Racism

[HLSvictory]

I have to agree. This is my first post and just thought I would share my experiences - I lived in Australia and travelled all over for two years and had an amazing time!! Went to fantastic places and met some nice people. I am white British and never had anything directed at me other than the usual whingeing pom comments. HOWEVER, the attitudes of some Aussies (and expat Brits) were quite shocking! I couldn't possibly count all the racist remarks I heard - but here's a few. I lived with an Aussie girl in a Perth suburb. I was getting my coat on one night to go for a walk to the shop (Aussies don't tend to walk anywhere, so there was shock number one), my housemate couldn't believe I was going - 'put some scissors in your bag then', I asked her what for 'in case you see any aboriginals'. Although, she didn't actually call them that! I couldn't believe what I heard. On another night, her and her boyfriend were talking about a news item - some immigrants were found on a boat - they began a big tirade saying that they should just put a bomb under the boat!! Then I started work in a govt dept, and was warned away from the aboriginals by virtually everyone. I was walking to work one day when I saw a young aboriginal lad coming towards me - and I'll be honest here - I was actually a bit apprehensive, but only because of what the idiots at work had told me. He asked me the time and had a nice convo with him. One particular guy at work was an expat and he'd been in Aus 20 or so years. He told me that he'd been speaking to his sister back in UK and she was telling him how much worse it was in UK and there were Asians's on every corner - I just thought 'HELLOOO, don't you ever go and walk around Perth, or use public transport?' There are so many diverse nations and races in Perth and all over Aus! The trouble with these people is they don't have a clue. They drive to work, see their work colleagues, go home and go round to friend's houses to socialise! Nobody really mixes over here - couldn't get used to that. I was in a hostel in Adelaide and one night a French girl who was in our room came back quite late and obviously upset. She said she'd been mugged and pushed to the ground, she went to the copshop and the first thing they asked her was 'was he aboriginal?' - she couldn't believe it either. And he wasn't btw. I had some good chats to aboriginals - one woman who asked me for change in Adelaide (I didn't) - we got talking and she had a few friends in the UK - she was quite clearly drunk in the middle of the day, but that doesn't mean they're not worthy of a greeting! We introduced alcohol to them btw - and that is a whole other can of worms. Yes, there are bad eggs in every country and races all over, but it seems to me, that white Australians would rather die than converse with Aboriginals. Another time the trains had stopped running to Fremantle from Perth, and they laid buses on - it was heaving!!! Got on and no spaces to sit - people were standing - out of the corner of my eye, I spied an empty seat - next to an Aboriginal guy. I went and sat down. He had his head down - when I sat down, he looked up and smiled and apologised for the way he looked as he's just finished work and he was off to play pool - and invited me a long. Of course, people will have negative stories (these are of course, just my own experiences), but my point being, that if I'd have listened to all the backward folk, I wouldn't have bothered!!!

I wouldn't like to live in Australia, mainly for the racist attitudes. Others couldn't see it!! Of course UK has its issues, but no where near the scale I saw in two years in Aus. If you haven't seen it or noticed it, you are either like the guy I worked with who led a very insular life, or you've been lucky (or chose to ignore it). I found it very blatant and in your face!!

This is how I found it - and I'm not saying it's typical - but I did travel around!

Peace

[thegigg5]

If you express your feelings and someone is offended by it, then nowadays it is classed as racism, bigoted or sexist.

 

But unfortunately if that person does not agree with you then they are not any of the above.

 

By being open and honest in expressing your feelings first then you are culpable to having the finger pointed at you.

 

The loonies are taking over the asylum.

 

Quoted for the Truth. Some of the comments about aussies are quite ironic - you'll have a poster on their high horse waxing lyrical about how dreadful aussies are when making general observations about other races/people from other geographic regions (more often than not based on their personal experiences) without it occurring to them that they are doing exactly the same thing themselves when stereotyping aussies.

 

As you say their seems to be some obsession with adding a "ism" or "phobic" label to anyone who freely expresses an opinion that doesn't match their own.

