In Australia, racism is inextricably linked to the history of colonisation and migration.

The original inhabitants, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people, were dispossessed of their land and were discriminated against by the first British and European settlers. For some Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, the process of colonisation has been perceived as invasion. Racial discrimination has continued to influence the lives of Indigenous Australians in the two centuries following white settlement.

The migration of peoples from all parts of the world led to the increased cultural and linguistic diversity of the Australian population. Prejudice and discrimination have been directed towards many groups who arrived in Australia, in particular towards groups from language backgrounds other than English, despite the fact that many government migration schemes invited people to settle in Australia.

As Australian society has become more diverse with continuing immigration, expressions of racism in Australian popular culture have changed over time. Racist language and attitudes that were common at the end of the nineteenth century are no longer acceptable one hundred years later.

So why does racism continue to find expression in new ways, reinforced through the popular media?

Any thoughts?

Racism in Australia...does it exist?

Yes... especially in restraunts in Sydney's China Town.

Dear Oliver,

Please explain ...

Sure it exists. I've had a few on my forum, though they tend to spit the dummy for some reason. Which is a shame because they generated some interesting debate.

Historically, a major reason for the Federation of this country was not just a “feel-good exercise” but was intended as a way to keep the Chinese out. The animosity that grew during the gold rush continued for decades and there were still protests against new arrivals on the docks right up to 1900. Therefore the country was partly founded on the notion of racial difference.

Some of us may recall the treatment of post WW2 European refugees. (There might be Nazis among them, they may carry diseases, they’ll take our jobs).

Then in the seventies, they were more accepted because we have the Vietnamese boat people arriving. (There may be Communists among them, they may carry disease, they’ll take our jobs).

Then things were relatively quiet for a while.

There was a short resurgence of anti-Asian sentiment but that changed rather suddenly about six years ago.

Now even my son’s friend – a Chinese immigrant- has joined the chorus of all other groups united against Middle Eastern immigrants (There may be terrorists among them, they may carry disease, they’ll take our jobs/welfare benefits).

Meanwhile many racial groups fight among between themselves and everybody still argues about the aborigines.

Even English immigrants have to run the gauntlet of racial stereotyping. The closest cultural relatives we have - Kiwis - are still not good enough to be accepted. (Unless they are successful Rock Stars in which case we call them defacto Aussies).

In fact I can’t think of a single ethnic group that has been warmly accepted into this country, no matter what the circumstances – economic, political or humanitarian.

Given the sports-mad culture we have and the need to define everybody by what teams (or game code) they support, it’s probably not suprising.

If it isn’t racism, it must be tribalism or just an endearing entrenched national trait.

Foxy you write
'In Australia, racism is inextricably linked to the history of colonisation and migration.'

I take it you don't believe tribalism is racism. Aboriginals have discriminated against each other on the basis of tribe for long before the white man arrived. Many tribes still fail to get along. Its interesting that today most people in Australia can accept democracy with all its flaws. This includes Asian, Africans, Islanders and even Kiwis. Our indigeneous people by and large can't accept democracy because they still think tribally (ie we own the land, we are the victims, the whites are all scum,). Some portions of land in WA have up to 10 tribes having native title claims. Tribalism keeps people in bondage far more than the few racist in this country. Racism does exist in every nation. Unfortunately our indigeneous are among the worse racist people here.

Of course racism exists in Australia. I am a racist, and I exist in Australia.

Yes it exists and some of the worst racism comes from minority's against majority's.
Racism is always wrong but nearly always blind too.
I find the term invasion day offensive is it used in every Pacific Island? or every country in the world that has been invaded?
Crimes against Australian Aboriginals are no excuse for the growing racism from within that community.

YO! coooooEEEEEEE Foxyness....

You asked:

<<So why does racism continue to find expression in new ways, reinforced through the popular media?>>

Then Freediver responded:

<<I've had a few on my forum, though they tend to spit the dummy for some reason. Which is a shame because they generated some interesting debate.>>

and he kind of answered it...but just in case you missed it :)

"TO SELL PAPERS" ! The 'popular' media will not remain 'popular' long if they don't have 'fascinating/interesting/grabbing' news....so they follow and sometimes (always?) 'embellish' any conflict they find.

Then, snowball effect takes over.

RACISM ? or.. CULTURAL PRESERVATION? aah.. I think this is a more important way of analysing. The sillyness and shallowness of "They might carry disease/take our jobs/might cause problems".... is a cloak for "We rather like the cultural equalibrium we now have, where everyone understands the same language and shares the same values, and if 'that mob' becomes too many, WE will be marginalized in our own country"

To deny that this is a legitimate concern would be foolhardy.

thus endeth the sermon.

Of course racism exists in Australia - as wobbles so clearly points out, the nation was founded on it. Some, like redneck and Boazy, are perversely proud of our racist heritage.

