Skani Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I've lived here in Sydney for 35 years and I've never, ever seen a 'Fit in or F* off' sticker anywhere. Maybe it's a bogan Perth thing? I've never seen one either in my last 35 years in Tasmania. I've wondered the same about the Perth connection.:laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearlythere1 Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 "Fit in or F**k off".. It has a point though.. I've always complained about people turning up in the UK and expecting everything to be changed to the way it is where they came from (except colder and wetter obviously).. I certainly don't expect Australia to change just because I turn up on the doorstep.. Be interested to know where it originates though, why so many people feel the need to advertise it on their car bumpers.. :err: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I thought Harpo invented it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 "Fit in or F**k off".. It has a point though.. I've always complained about people turning up in the UK and expecting everything to be changed to the way it is where they came from (except colder and wetter obviously).. I certainly don't expect Australia to change just because I turn up on the doorstep.. Be interested to know where it originates though, why so many people feel the need to advertise it on their car bumpers.. :err: I don't see any point besides making those of obvious difference uncomfortable and making a personal obnoxious statement to the world of one's red neck, bogan, anti immigrant and possibly more sinister motives. Little to do with the migrant and everything to do with the owner. Saying that have seen but a handful in Perth. And at least one in country WA along with the Don't Mess With The Boys From The West sticker, which again was sort of suggestive of the mental make up of the driver, I would suggest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearlythere1 Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I don't see any point besides making those of obvious difference uncomfortable and making a personal obnoxious statement to the world of one's red neck, bogan, anti immigrant and possibly more sinister motives. Little to do with the migrant and everything to do with the owner. Saying that have seen but a handful in Perth. And at least one in country WA along with the Don't Mess With The Boys From The West sticker, which again was sort of suggestive of the mental make up of the driver, I would suggest Doesn't make me feel uncomfortable.. Each to their own, as they say.. :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Usually alongside the DILLIGAF sticker too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 My personal opinion based on 5 years in Perth only is that Australian's are far less reserved in expressing their views on migrants than in the UK. You will see 'Fit in or F-k off' stickers everywhere. I've lived in Sydney for nearly 30 years and have travelled fairly widely up and down the coast, and I've never even heard of that sticker! it just goes to highlight what I always say - we tend to forget how different the various parts of Australia are, because it's all the same language. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I have never seen one of the "Fit in......" stickers, but I have seen plenty of "Grow your own dope. Plant a Pom" stickers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oppyddrum Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I have seen the "fit in or fk off" stickers... i have also seen "speak english or go home". I live in Newcastle NSW. lol. To the OP's question, i don't think there is a yes or no answer for you mate. I am of African Descent, Black. I have lived in Melbourne and Newcastle. I have seen racism, but not more than i experienced when i lived in the midwest of the United States. It has always been subtle though and so i have had the luck of not having to deal with blatant racism. I have talked to other people who have experienced more blatant forms of racism. It is very subjective and one person's experiences almost always differ from the other. My parents (more "african" than myself lol) lived in Karratha and now Perth and folks in Karratha were exceptionally friendly and they never had a complaint; they had loads of friends and people were always coming and going from their house... everyone was just a person you know? I know a few Indians and Africans who live in really small towns and are largely full of praise for the people. It is also possible that their significance in those societies (small town doctors) might add a bit of respect to how they are treated in those towns. I can go on about examples of good and bad but my point is Australia is not more or less racist than any other country in the world. Like a lot of people already said, they are one of the least PC people i have ever been amongst, so where an American or British person might think it and just not say it cos it's not PC, an Aussie is likely to say it regardless. My advise to you, you already stand out in a crowd just by appearance, migrants tend to form stronger bonds with each other and stay within themselves... don't do that. Expand your horizon, your network, world view. I always say, if you only want to live amongst, say for instance, Nigerians, then live in Nigeria... if you only want to live amongst Indians, then live IN India. If you come to live in Australia (or any other country for that matter), you should try to assimilate, make friends with the people of your new country of residence, learn the local vocabulary, enjoy some of the "culture", you are at an advantage cos you get a hybrid (and probably more robust) culture. it makes for a better experience for you, and you become part of the people (which does not make you less Indian). However, if you stand to the side and ignore the locals, they will notice you standing over there and they will have opinions about you that might have been different if they got to know you. All the above said, there are just some people though who can not be fixed, they are just racist and that is unfortunate. you might have the misfortune of meeting one of those people. Just deal with it on an individual basis. Not all (aussie)people are racist and i tend to assume everyone is sensible until they act like fools, then they go in the fools' corner. N.B. I am Aussie and if you met me somewhere random, you will see how nice and cool "we" aussies can be regardless of the diverse backgrounds. hahahaha P.S. I have been attacked by a random drunk at southern cross station in Melbourne. He really went all out, but not one word about my skin color or racial characteristics. Scary at the moment, but i actually smiled at the fact that even some liquor did not make that guy say anything racist... what a stand-up guy. lol (he was upset because he asked me to make sure i use sunscreen and