[Harpodom]

You're one of those "Reverse-Racism" pundits, the idea of which was initially developed by white-supremacists and the KKK, later adopted by mainstream Australians as a coping mechanism when they can't accept that fact that racism is a deep rooted problem in their country. Give me a break, if a person is being racist in Australia, then he is racist end of story. If someone says something racist on a bus, ITS NOT "Oh, he's just expressing his opinion", its racist end of story.

[MARYROSE02]

what a load of rubbish. What does the "Caste system" in India has ANYTHING to do with the racism issue in Australia. You're one of those "Reverse-Racism" pundits, the idea of which was initially developed by white-supremacists and the KKK, later adopted by mainstream Australians as a coping mechanism when they can't accept that fact that racism is a deep rooted problem in their country. Give me a break, if a person is being racist in Australia, then he is racist end of story. If someone says something racist on a bus, ITS NOT "Oh, he's just expressing his opinion", its racist end of story. Alot of people here have stated its a serious problem, so why you gotta deny it, instead offer your reasoning as to why you think its not a problem, but in the context of Australia and other socially developed multicultural nations, such as the US, UK, not comparing it to Africa and the like which is unrelated.

 

Australia DOES NOT have the best record in terms of racism, that is false. Every other international sportsman, actor, and artist have stated countless times that they felt they were in 60's America when they arrived in Australia. A quick google search on Australian racism with give you Thousands of stories of people's (such as students) negative racial experiences. The fact politicians talk so openly against various races, and receive millions of votes is a fact that can't be ignored, something that should be illegal and shamed in a socially developed nation. No developed country has radio Hosts with clear open racist hateful agendas and yet they are celebrated by millions of listeners instead of being shamed or barely enjoying a limited following. I also find it ridiculous how you constantly compare Australia's social development with 3rd world nations.

 

It is NOT racist to worry about the numbers and make up of immgrants to Australia, particularly, so called 'refugees.'

 

It is NOT racist to contact talk back radio and express those views to the likes of Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and Chris Smith. At least they are prepared to listen and broadcast your views, unlike the ABC and the Fairfax press.

 

The only way, in my view, to judge a country's level of racism (and other 'isms) is to use statistics. How many court cases involve racism? How many people are fleeing Australia to get away from racism? How many people are there in refugee camps across the world who have fled Australia?

 

The caste system in India is abhorrent. Can there be anything more loathsome than to be condemned to work as a human sewage works just because of your 'caste?'

 

Also abhorrent is the way that many countries discriminate on the grounds of religion, tribe, colour, gender, sexual preference, etc. etc. Does Australia discriminate on those grounds? Does Australia support female circumsision for example. Why or why would anyone coming to Australia want to continue that abhorrent practice?

 

I live in Sydney, Australia's largest and most multi-racial city, (although Melbourne may come close.) I also live in the inner city which is not just multi-racial, but multi cultural. Less than 100 metres from my flat, next to the Chinese laundry, and opposite the pub, is a mosque. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been fire-bombed. Worshippers have never been hassled by white Australians.

 

Less than two kilometres away is the centre of Australia's largest gay and lesbian community. How many countries, NOT governed by white people are supportive of gays and lesbians? The Church in African campaigns against them and the only safe place in the Middle East for gay and lesbians to be 'out and proud' is in, irony of ironies, Israel. (The anti-semites keep quiet about that of course.)

 

If I WAS a racist, this suburb where I live - Surry Hills - is just about the worst place to be one. The convenience stores are all run by Asians or Arabs. The restaurants are an 'A to Z' of the United Nations. Australia's largest 'Chinatown' is just down the road.

 

Be that as it may, I challenge you. Name me the country that is LESS racist than Australia, that is less prejudiced against minority groups, religions, women, gays. I am particularly interested in non-white countries.

 

Bad as Australia supposedly is, the 'boat people' seem to keep coming. Why? If Australia was a racist country and I was from a minority group I would not want to come here. It is irrational and illogical, like getting into car driven by a drunk.