And yes, people from marginalised minority groups often internalise the racism to which they are subjected. However, I don't see that as anything to crow about.

Racism exists in Australia as an undesirable extension of a common human trait to like things known or similar.

Racism as a problem in Australia is mostly due Australian Federal Parliament's ongoing "we know what best for you" attitude, purporting to help Australians who's rights and responsibilities they qualify on racial grounds.

Politicians and High Court Justices regularly ignored this principle, this aim of Australians at Federation for ALL Australians to be treated equally as Australians in all Australian laws, regardless of their particular ancestry (racial/ethnic/cultural).

Australian racism mostly due those supporting "Special Treatment".

Exactly the same behavior many purporting to seek compensation for, when they call for continuation of the very behavior they are seeking compensation for.

Compensation for past racist actions and resultant injustices does NOT require the practice of racism to continue.

Australia's Commonwealth Government fails to treat ALL Australians as equals in terms of rights and responsibilities.

The Commonwealth claimed no powers to pass laws to protect Australians of Aboriginal history were plain lies, for whilst Commonwealth claimed no powers it continued, continues, to segregate Australians in the NT and other parts of the Commonwealth by racial testing

Without hate there can be no love.
Variety cannot co-exist with equality
Every book has a cover.
The human mind prefers not to think like a cross reference

Morgan and others
Yeh well I dont care who calls me what!
This last week I have lived in a place that has taken over the old Aussie bush area with its local heros.
Tourists are great. Migration too BUT not when the Asians have brought out the whole city. Somebody has to stop this.
Every single shop owner and staff are from Asia.
Most do not speak bloody English!
They chase you down the road saying as best they can= You want massage you want nice chicken and bla bla.
You wave your hand NO but they keep going.
Some are OK but they BROUGHT the whole bloody city.
They have zero health standards and the Cairns Council seeem too scared to take them on.
They are really rude to Aussies unlike our usual= good ah mate attitude.
So if being PRO Australia and keeping our own heritage is racist Call me whatever you bloody well like.
This is utterly insulting to my father and grand parents. We are flooded with Asians!

The only people not permitted to be racist are the whites. Every one else is allowed to hate the rotten whites who undoubtably are the cause of all the woes of the world.
The reason why blacks kill blacks, Asians kill Asians, Muslims kill Muslims must be because of those terrible westerners.
Aboriginals would be angels if it were not for the lousy whites.
You can believe me...can't you?

I think your question has been answered here Foxy. A very clear yes!

I really don't know how other people think. I can only go by personal experience. I have lived most of my life in indigenous communities albeit all of these communities are in one area. I witness racism on all sides on a daily basis. So, yes, there is racism in Australia. For those who don't know, racism is not something peculiar to whites.
I have witnessed some very bad attitudes from non whites & I venture to state that whenever one is in a minority racism rears it's ugly head in ANY society.
Jokes are a good way to gauge others' attitude. Just go to a party & listen to all the Irish jokes. Everyone laughs. Tell one australian joke & you kill the party. Well, at least in my experience.

No,No No, You have all got it wrong! Iam not racist! I just hate everyone equally. HAHAHA.
Its evolutions fault. Nature has built into us the natural dislike we feel for one another and this is what keeps each species in its rightful order.

And guess which species has thrown all the cats in the same bag.

That's right! HUMANS.

After my first post in this thread I went to work in a country town not far away a young girl about 20 ran up shouting[ they aways shout why?] uncle Al me, stop hear what the bs have done now!
Seems oldest son ran past a blind couple and into the dog,
She was unimpressed that some one told him to be careful.
Well loudly told him to do so, while questioning his parents wedding and his IQ.
Sometimes racism is mixed up with something else, this young girl does not know the whole event should never have happened.
She knows no better than to shout every time she speaks.
Yet some will say I am racist? yet I cried with joy the day Nelson Mandela was free,the day he was made leader of his country.
Every one has some concerns that may look like racism, most are not so.
By the way oldest son has no respect for any one including his mum no education no accountability no chance in life why?
And yes had it been unlocked uncle Al would have climbed into the boot of my car rather than have that drumming shout and the growing Crowd maybe I am a coward?

Belly! You are so boring, but I loved your little speech. We all have our own thoughts, and you stand to be the most racist-ed of them all.
You are like so many, thinking without a trace of IQ. Let me give you this piece of advice. Be at Peace my friend, cause like the bible said, Quote! FOR GIVE THEM LORD! THEY NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO!

Belly, with respect, Dog spelt backward, is GOD! thanks. LOL

Hi Foxy,

I recall a Chinese restranteur complaining on Oz TV about racism. At the time, I thought of the typical staffing arrangments in China Town's restraunts, where he owned his business. Not too many Anglos there: And, I suspect, it goes beyond family businesses. I live in HK and the Outback [Australian]restraunt is manned by Chinese, no Anglo expats. Sorry, if I am off topic.