i said "no, thanks" lmao, racist? i just thought he was a nice guy concerned for me not to get skin cancer. :smile:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I have seen the "fit in or fk off" stickers... i have also seen "speak english or go home". I live in Newcastle NSW. lol. To the OP's question, i don't think there is a yes or no answer for you mate. I am of African Descent, Black. I have lived in Melbourne and Newcastle. I have seen racism, but not more than i experienced when i lived in the midwest of the United States. It has always been subtle though and so i have had the luck of not having to deal with blatant racism. I have talked to other people who have experienced more blatant forms of racism. It is very subjective and one person's experiences almost always differ from the other. My parents (more "african" than myself lol) lived in Karratha and now Perth and folks in Karratha were exceptionally friendly and they never had a complaint; they had loads of friends and people were always coming and going from their house... everyone was just a person you know? I know a few Indians and Africans who live in really small towns and are largely full of praise for the people. It is also possible that their significance in those societies (small town doctors) might add a bit of respect to how they are treated in those towns. I can go on about examples of good and bad but my point is Australia is not more or less racist than any other country in the world. Like a lot of people already said, they are one of the least PC people i have ever been amongst, so where an American or British person might think it and just not say it cos it's not PC, an Aussie is likely to say it regardless. My advise to you, you already stand out in a crowd just by appearance, migrants tend to form stronger bonds with each other and stay within themselves... don't do that. Expand your horizon, your network, world view. I always say, if you only want to live amongst, say for instance, Nigerians, then live in Nigeria... if you only want to live amongst Indians, then live IN India. If you come to live in Australia (or any other country for that matter), you should try to assimilate, make friends with the people of your new country of residence, learn the local vocabulary, enjoy some of the "culture", you are at an advantage cos you get a hybrid (and probably more robust) culture. it makes for a better experience for you, and you become part of the people (which does not make you less Indian). However, if you stand to the side and ignore the locals, they will notice you standing over there and they will have opinions about you that might have been different if they got to know you. All the above said, there are just some people though who can not be fixed, they are just racist and that is unfortunate. you might have the misfortune of meeting one of those people. Just deal with it on an individual basis. Not all (aussie)people are racist and i tend to assume everyone is sensible until they act like fools, then they go in the fools' corner. N.B. I am Aussie and if you met me somewhere random, you will see how nice and cool "we" aussies can be regardless of the diverse backgrounds. hahahaha P.S. I have been attacked by a random drunk at southern cross station in Melbourne. He really went all out, but not one word about my skin color or racial characteristics. Scary at the moment, but i actually smiled at the fact that even some liquor did not make that guy say anything racist... what a stand-up guy. lol (he was upset because he asked me to make sure i use sunscreen and i said "no, thanks" lmao, racist? i just thought he was a nice guy concerned for me not to get skin cancer. :smile:) Stop talking sense will ya cobber. :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 When I was up in Queensland, the old 'Fit In or F$ck Off' bumper sticker seemed to be all the rage, along with 'If You Don't Love It, Leave.' I still see the odd one in Melbourne, but they're rarer. Down here it tends to be 'Victoria - The Place To Be,' or 'Caution - Smug People On Board.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 When I was up in Queensland, the old 'Fit In or F$ck Off' bumper sticker seemed to be all the rage, along with 'If You Don't Love It, Leave.' I still see the odd one in Melbourne, but they're rarer. Down here it tends to be 'Victoria - The Place To Be,' or 'Caution - Smug People On Board.' Bunch of rednecks up there EW. LOL They call us folks from the southern states Mexicans. (South of the border). :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Bunch of rednecks up there EW. LOL They call us folks from the southern states Mexicans. (South of the border). :wink: Ah em, excuse me Mr Mexican, I can barely remember seeing one and I live in Brisbane :tongue::wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 My personal opinion based on 5 years in Perth only is that Australian's are far less reserved in expressing their views on migrants than in the UK. You will see 'Fit in or F-k off' stickers everywhere. Yes, that same mindset exists in the UK but rarely amongst the educated middle classes and that is the difference that I found and I was rather shocked. I am white anglo-saxon so it is difficult to really know what it would feel like to be an Indian in Australia, I did sponsor an ex-colleague of mine from the UK (because he was exceptionally good at his job and I needed those skills in my team!) who was from Pakistan although had lived in Scotland most of his life, he adjusted well but his wife, who had spent much more of her life in Pakistan did struggle at first. She found it hard to find employment and found the brashness of Australian culture hard to stomach (though to be honest so did I), they were teetotal and so much of Australian socialising is focussed on drinking. Whereas he was happy to join us in the pub after work and drink soft drinks, she wouldn't be in situations where there was alcohol. They moved to an area of Perth where there were a higher number of people from their culture and as far as I know are very settled - they are still there, we aren't I couldn't fit in so I f-ked off I think you do have to understand the culture is different and as a migrant to an extent you have to accept that culture - you can't take the good without accepting the bad. Complaining about aspects of the culture is frowned upon if you are a migrant, and I found that very difficult, I am used to being a political activist and I remember being told that I had no right to complain as 'this is the Australian way', yet most of my Australian friends were petitioning, demonstrating etc. too! I do not think though based on my experience that you are any more at risk of discrimination or hate crimes than you would be for example in the UK. Certainly growing up with a best friend from Pakistan opened my eyes to the abuse that goes on in the UK even if it isn't so obvious to the masses as it is