[whoiam]

There is racism--but I don't think there is enough to worry too much about--especially in the cities. then there are prejudices---like what some aussies have for poms--cant call it racism since both are the same race--but as always all these effect people. The easiest thing if you worry about your kids is to get them into a school where they wont stick out like a sore thumb--whatever the race is. For example even if a white kid goes to a heavily multi school there is the possibility of being bullied for being white or a pom. Im not saying only to stick with your own--just make it easier for your kid--if he/she is multi racial check them into a place that is not predominantly of one race type--thats all. At the end of the day we can only do so much--they've got to live in the real world around them and develop coping mechanisms.

[MARYROSE02]

Aborigines can be nice people, just like everybody else, but under the influence of alcohol, unfortunately, THAT is a different story. Warning somebody to be careful when they go out after dark is not racist.

[Harpodom]

It is NOT racist to worry about the numbers and make up of immgrants to Australia, particularly, so called 'refugees.'

 

It is NOT racist to contact talk back radio and express those views to the likes of Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and Chris Smith. At least they are prepared to listen and broadcast your views, unlike the ABC and the Fairfax press.

 

The only way, in my view, to judge a country's level of racism (and other 'isms) is to use statistics. How many court cases involve racism? How many people are fleeing Australia to get away from racism? How many people are there in refugee camps across the world who have fled Australia?

 

The caste system in India is abhorrent. Can there be anything more loathsome than to be condemned to work as a human sewage works just because of your 'caste?'

 

Also abhorrent is the way that many countries discriminate on the grounds of religion, tribe, colour, gender, sexual preference, etc. etc. Does Australia discriminate on those grounds? Does Australia support female circumsision for example. Why or why would anyone coming to Australia want to continue that abhorrent practice?

 

I live in Sydney, Australia's largest and most multi-racial city, (although Melbourne may come close.) I also live in the inner city which is not just multi-racial, but multi cultural. Less than 100 metres from my flat, next to the Chinese laundry, and opposite the pub, is a mosque. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been fire-bombed. Worshippers have never been hassled by white Australians.

 

Less than two kilometres away is the centre of Australia's largest gay and lesbian community. How many countries, NOT governed by white people are supportive of gays and lesbians? The Church in African campaigns against them and the only safe place in the Middle East for gay and lesbians to be 'out and proud' is in, irony of ironies, Israel. (The anti-semites keep quiet about that of course.)

 

If I WAS a racist, this suburb where I live - Surry Hills - is just about the worst place to be one. The convenience stores are all run by Asians or Arabs. The restaurants are an 'A to Z' of the United Nations. Australia's largest 'Chinatown' is just down the road.

 

Be that as it may, I challenge you. Name me the country that is LESS racist than Australia, that is less prejudiced against minority groups, religions, women, gays. I am particularly interested in non-white countries.

 

Bad as Australia supposedly is, the 'boat people' seem to keep coming. Why? If Australia was a racist country and I was from a minority group I would not want to come here. It is irrational and illogical, like getting into car driven by a drunk.

So cutting through all the crap and bluster, your main point appears to be that only non white people are capable of racism, or at least that societies governed by predominantly white people are more benevolent than those governed by non whites.

 

Which is kind of racist, isnt it?

[Harpodom]

Aborigines can be nice people, just like everybody else, but under the influence of alcohol, unfortunately, THAT is a different story. Warning somebody to be careful when they go out after dark is not racist.

For sure, though if it was worded "dont go near those abos/coons/black ****s (delete as appropriate), they're subhuman/human trash", that could be construed as racist

[HLSvictory]

For sure, though if it was worded "dont go near those abos/coons/black ****s (delete as appropriate), they're subhuman/human trash", that could be construed as racist

 

Which it was - exactly that!

[Tazzamaraz]

I saw a post on Facebook last week for a Community Group in the Upper Hunter where someone was saying how disgusted they were that there was a pub with a sign outside with a map of Australia and the letters 'FOWF' inside the map. Apparently this means F**k Off We're Full, which is appalling especially as this pub is apparently situated between two Chinese restaurants.

[flag of convenience]

It is NOT racist to worry about the numbers and make up of immgrants to Australia, particularly, so called 'refugees.'

 

It is NOT racist to contact talk back radio and express those views to the likes of Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and Chris Smith. At least they are prepared to listen and broadcast your views, unlike the ABC and the Fairfax press.