Cheers.

Hallo, Mr CJ Morgan. I am a bit confused over your logic.

If you say that "people like Redneck and Boaz are proud to be racist", are you not yourself prejudging and stereotyping racists, and then condemning all of the individuals within that group by their group associations?

And isn't that racism and bigotry?

How tolerant are you of racists, Nazis, Ku Klux Klan members, rednecks, Hells Angels, and One Nation supporters? If, (I might reasonably presume) that you are intolerent of them, then why is it "wrong" for racists to prejudge groups of people that they don't like, but "right" for the morally exquisite to prejudge groups of people which they don't like?

And please remember, that racism is not just about race. I can get hauled in front of the Inquisitors in the Anti Discrimination Board for condemning Muslims, because Islam is a belief system. So, if condemning belief systems is "racism", then how is it that your condemning of my racist belief system "not racism"?

That should get you chewing your pencil for a while.

Is there racism in Australia – you be the judge:

Example 1 – Job advertisement.
Applications are sought only from persons of a minority background.
We are told the position is covered by a special exemption to the anti-discrimination act.

Example 2 –-An Employment registration form( for a non exempt position).
"Welcome to XYZ Corp, we are an equal opportunity employer...please fill in
this application before we proceed” Oh, one initial question,
are you a member of A & B race ?

Example 3 –A public, educational institution’s course brochure.
"The fee for the course is $2000+
however, if you are a member of A or B race, no fees apply”
[ and no means test applies ]

Example 4 – Entry Permits
Special approval required to visit certain communities.

And of course, anyone who dares to challenge any of the above is immediately branded a racist.

This is getting really interesting... Thanks for all your comments.
They're all valid! I guess we can only speak from our own experiences.
And, we're all racists in one way or another - as a poster pointed out - it's a human trait.

I'm interested in the causes of racism in Australia. To me it seems that modern expressions of racism which have emerged in recent years relate to notions of nationhood which are seen as incompatible with diversity.

These racist beliefs may be expressed in various stereotyped views of who the "real" Australians are. This form of racism is based on an ideology of national culture in which minority cultures are regarded as alien and a threat to social cohesion. It consists of pervasive cultural assumptions where the customs and beliefs of the dominant group in society are presented as the norm. As a result, the status and behaviour of minority groups, particularly those who are more visibly different are defined and judged with respect to the dominant group of largely British and Celtic backgrounds.

These attitudes are widely discussed in the media where they are presented as reasonable and commonsense and reflected through media images that do not accurately portray Australia's cultural diversity.
In this way, racist idealogies are expressed and reinforced through a
process of group interaction and thereby absorbed into popular culture.

However, if we look at other developed countries we will possibly find
that these attitudes are quite common . The only way to change is for all of us to finally realize that racial prejudice is a corrosive influence attacking the most fundamental values of Australian society - our commitment to justice, egalitarianism and a "Fair Go" for all.

Foxy,
Reading these posts it is obvious to me that many have different concepts of the meaning of the term 'racist'. Therefore I think you, and others, should define what you mean by the term.

A racist is a person that believes certain traits are inherited in different races and they believe some races are superior or inferior to others. They are critical of others solely on race. I think that there are not many that believe in this.

Valid critisism of a persons conduct, a culture or religion is not racism.

I even think Redneck, who says he is a racist, maybe a little off track. He has not criticised any purely on race. At least to my knowledge. In the past he has criticised Muslims but has given reasons for doing so. If the reasons are valid, the critisism is warranted.

Anyone that has been critical of multicultural policy or high immigration has been branded as racist. This is done by opponants to scapegoat the critics and put them on the defensive. This is now changing and not before time.

We all should clearly understand the meaning of a derogatory term before using it.

I also think Boaz is correct in that the media blow it up because it sells newspapers.

Valid critisism of a persons conduct, a culture or religion is not racism.
Banjo,
you are absolutely & totally correct.

Horus,

That's an excellent challenge, but I wouldn't define your hypotheticals as racism. Racism is NOT any distinction made because of race. It is believing that one race is superior or inferior to another. Your middle two examples indicate the government thinks one race is advantaged or disadvantaged compared to another. And it therefore trying to make things easier for certain disadvantaged groups, like Indigenous people.

The first example exempts an employer from anti-discrimination laws probably because race is important. I.e. it's a new migrant centre in a Muslim community and they want to find someone middle-eastern. I don't think that's racist, any more than my Welsh mates meeting up to watch Wales play soccer together and not asking me is racist.

And yes, I'm sure you'd find it hard get an exemption to employ a white male.

Example 4 is a different kettle of fish. I don't agree with permits either, but I don't think it's racism. Again, it's attempting to deal with dysfunction and disadvantage among a particular community.

As I understand, you are a small government advocate, so it seems to me your argument is a political one. Is that right? The problem for you is not actually the exemptions to the act but the fact we have an act at all?

