Kate Stewart: If you can't handle our beliefs, you have no business being here

INCLUSIVE: New Zealand has embraced diverse cultural celebrations, such as Diwali.

A FEW weeks back I devoted a column to the rewriting of some old truisms.

One truism I won't rewrite - because I, personally, believe it to be true - is: "When in Rome do as the Romans do."

I mention this in relation to last week's story concerning the "hateful flyers" circulating around Whanganui and targeting Muslims.

I found the subsequent comments posted online both insightful and interesting. Though some may find the leaflet offensive and ignorant propaganda, even propaganda can have an element of truth to it, no matter how small.

If, however, New Zealand is aiming to be seen as the most accepting, diverse and politically correct country in the world, we are going about it all wrong.

Embracing ethnic diversity is one thing but when it comes at the expense of our own heritage and traditions we have a problem.

Last year we were asked to refrain from using the word "Christmas" for fear of offending those who don't recognise Christ. This, for me, was crossing the line from accepting one's beliefs to imposing your own - and no one has that right.

Can you imagine going to live in a predominantly Muslim country and asking that they refrain from using the word "Allah"? Even if you had the audacity, it would never happen and nor should it.

It would be as absurd and disrespectful as me going to Dubai dressed in short shorts, muffin top hanging out and engaging in public displays of affection with my toyboy lover.
Just because you can do something in your homeland, it doesn't mean that is globally acceptable.

If you can't handle the laws and beliefs of another country and show them the respect they deserve, then you have no business being there. The same must be said for those who choose to make a new home in New Zealand.

We have embraced other cultures wholeheartedly and I have no problem with that. We now see regular celebrations - that include government spending - of events such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and even Halloween.

Kiwis are a global people now ... we live all over the world. So ask yourselves this: Apart from the usual ex-pat communities, how much recognition and government spending is going on in other countries to help relocated Kiwis celebrate and acknowledge the likes of Christmas, Waitangi Day and Anzac Day? Sweet bugger all.

Another truism is that there is strength in numbers. We need to be mindful, as more and more immigrants come and re-settle here, that those growing numbers don't try and bully us out of what makes us Kiwis.

Am I ignorant enough to believe, for example, that most Muslims must be terrorists - of course not, quite the opposite. But nor am I naive enough to think that with the swelling number of immigrants, each with their own religions and beliefs, are going to have zero impact on us as a country.

How and how much they change us, however, is up to us - not them. When in Rome ...

■ Kate Stewart is a staunch advocate of common sense and three-ply toilet tissue who hasn't been to Rome ... yet. Feedback to investik8@gmail.com