 

The only way, in my view, to judge a country's level of racism (and other 'isms) is to use statistics. How many court cases involve racism? How many people are fleeing Australia to get away from racism? How many people are there in refugee camps across the world who have fled Australia?

 

The caste system in India is abhorrent. Can there be anything more loathsome than to be condemned to work as a human sewage works just because of your 'caste?'

 

Also abhorrent is the way that many countries discriminate on the grounds of religion, tribe, colour, gender, sexual preference, etc. etc. Does Australia discriminate on those grounds? Does Australia support female circumsision for example. Why or why would anyone coming to Australia want to continue that abhorrent practice?

 

I live in Sydney, Australia's largest and most multi-racial city, (although Melbourne may come close.) I also live in the inner city which is not just multi-racial, but multi cultural. Less than 100 metres from my flat, next to the Chinese laundry, and opposite the pub, is a mosque. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been fire-bombed. Worshippers have never been hassled by white Australians.

 

Less than two kilometres away is the centre of Australia's largest gay and lesbian community. How many countries, NOT governed by white people are supportive of gays and lesbians? The Church in African campaigns against them and the only safe place in the Middle East for gay and lesbians to be 'out and proud' is in, irony of ironies, Israel. (The anti-semites keep quiet about that of course.)

 

If I WAS a racist, this suburb where I live - Surry Hills - is just about the worst place to be one. The convenience stores are all run by Asians or Arabs. The restaurants are an 'A to Z' of the United Nations. Australia's largest 'Chinatown' is just down the road.

 

Be that as it may, I challenge you. Name me the country that is LESS racist than Australia, that is less prejudiced against minority groups, religions, women, gays. I am particularly interested in non-white countries.

 

Bad as Australia supposedly is, the 'boat people' seem to keep coming. Why? If Australia was a racist country and I was from a minority group I would not want to come here. It is irrational and illogical, like getting into car driven by a drunk.

 

The caste system has been illegal in India for many years. Very hard to outlaw tradition though. Ayslum seekers do not seek out Australia as a first refuge. Fact being many are barely aware of its existance in a large part of the world.

 

Australia being part of the Anglosphere as well as conducting an active immigration program will obviously be attractive as a destination along with Canada,USA and UK ....Few other countries in the world actually run an immigration policy as encouraging as Australia.

This is not necessary a guide to how racist or not the population may or may not be. There are laws to protect folk from attack or racial persecution.

 

As I wrote before Australia has not been tested since the 90s on the political front with regards to racial acceptance.....rather than barely tolerance. There is certainly a dislike of folk seeking refuge by boat. Talk back radio suggests a disquiet with a lot ...but then it can be argued a particular type call into stations.

 

Australia is still a work in progress in this area as it looks to become perhaps the world's first really EurAsian nation.

[Peccavi]

If you express your feelings and someone is offended by it, then nowadays it is classed as racism, bigoted or sexist.

 

But unfortunately if that person does not agree with you then they are not any of the above.

 

By being open and honest in expressing your feelings first then you are culpable to having the finger pointed at you.

 

The loonies are taking over the asylum.

 

Thank-you for your comments.

 

Three excellent posts!

 

This one confirms so succinctly what the other two are saying: 'It is not racism/bigotry/intolerance if I am open and honest and exercising my right of free speech.'

'If you deny me that right, you are PC/loony Left/...looney etc.

 

TheButler Post 149.

HLSVictory Post 151.

 

Thank-you.

There is little point in writing a version of what you have written; you have expressed it far better than I could.

Racism /bigotry/intolerance is in most countries. Of course no Government admits to it; but some individuals in those countries proudly DO admit to it.

 

Australia denies; Australia hides it; and in Australia it is actually quite blatant!

 

My thanks to zidden for showing how it is done.

[scotexpat]

Scotland has seen an influx of Middle eastern Men... But its the stupid women who go to turkey, Egypt and countrys as such that bring them back after falling in love for 2 weeks. Keep the relationship going via long distance then bring them over. I should know my daft mate done it, she then seperated after 3 years and the guy got half her assets and house. Now he has opened a Turkish Barbers surprise surprise!