"And of course, anyone who dares to challenge any of the above is immediately branded a racist."

I'm sure that happens, but don't get too victim-y about it. Not all lefties are idiots. (Though some are, of course.) You and I have had a long discussion about multiculturalism in another thread where you outlined similar views and no one thought you were a racist. If you're not a racist, what do you care what others call you?

Again, not everything to do with race is racism. I've always thought that racism is believing that another group has a less rich inner life than you do.

I just read an article in the New Yorker about IQ tests that's slightly relevant. It can be found here: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2007/12/17/071217crbo_books_gladwell

Dear Banjo,

I'll try to define what I mean by "Racism." Here goes:

Racism is a global phenomenon which is influenced by a range of historical, social, political and economic factors. It takes different forms in different contexts and as a result has been defined in many different ways.

In Australia, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (1998) defines it as:

"Racism is an ideology that gives expression to myths about
other racial and ethnic groups, that devalues and renders
inferior those groups, that reflects and is perpetuated by
deeply rooted historical, social, cultural and power
inequalities in society."

Racism is the result of a complex interplay of individual attitudes, social values and institutional practices. It is expressed in the actions of individuals and institutions and is promoted in the ideology of popular culture. It changes its form in response to social change.

Racism has its roots in the belief that some people are superior because they belong to a particular race, ethnic or national group. The concept of race is a social construct, not a scientific one.

Racist attitudes and beliefs are misconceptions about people based on perceived racial lines and are often founded on the fear of difference including differences in customs, values, religion, physical appearance and ways of living and viewing the world. This includes negative attitudes towards the use of different languages,
"foreign" accents or the use of non-standard variations of a dominant community language.

Racist attitudes may be manifested in a number of ways including common expressions of racial prejudice towards and stereotyped assumptions about other cultures as well as more extreme forms of prejudice such as xenophobia. These beliefs are reinforced by prevailing social attitudes towards people who are seen as different and are often a reflection of the values which underpin social relations and institutional practices.

CONT'D

These attitudes and beliefs find expression in racist behaviours, both in the actions of individuals and in the policies and entrenched practices of institutions. Where these behaviours involve unequal power relationships between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds racist actions on the part of members of the domiant culture have the effect of marginalising those from minority groups.

Examples of racist behaviour include ridicule, racist abuse, property damage, racial harassment, racist propaganda, racial vilification, physical assault. It also includes practices that exploit or exclude members of particular groups from aspects of society. Extreme examples of racist behaviour include ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The race discrimination in Australia not only exist but it creates huge problems to many Australian.
About 32-35% of employees are victims of race discrimination, race humiliation and bulling.
The race discrimination destroys the integrity, dreams, hopes, self esteem of the victims and creates huge problems not only on the victims but also on their families and their children and grant children.
We remember how many thousand of Australian Lebanese people asked the government to move them from the South Lebanon last Year (conflict Israel-Hesbolah). These people left Australia of cause the race discrimination and race humiliation. None leave a paradise to return back in a country with so many problems.
We remember the racial riots in Sydney, This kind of extreme racial conflicts do not happened in many countries, 2-3 countries had this kind of problems world wide and cause from race discrimination and luck of opportunities to many people.
The existing law against the race discrimination is very weak and the victims of race discrimination (including me) avoid to use it. For example if you own to a bank $20.00 the bank can claim this money with in 7 years, if you have a problem in your workplace you can claim your rights with in 6 years, if you are a victim of race discrimination and cheap, dirty racists destroy your future, you have the right to claim your rights ONLY within 6 months!!
Only a very small number of the victims inform the Human Rights Commission for their victimization and they do it when it is very late. The whole system needs deep, huge changes if we want to bring justice and stop the victimization of innocent people.
When 75% of Australian people say we are racists they know what they say, but
In really I am not sure if the Federal and State Governments understand the size of the race discrimination in Australia
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

Dear Antonios,

Australian legislation relating to racial discrimination covers many aspects of racist behaviour but not all forms of racism.

While legislation guarantees racism unlawful in several contexts, legislation cannot address the underlying social issues.

Hopefully education together with stronger effective legislation will provide the best hope for developing a society free from racism.

Racism is destructive. It disempowers people by devaluing their identity. It destroys community cohesion and creates divisions in society. It is the opposite of the democratic principle of equality and the right of a people to be treated fairly.

I'm so sorry for your bad experiences. I know that with time things will improve. In the meantime don't lose heart. There are many like
you who have had bad experiences but have managed to move on - and find that although there are bad people, there are also good people -
and its the good people that are the future for your children and grandchildren. A future that will see them become a part of this
country. You'll see!

Racism is Australia? What a silly question.

Of course Australia is NOT racist, it’s pure as the driven snow, loving of all peoples, especially Aborigines and embraces everyone of different ethnic and religious beliefs.

