Blog topic #2

Australia Day
Previous to Australia Day, nonwhite migrations to the country were strongly limited by the White Australia Policy. This promoted the immigration of Europeans and Americans. The policy lasted only a few years ending in 1973. The Whitlam government used Australia Day as a way to ease off the White Australia Policy. The Migration Program then offered visas to people based on their educational background for a higher potential in economic success. This in turn, brought families from all over the globe including Africa, China, India, Malaysia, and many more. In today's society, Australia celebrates the changing step that lead to its multicultural lifestyle. With so many more immigrants coming into the country, is Australia still Australian or is it simply a flat surface on our globe where there is no defined "type?" (text 646-47)

Immigration
While immigration started a booming economic trend, it has actually fallen quite significantly since that time. Over the past year, the annual number of migrants has plunged by a record 35%. This greatly affects the economy itself because there is less and less talent and education needed for certain job positions. The Prime Minister's desire for the campaign ''a sustainable Australia, not a big Australia'' and a minority of expressive native-born whites that resist the current cultural blending movements are now causing restrictions on migrant inflows and are pushing up wages and prices. (text 646-47)

Blog topic #3

Asian elephants have been a sacred figure throughout Thai history. The elephants have impacted the culture and history of the Thai people. Ranging from aspects of war to duties of work, they have shared the land alongside people. Elephants were once used to log Thailand's forests, but since logging bans have taken affect there significance and sheer numbers in Thai society have diminished . Both the Mahouts (elephant handlers) and the elephants themselves need a steady job. It turns out, seeing the ancient cities of Thailand atop an elephant is quite an appealing opportunity for tourists willing to pay for an adventure. The Mahouts rely on the elephants and vice versa for a living. In order for the Mahouts to save themselves, they must save the elephants. The sacred wedding ceremonies not only help populate the elephant numbers, but represent the struggle of the people. For those who know very little about this part of the world, maybe a tour on an elephants back isn't a half bad idea. Save the people. Save the elephants. Learn, grow, and experience life.