 

there is a lot of Go go Boys in these places.

[MARYROSE02]

If you go to country towns like Walgett and Wilcannia in NSW, as soon as you see all the shutters going up in the evening and all the people roaming the streets, you know that it is not a very good idea to walk the streets after dark yourself.

 

If I saw 'drunk drivers' described as 'subhuman', I would have to agree, but is that 'racist' to describe them thus?

 

Only a very small proportion of English football fans are hooligans but we all 'get tarred with the same brush' as it were.

 

I just saw on the news that Aussie and Sri Lankan cricketers were involved in a bit of a 'stoush' after the last game. I suppose it entirely possible that one of the players, on either side, could 'lose it' and say something he later regretted, but series between Australia and the West Indies, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, are not usually tainted by allegations of racism - cheating? Certainly!

 

A year or two ago, there was a bit of a furore about Indian students being attacked here BUT they were not racist crimes and, more importantly, but not reported, was the fact that the perpetuators were NOT white Australians, an 'incovenient truth!'

[MARYROSE02]

The caste system has been illegal in India for many years. Very hard to outlaw tradition though. Ayslum seekers do not seek out Australia as a first refuge. Fact being many are barely aware of its existance in a large part of the world.

 

Australia being part of the Anglosphere as well as conducting an active immigration program will obviously be attractive as a destination along with Canada,USA and UK ....Few other countries in the world actually run an immigration policy as encouraging as Australia.

This is not necessary a guide to how racist or not the population may or may not be. There are laws to protect folk from attack or racial persecution.

 

As I wrote before Australia has not been tested since the 90s on the political front with regards to racial acceptance.....rather than barely tolerance. There is certainly a dislike of folk seeking refuge by boat. Talk back radio suggests a disquiet with a lot ...but then it can be argued a particular type call into stations.

 

Australia is still a work in progress in this area as it looks to become perhaps the world's first really EurAsian nation.

 

Ironic, isn't it that WHITE Australia encourages Asians to migrate whilst the Asian countries themselves often operate their own racist policies. See how many white people are encouraged to emigrate to Japan for example.

 

How do you 'test' a country for racial tolerance? The same way that you might 'test' it for incidence of gun crime, perhaps, with crimes involving shooting being reported almost daily now in Sydney. How many racist attacks are reported by contrast?

 

Of course the caste system is illegal but that does not stop it carrying on, especially when there is no political will to stamp it out. It takes something particularly nasty, like the recent rape and murder case in India for 'something to be done.' The difference between India and Australia is that there IS the political will to stamp these things out. Naturally, Australians are accused of being racist and 'insensitive to cultural issues' when they express outrage at the treatment of, say, women - female circumcision, honour killings, etc. etc.

[Lambethlad]

http://dotsub.com/media/b5ee5ada-5b37-4b0b-9916-e0896337ec4b/embed/eng

 

This is worth a look. It's not racist to disagree with "cultural" human rights abuse.

[MARYROSE02]

http://dotsub.com/media/b5ee5ada-5b37-4b0b-9916-e0896337ec4b/embed/eng

 

This is worth a look. It's not racist to disagree with "cultural" human rights abuse.

 

Excellent! I shall be waiting for the apologists to find fault with that!

[Peccavi]

I am reminded of a line in a Shakespeare play.....!

 

 

It is pleasing however, to see the extraordinary lengths taken to make two or more wrongs a right!

 

As for the link. What an intellectual giant!!! This man has a reputation for this, and he comes in very handy to be repeatedly and boringly trotted out as evidence of the unbridled truth!

 

We are all capable of providing any 'evidence' we can find to promote our own point of view, but providing this particular link with this particular man speaks volumes!

 

Unfortunately not for him, but for those who endorse him and offer this up as 'irrefutable evidence'!!

 

You do realise don't you what this link; this man shows?