Above all - white Australians love other white Australians the most.

There is nothing racist in that!

I think the type of racism we have in Australia is not the typical type we see in many other countries.

I think ours is more based on that one thing that makes us unique in the world - not "mateship", but the "tall poppy syndrome".

Deep down we simply hate seeing others get something that we can't have, even if it's welfare.

The basis for a lot of dislike seems to come from the notion that immigrants (and aborigines) get some sort of free handouts that the rest of us aren't entitled to.

Who hasn't at some time heard the stories of "free cars" and "free housing" and "fast-tracked welfare" for certain people while the rest of us have to work hard to support them?

Even many of those who make it good and are successful are treated with some degree of suspicion, unless they only make the average grade. Too little success or too much success stops them from being "one of us".

For example, the European and Asian cooperative family structures (plus damned hard work) allowed many immigrants to own their own houses long before their native-born neighbours, which helped perpetuate some myths of race-based criminality.

I see little difference between the hatred toward certain racial groups and our own home-grown "dole bludgers" or welfare cheats - it's just that some stand out more easily in a crowd.

Then again we also have people targetting religious groups and bashing gays but that's more a matter of individual personal defects than a widespread social one.

“Vanilla”?
“Vanilla”?
Nooo…I can’t recall having a shoot out with anyone called Vanilla–ever!
[He checks the notches on his Colt 1873 Peacemaker sidearm – finds a notch for a slain foe called ‘Botheration’]
Unless!... you’re the re-incarnation of Botheration?

1) If a govt wants to address disadvantage ( though, Noel Pearson might have some better suggestions) it does not need to grade people according to race. Simple alternative: have an across the board MEANS TEST. Disadvantage can be found in all shades of the rainbow.
2) Racism probably can be defined in a number of ways. When a govt seeks to apportion ‘rights’ and benefits on the basis of race – that is blatant racism (whatever the supposed motives) & ultimately it leads to more problems than it solves.
3) You say you have not seen any one branded a racist for challenging my four examples–stick around ( speak of the devil:one of the prime offenders just posted above- it will probably be raining insults soon)

Unfortunately, many of our most ‘educated’ think racism comes only in shades of white.

GOLLY GOSH... see what happens when I'm not around to pastor the likes of CJ? He neglects his medicationm drifts off into his little 'anti Boaz' closet and says things like"

<<Some, like redneck and Boazy, are perversely proud of our racist heritage.>>

I didn't recognize myself there CJ but... if you say so :)

You should realize old son...that when you froth at the mouth in your delerium...like that.. saying things which are patently untrue...the next time you call me a 'liar' :) people might just remember your dribble here..

I take no pride in the 'racist' aspects of our history, but I do accept it as a reality that we all, though the simple fact of being born here, have inherited.

I grieve terribly at the reports of what was done to Aboriginals at Healsville...where they were tossed from pillar to post to accomodate the white 'privilege and ambition'.... those responsible were utter scumbags. If I had my way, I'd compulsorily acquire all houses on the creeks around melbourne and offer them at special rates to Aboriginal families.. because that's where their connection is strongest to the 'land'....

The worst form of racism in contemporary Australia is that held by the Greens and Left.. who attack their own, and campaign for specific minority racial and religoius privilege, while at the same time OPPOSING the plugging of the PORN leak from the ACT in the name of "Adults should be able to read and view what they like"...no, the lowest of the low and scummiest of the scummy, are some in the Greens and Leftoids camp who will not for love or money admit that they realllllly do like the sleazier side of life while trying to maintain a 'high moral ground'...HAH! what a joke.

"The only way to change is for all of us to finally realize that racial prejudice is a corrosive influence attacking the most fundamental values of Australian society - our commitment to justice, egalitarianism and a "Fair Go" for all." - Foxy

Well said! A key would is "all". My wife and I have several friends in interrational marriages who, tell us that it is often the non-Anglo parents whom most often object to the relationship, especially leading up to the marriage, but not always ending there.

There are two parties though. Herein, people from overseas need to leave their baggage and feuds at the Aussie border.

Ah, I notice Redneck's banging the 'anti-racists are actually racists too' drum again.
As far as I can tell, the logic behind it is because you're stereotyping a self proclaimed racist who calls himself 'redneck' as having ugly racists views, you're just as bad.

I do believe, we've officially reached the zenith of the much-maligned post modernist attitude of moral relativity.

Funny, I always assumed it would be someone on the fringe left banging that drum. Instead it's the opposite, which just goes to show that academic bulldust can be appropriated by anyone with an axe to grind.

It's crap, of course, and I've no hesitation in calling it that, even though, according to redneck, this is undoubtedly indicative of some kind of dismissive prejudice against whites with certain attitudes.

Yep. It is. But I'm cool with that, just like you seem to be fine with being a racist.