in Australia. I think that's a bit over the top to say you see the stickers everywhere. I had been here years, heard about them (mostly on this forum tbh) and realised I hadn't seen one. I then took an interest in having a look at stickers on the back of ute's. I've maybe seen 3 in 23 years and compared to some of the stickers that are legal fit in or f*** off would be pretty light on. The UK educated middle classes are just as racist as anyone, in fact I think more so than most. They don't want a bunch of foreigners upsetting their England. It's just that they aren't going to voice their opinions in public or to virtual strangers like Aussies will. Go to a dinner party with some of those educated middle class and if the conversation turned to immigration and ethnic minorities then you might get to know what they really think. After a few wines especially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Usually alongside the DILLIGAF sticker too Another one I've not come across LR. What's it stand for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 When I was up in Queensland, the old 'Fit In or F$ck Off' bumper sticker seemed to be all the rage, along with 'If You Don't Love It, Leave.' I still see the odd one in Melbourne, but they're rarer. Down here it tends to be 'Victoria - The Place To Be,' or 'Caution - Smug People On Board.' They aim that one at anyone who doesn't love Queensland don't they Endless. They would rather have an Indian who loved Queensland as a mate, rather than another Aussie who said any other state was better.:wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tina0101 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Do I look like I give a f**k seen it loads in the UK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srg73 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Long thread which I dangerously only read part of however I assume the original author is from India, if not then I stand to be corrected. Anyway the only time I have really been shocked by pure hate was in India and the awful cast system which limits peoples abilities by the tone of their skin. We made friends with a driver when there the first time and invited him to come wild tiger spotting on elephant back. We were told absolutely not, this is not allowed as he is a driver. Such a shame as he always wanted to spot tigers and despite being in his 30's had never seen one. To compensate we gave him a tip in front of the guide who said absolutely not of circa 1500 rupee or approximately $25 ie 3 months wages! Hit us very hard. S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 They aim that one at anyone who doesn't love Queensland don't they Endless. They would rather have an Indian who loved Queensland as a mate, rather than another Aussie who said any other state was better.:wink: :biglaugh: Yeah, right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthurPendragon Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Not at all. Just illegal would be immigrants.If a Tamil came by the correct channels they are as welcome as anyone else. So a random Aussie on the street knows if a random brown person is illegal or legal? And would a random illegal who is of the same colour as majority of Aussies be treated differently? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthurPendragon Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Long thread which I dangerously only read part of however I assume the original author is from India, if not then I stand to be corrected. Anyway the only time I have really been shocked by pure hate was in India and the awful cast system which limits peoples abilities by the tone of their skin. We made friends with a driver when there the first time and invited him to come wild tiger spotting on elephant back. We were told absolutely not, this is not allowed as he is a driver. Such a shame as he always wanted to spot tigers and despite being in his 30's had never seen one. To compensate we gave him a tip in front of the guide who said absolutely not of circa 1500 rupee or approximately $25 ie 3 months wages! Hit us very hard. S So you want the rest of the world not to judge your country by a few incidents, but have no qualms about judging a billion people based on one incident? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthurPendragon Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Hey guys, Just a quick question- Is australia really a racist country? FYI:- I have been to australia many times and whenever i walk on aussie streets, i always get some racist vibes. Whenever i read their newspapers, there's always a column of racist attacks.I have been to uk,us and canada as well but i never felt racism there or maybe i was just lucky.Im moving to aus next month, so i would really like to know if im making the right decision? Dear OP, As with all nations in this world, there are good people and bad people. Be good to good persons and ignore and give back to the bad people. Australia is not Uganda under Idi Amin, and there are laws in place to handle anything that goes out of hand. Australia is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world, so any snobbery is not tolerated. You will have to treat a person with respect, irrespective of whether they are a CEO, Taxi driver or a tradie. And being a liberal democracy with equal rights for everyone, you too are free to give back if anyone verbally abuses you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celt Down Under Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Ah em, excuse me Mr Mexican, I can barely remember seeing one and I live in Brisbane :tongue::wink: Ahhhh fish, that is why you never see us Mexicans. We tend to keep a low profile when in redneck country. Afraid incase the sheriff comes along and chucks us in jail. :jiggy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardcoull Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 Thank you for sharing ur experiences guys! I think after few years of stay in Australia, ill get used to the racist vibes and will also find good lads to make me feel comfortable and become a reason for me to stay in Australia. Once again, thank you for ur kind and positive advices! rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srg73 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 So you want the rest of the world not to judge your country by a few incidents, but have no qualms about judging a billion people based on one incident? Maybe do your research into the 'cast system' prior to making comment. I would NEVER post a comment like that without knowing that the system exists and having experienced it on the 3 times travelling through India. I genuinely do not care if people are red, white green or blue, I simply ask people treat me in the same manner that I treat them....with respect. S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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