which form the bedrock of cultural identity.


Turning to the insights of criminologists and security professionals, we confront the harsh realities of cultural clashes in everyday life. James Q Wilson's "broken windows" theory highlights the ripple effects of cultural decay, wherein minor infractions breed larger societal ills. Security experts like Gavin De Becker and Tim Larkin underscore the importance of preemptive measures to safeguard Western societies from internal and external threats. Indeed, had Gavin De Becker's prescient warnings regarding the 9/11 attacks been heeded and rudimentary security precautions implemented, the tragic loss of approximately 5,000 lives on that fateful day could have been averted. Furthermore, the subsequent repercussions, including the staggering toll of over 1.5 million lives lost in the Middle East and the displacement of an estimated 12 to 15 million Muslims, could have been mitigated. The failure to act upon such foresight not only resulted in a catastrophic human toll but also precipitated far-reaching geopolitical ramifications with enduring consequences.


In the Northern Territory of Australia, the tensions between Western traditions and incompatible cultural practices are palpable. Take, for instance, the issue of indigenous customary law conflicting with the Australian legal system. While proponents of multiculturalism argue for the recognition of indigenous customs, the erosion of Western legal norms undermines the principles of justice and equality. The Northern Territory's healthcare infrastructure perennially grapples with resource shortages exacerbated by the relentless influx of patients seeking medical assistance on a daily basis as a consequence of "payback" incidents. In addition, taxpayer-funded non-governmental organisations and governmental bodies are vehemently promoting the adoption of customary law, which metes out judgement without due process, putting the public housing system and correctional facilities on the verge of collapse under the weight of unrelenting demand. These endeavours, often predicated on hearsay and conjecture, cultivate an atmosphere of pervasive guilt, straining the fabric of societal cohesion and undermining the principles of justice and accountability.


Similarly, the debate over immigration and integration exposes the fault lines of cultural transmission. As waves of migrants bring diverse traditions to Australian shores, the question arises: to what extent should Western values be compromised in the name of cultural diversity? The case of ethnic enclaves in cities like Darwin highlights the challenges of preserving Western traditions in the face of cultural isolation and segregation. While these enclaves are a relatively new development in the NT and have been commonplace in states like New South Wales and Victoria for decades, the lack of cultural hegemony and attempts at imposing religious lore in some cases are creating discourse and conflict, often ignored by the main stream media.



Moreover, the rise of identity politics and cultural relativism further complicates the landscape of cultural transmission. The valorisation of cultural diversity often comes at the expense of critical engagement with Western values, leading to a hollowing out of cultural identity. The marginalisation of Western education in favour of multicultural curriculum frameworks in the Northern Territory is an example of this phenomenon. Australia, a nation built upon the exchange of speech, ideas, and actions, even with those whose beliefs may diverge, all for the sake of mutual enrichment, now witnesses a significant surge in Marxist ideology proliferating through the channels of indoctrination within the public school system. These institutions, entrenched in exploitation, advocate for violence and manipulation, all the while cloaking their malevolent agendas under the guise of benevolence, leveraging victimhood and moral grandstanding to justify their pernicious policies and actions.


The preservation of Western traditions in a multicultural society is not merely a philosophical abstraction; it is a tangible imperative with profound implications for social cohesion and collective well-being. By drawing upon the insights of diverse thinkers across disciplines, we can only attempt to navigate the complexities of cultural transmission and uphold the enduring legacy of Western civilisation. But for how long?


As we confront the challenges of cultural diversity in the Northern Territory and beyond, let us heed the wisdom of those who came before us. Let us recognise the inherent value of Western traditions and strive to preserve them for future generations. Only by embracing the richness of our cultural heritage while remaining steadfast in our commitment to Western values can we navigate the turbulent waters of multiculturalism with wisdom and resilience. Throughout history, the prevailing alternative has invariably manifested as brutality, theft, destruction, and murder, whether masquerading under the banners of socialism, communism, Marxism, or any of the burgeoning array of dialectical assaults on meritocracy, morals, ethics, and virtue.  From the author.


The opinions and statements are those of Sam Wilks and do not necessarily represent whom Sam Consults or contracts to. Sam Wilks is a skilled and experienced Security Consultant with almost 3 decades of expertise in the fields of Real estate, Security, and the hospitality/gaming industry. His knowledge and practical experience have made him a valuable asset to many organizations looking to enhance their security measures and provide a safe and secure environment for their clients and staff.

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