And CJ simply said you're proud of being a racist. How the hell is he wrong? You specifically chimed in on this thread to say you are.

What gets up your nose is that everybody thinks that's ugly and yes, they're lumping you in the category of ignorant racist.

Tough. I'm quite happy to discriminate against you and people with your views redneck, but unlike people of certain races, you have the ability to choose your views.

Australia (like every nation) is full of ignorance and bigotry. Why would you think it's not?.

OOps. "interrational marriages" interracial of course.

Only last weekend a Chinese friend in a marriage would not allow her Anglo husband tell us what her mother said about them marrying. Likewise, I recall some years back a friend, whom I know was dating a Greek girl, well, when her grandmother happened to work into the same restraunt she [I know too] pushed him under the table.

From school yard to career to older man...Ive heard it all my life. Just mention boat people and some guys, and even sensible women, go racist. Foaming. Just mention aborigines and some foam at the mouth also. Just mention Greeks or Italians and some trip over into poor comment. Its here and has been here, and everywhere else, since God split up the races at the tower of Babel...Genesis chapter 11. Everyone thinks their race is superior...the Adolf Hitlers taking the hate to its ultimate end. Actually I read a prophecy some time ago that The Lord was planning to judge Australia because of her racism. That prophecy was one of the many that speak about an endtimes invader; and enemy soldiers on Australian soil.

Foxy,
Am glad I asked you to define what you meant by the term "racist'

From your lenghty reply it seems you are unclear about the term and confuse racism with many other unrelated matters. Your widespread definition appears to cover just about anything you want. Mind you I think many people also confuse the term with other matters.

Racism is totally to do with race. It has nothing to do with culture, customs or preferred language used. Many people of the same race have differing cultures, customs and a preferred language in their society. It has nothing to do with national groupings as a national group can be made up of different races.

In your second last para you refer to dominant cultures and minority groups. This is cultural clash as they could well be the same race, as in Iraq.

Lastly you say that ethnic clensing and genocide are extreme examples of racism. Not so, on many occasions the perpetrators are the same race as the victims.

Your reply confirms my view that many people bandy derogatory terms around when they do not understand their meanings, but use the term purely for shock value. A good dictionary would help many

Above all - white Australians love other white Australians the most.
Rainier,
ALL people prefer the company of their own. There is nothing more natural about it. Be it race or Mentality. It's only the stupid who fail to recognise that fact.

Individual... good point "All people love their own".. while I feel personally liberated from that little mental jail, Ranier appears to be still in 'solitary' :) he doesn't tweak to the fact that his anti white diatribes are as racist as the worst he points his bone at.

If he was truly not racist, he would not even see skin color.. he would simply get on with life and be the best he can be.. as all of us should.

I often reflect with amazement that with all Raniers rants about 'institutionlized white racism' he himself appears to have a fairly good position as a higher education lecturer...I just don't get the man sometimes.

Dear Banjo,

I thought that I was being quite clear in my definition of Racism.
Racism has existed throughout human history. Again, I stress that it may be defined as the hatred of one person by another - or the belief that another person is less than human because of skin colour, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.

Arguments and philosophies that argue the inborn shortcomings of certain races, especially Black, are based on a false understanding of race. In fact, contemporary scientists are not agreed on whether race is a valid way to classify people. What may seem to be significant "Racial" differences to some people - skin colour, hair, facial shape, et cetera, are not of much scientific significance.
In fact, genetic differences within a so-called race may be greater than those between races.

One philosopher writes:
"There are few genetic characteristics to be found in the population of England that are not found in similiar proportions in Zaire or in China. Those differences that most deeply affect us in our dealings with each other are not to any significant degree biologically determined."

Foxy,
Now we are getting somewhere. I totally agree with the second and third paragraphs of your latest post.

However must disagree with the first paragraph. I would use the words -a lessor human- rather than -less than human- and I say again that language, customs and place of birth have nothing whatsoever to do with racism. The factors involved are only those that suggest a perceived race.

I am no language expert, but the terms 'racist' and 'racism' are commonly misused and the meanings distorted. Sometimes unknowingly and other times deliberately by some.

Dear Banjo,

We are getting somewhere. And even though we may not agree on
everything - Thank-You for expressing your point of view.

Foxy,
Just when I thought we were making progress you remain committed to your views expressed earlier.

I respect your right to hold whatever views you desire, but if you maintain that a negative attitude towards languages other than the predominant one in a society and/or critisism of a culture/customs and/or reference to a nationality or place of birth ammounts to racism, you are clearly wrong.

Foxy- Howdy

Thanks for this thread. I have been watching it with some interest.

In my case I am fighting for meat workers to be allowed to come to Australia and work the same as all other industries.

The Government has singled out just that particular group of workers setting unreasonable conditions that nobody else must comply with.
Clearly this is to protect their grubby mates in the live animal trade like elders and AWB IMOP.


