Responses to Blainey's recent views on 'Asian' immigration have been numerous, wide-ranging and variable in quality. In hindsight, two key elements in Blainey's writing have escaped detailed scrutiny - the role of public opinion and the powerlessness of 'old Australians'. Examination of these elements is important because in Blainey's sociology of Australian society the first is explicit and central while his analysis of the second is faulty.
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