Australia is a multicultural country. Second and third generation migrants become fluent in the dominant language and adopt many of the attitudes of the dominant cultures, while their elders remain strongly identified with their country of birth. In exchange, the broader group adjusts, reflecting the greater diversity of food, art, fashion, music and thought.

Cultural diversity can be painted as a positive or a negative by politicians. In Australia we voted out a racist government and I'm relieved to see the last of them.

Geneticist have proven that genetic diversity brings healthier, smarter kids, and creates a smarter, healthier society.

Many personal qualities vary according to cultural background, and cannot be discarded as if they were a pair of old socks.

Jeanne Tsai, an assistant professor of psychology at Stanford University, has done extensive research into the impact of culture on personality. It's interesting work and shows that despite wider social conditioning, ethnic groups hang on to psychological characteristics that reflect their preferred philosophies.

Now, if I were determining what all other people should do and think, I'd demand that the whole population should wear pink and read The Wee Book of Calvin.