I think what Oliver is saying that when Aussies travel or immigrate to other countries they go with the interest to learn about that culture. Aussies by nature love to learn other cultures.

However many migrants do not come to our country with the same open hearts to learn and love our ways and culture as we do theirs while on their turf.


Oliver dont go to Cairns it’s been over run with Chinese.

They have quite literally brought the town street by street.

I think the only happy ones are Qantas.

They have all the shops and their own staff who mostly do not speak English. I was sad to not see any real Aussie bush characters their in my own country.

I was angry to see the clear disrespect for our health and safety food standards laws and hawking laws also.’

They literally bodily grab hold of you as you walk past insisting they give you massage or you try chicken its good.

At accommodation locations throughout Cairns not many people speak English either.

Nor do they like Aussies staying or being around what they consider their “their” private homes.

These people make no attempt to mix or be friendly.

Sure some are Ok if you didn’t object to a complete take over of your country you wouldn’t be an Aussie-

Why do we give our greatest treasure away for such a cheap tag= PR.

You can be a proud permanent resident for your life time= but not say I am an Aussie a few months after arriving here.

Its Wrong

I can understand how you feel. Seeing a way of life that you know and love being changed by things that are totally alien to you is very hard to take. Especially if the change is so vast and different from what you're used to - and you feel it lowers your standards.

My husband and I recently travelled from Melbourne to Sydney and visited my "stomping ground" of Parramatta. It was quite a shock.
And I too didn't like it at all. It looked like a "rubbish dump."
I even wrote to the local council asking them to enforce stricter regulations in their town planning and zoning restrictions - not to allow the city to be "cheapened" by the direction it was going.

The City Council has to restrict the types of business that it allows.
There should also be city inspectors that monitor activities. Otherwise people are going to move elsewhere - and cities will either die or become ghettos - as happens elsewhere in the US, UK and Europe.

Dear Banjo,

You say that I am "clearly wrong" and from your perspective, I suppose I am.

We all tend to be subjective, especially about issues that we feel rather strongly about. Also our cultures, education, and experiences influence our ways of thinking.

Until recent years, racist policies were also embedded within Australian laws and institutions. The most telling examples of these were the removal of Aboriginal children from their families and the denial of full citizenship rights to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people. Similarly, the White Australia policy aimed to restrict immigration by people from non-European backgrounds.
Historically, rises in unemployment have often led to calls for immigration restrictions and in some cases led to the scapegoating of people who were seen to be different to members of the dominant culture.

While legislation now exists to protect the rights of all citizens, there is a continuing legacy today from the effects of these racist practices. I know about what I'm talking about because I've experienced them.

So, I repeat... you are entitled to think that I'm "clearly wrong."
That's from your point of view. But from my point of view - it's what I've experienced.

We want the respect of our basic rights, as equal opportunities, respect to our personality, integrity or equal pay for equal work etc.
These are very simple things, and in theory every one accept them and they are or should be protected by law.
The racists are not more than 15% of the Australian population , most of them are extreme right, One Nation, extreme right wing from the liberal Party etc.
Most of them have low education level, are low skilled ,unskilled workers or unemployed, and they are the persons who have effected the most of cause the migrants. I understand their fillings to us because I know what means to lose my job or to be under permanent threat to lose my job because the migrants have more skills and they are ready to work more hours for less money.
Although I understand their feelings and their worries, they must understand, every one must understand that we came in Australia legally, that we come here because we knew Australia will respect our basic rights, that as Australian citizens we will have the same rights with all Australian citizens, that first and second class citizens, that first and second class employee could not exist.
Today a big part of Australians, about 43% are non Anglo Saxon, we have the politic power, the vote numbers and we could press successfully any political party or the government to protect our rights
I think the best way to solve this problem is the respect of our rights and common activities to promote our mutual benefits.
The victims of race discrimination have done everything to avoid the division from our country but if we have no other choice then we could create our political organizations to protect our basic rights politically.
I think the ALP will be friendly to our rights and we will avoid any racial conflict.
The Howard nationalist government moved backward the relations in our society and during his government we had an increase number of race victimization.

Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

Dear Antonios,

It is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national descent, ethnic or ethno-religious background. Australian laws make it illegal for people to engage in racist activity, to encourage, incite or permit racist acts to occur. However while legislation makes racism unlawful, it cannot address the underlying social issues.
It cannot make people follow the rules.

Only through education (together with effective legislation) is our best hope for developing a society free from racism.

But I'm not sure that this will happen in our lifetime. My hope lies with our children and grandchildren - who hopefully will be free of our baggage and prejudices (and all of us have those - as you know).

ASymeonakis said

Today a big part of Australians, about 43% are non Anglo Saxon, we have the politic power, the vote numbers and we could press successfully any political party or the government to protect our rights.
Reply
I don’t know who we are? But let me ask you If Aussies swamped wherever and which ever country you came from not respecting the laws- then on top of it making clear threads stating we had political powers to change your laws -I would suggest we wouldn’t get very far would we?