[flag of convenience]

Who is the fellow speaking anyhow? What is his angle? He certainly has a bee in his bonnet with regards to Islam. He does cherry pick in the sense of pointing out the more extreme countries. Saudi Arabia always makes me laugh. Most Islamists would like to see the end to the ruling House of Saud regime........Iran being suffi have their own agenda.....other countries have their extremes and moderates....

 

Don't really see what this has to do with the subject at hand, besides a bit more Muslim bashing as if we haven't had enough of that ..and to what purpose?

[MARYROSE02]

Moslem bashing makes a change from white bashing and which are the 'moderate' Islamic states? You know, the ones with democratic governments, freedom of religion, assembly, speech, etc. etc. Well, there is....? I suppose you could say Israel because it IS in The Middle East, it IS a democracy, and it's OK to be gay or a woman.

[Peccavi]

Moslem bashing makes a change from white bashing and which are the 'moderate' Islamic states? You know, the ones with democratic governments, freedom of religion, assembly, speech, etc. etc. Well, there is....? I suppose you could say Israel because it IS in The Middle East, it IS a democracy, and it's OK to be gay or a woman.

 

 

.................and yet again. Anything to deflect the slightest suggestion that there could possibly be racism in Australia.

 

Should I correct that? That Australia is 'the LEAST racist country'!

 

Repetition does not magically morph into truth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

...........and on that note. I have a plane to catch and choose not to take the contraption. There are no phones or internet cafes'. Nirvana!

 

(Enough good people are here to counter the culture of non-racist racists. Please note: I am not addressing any individual).

 

______________________________

 

 

..............I have enjoyed your posts though. Thank-you for your comments.....Adieu.

[Harpodom]

http://dotsub.com/media/b5ee5ada-5b37-4b0b-9916-e0896337ec4b/embed/eng

 

This is worth a look. It's not racist to disagree with "cultural" human rights abuse.

 

bloody hell! What vile hate filled spoutings

[Paul1Perth]

What about Darwin ??! No one here seems to mention Darwin Northern Territory ! How's the racist situation there ? I am of a mixed-race dad White mom Indian, i look pretty much Indian though. I was in Melbourne for a month and i didn't face any racism, it was so multicultral infact a cute anglo Australian woman at a large pharmacy near Elizabeth street wouldn't take her eyes off me, she was so friendly and she smiled ALOT at me i felt like she was coming on to me but no sure . I also saw an adult Indian man and Anglo woman making out right outside a hotel and no one was staring or holding pitchforks about it. The only thing i noticed, unlike the united states where large groups are usually mixed of all races, in melbourne groups of people / friends seemed more of 1 race, so white ppl would group with whites, chinese with chinese etc.

 

I MIGHT be moving to Darwin with my wife soon, although i haven't decided yet (will decide soon). So i would like to know what's the Racism situation up there in Darwin appreciate any comments, thanks !

 

You might get a bit of racism aimed at you from the aborigine community if you don't give them something for their didgeridoo playing on the main street. Don't be too offended though they do it to everybody, no matter what colour.

 

To the OP the worst you might get is called a whingeing pom as the aussies will go more on your accent. I've been here 20 years and the aussie mates I have still love to repeat what I've said as if I need an interpreter. All done in the best possible taste though and for a laugh. I give as good as I get and it's fine.

 

I have a strong accent though as I'm from Derbyshire.

[Harpodom]

I am reminded of a line in a Shakespeare play.....!

 

 

It is pleasing however, to see the extraordinary lengths taken to make two or more wrongs a right!

 

As for the link. What an intellectual giant!!! This man has a reputation for this, and he comes in very handy to be repeatedly and boringly trotted out as evidence of the unbridled truth!

 

We are all capable of providing any 'evidence' we can find to promote our own point of view, but providing this particular link with this particular man speaks volumes!

 

Unfortunately not for him, but for those who endorse him and offer this up as 'irrefutable evidence'!!

 

You do realise don't you what this link; this man shows?

 

exactly, IMO anyone who holds such extreme views as this bloke cannot be trusted. Recognise him for what he is, an Islamophobe. What is his agenda?

[scotexpat]

Total crap... I've yet to find australian immigration encouraging. Aussie immigration are pro Asian full stop. If your from the UK well its an up hill climb