Debate Over 'Wokeness' Divides Australian Immigrants

During an episode of ABC's Q+A, Janik, an immigrant who has lived in Australia for most of his life, expressed concerns about the country becoming increasingly 'woke', citing issues such as public schools promoting a 'woke mindset', rising immigration, and climate policies leading to higher prices. He questioned how long it would be before Australia becomes unrecognizable from the fair and opportunity-based nation he admired. Author Maria Thattil responded by arguing that 'woke' values are essential for advocating for marginalized communities, emphasizing that diversity quotas address systemic barriers faced by these groups. Nyadol Nyuon, a lawyer and former refugee, acknowledged that while 'wokeness' can be critiqued, merit should not be the sole measure of access to opportunities. The discussion highlighted the tension between concerns about political correctness and the need for inclusive representation in society.