Nor would we get legal aid welfare dental Drs for free would we?.
I encountered this same attitude in Cairns.

When we pointed out to these Chinese that they couldn’t sell food in the manner they were.-

They couldn’t because it broke every health safety guideline that we all have to follow.

This is while physically grabbing your arm and insisting you try, you taste, you like, the food chicken etc and on and on...

We don’t live like that. "Especially in a country town".

Also they are not employing any of the local aboriginal people or locals.

Oh no they bring their own over who BTW can not speak English most times.

They were not talking either but shouting right in your face.

Do you know what they said? Oh No we don’t worry for these things- “your laws”! We do like this--- We do different. We do our way.

Our way is poisoning the town because of their low health standards.

When we rang the council health inspector he was enormously hard to understand because of his accent.

BTW they owned EVERY single shop there.

Plus they were dirty and rude in the accommodation houses. We stayed in three.
Then we asked them to stop physically grabbing us. It was really annoying and again it’s quite illegal in several ways.

Eventually we told them that hawking was illegal here – even food.

The same thing- Oh no worry we no worry for this.

Australians have the right to keep our culture, heritage, health standards.!

Dear PALE&IF,

I'm so sorry that you've had such bad experiences. Of course it must be frustrating to see the town standards disintegrating. But you have to take active action. It would be a shame that our beautiful tourist
destinations would lose their charm.

If the City Council does not take responsibility, organise a citizen's group, go to the next Council Meeting with petitions, demanding action or replacement of Council.

Only group action will achieve anything. Organise a boycott of the problem shopping areas and maybe they will either be forced to comply with higher standards or move out.

Foxy
Thanks for understanding we were genuinely upset by what we saw.

We are not racist but we are Pro Australian. See us here working with Muslim Heads of Australia and overseas.
http://www.halakindmeats.com/

Actually some of the shop owners at the airport asked us to try and do something but we are fifteen hundred miles away and anyway its not that much different here.

They think they own the council because they have brought the place out pretty much.

It wouldn’t matter if they boycotted the shopping center because most of the tourists are Asian anyway.

It wouldn’t affect them at all. Half the council people you have trouble understanding with broken English too.

I have threatened to send a current affair and they reckon they are going to write the shop owners outlining the food standards.

These people 'as you see above" think they can just breed us out and vote us out and change laws in parliament to bring down our standards.

Well Hey Sunshine you’re not taking my families culture and heritage from us.

You’re welcome if you respect our laws our ways speak English and want tO be an Aussie.

You only think you have it all worked out sunshine.

Australians are hard to upset and would give the shirt off their backs most times to help the less fortunate.

I wouldn’t on the other hand start trying to take the shirts off their back because you may get a shock.

We have already shown you respect as a fellow humane being by allowing you to live in OUR wonderful country.

In return we expect utter loyalty to our laws and this country.

Put whoever you like in Parliament Sunshine to vote for whatever.

Haven’t you noticed how little interest real Aussies take off parliament?

You have to earn our respect by being Aussies.

It was the Chinese up there that were SO RUDE to us Aussies in our own country!

The various anti-Asian rants above by the current spokesperson for People Against Live Exports, non-Anglos and Intensive Farming indicate that, not only is racism alive and well in Australia, but also that some organisations aren't worried about being perceived as bunches of racist nutters.

runner,

Kin altruism and familialism are certainly tribal traits, which would have existed two hundred plus years ago and reminants arelikely to carried over until modern times.

Likewise, tribes in the Middle East in Old Testiment times acted just this way. Furthert, feuding families from oveseas too often don't leave their grudges back in the Old Country.

How ironic that on 'Australia day' the biggest topic is 'racism'. Before the advent of the idiotic multi culture, racism rarely raised it's ugly head. It was a non topic but now the Aussies must appease newcomers or be labelled racist.It is a load of bull.
Happy Australia Day. We are the best.

G'Day mickijo,

Happy Australia Day to you too! It's great that you think "We're the
Best." But as I said previously, we can be even better if we all
realize that Racial prejudice is a corrosive influence attacking the most fundamental values of Australian society - our commitment to justice, egalitarianism and a 'Fair go' for all.

If we all try harder - then Australia can really become the "Lucky
Country" not just for you and me, but for all of us...

A kind word and a nice gesture doesn't cost much but it can mean a
great deal. And its good for your "insides" as well. Whereas meanness
and hatred will eat you up ... think about it - it's your choice.

Happy Australia Day to Everyone!

Foxy,
When I say you are 'clearly wrong' it is not just from my perspective but the defined meaning of the word 'racist' and 'racism'. Look up any english dictionary and you will not find any reference to 'language','culture/customs'or 'place of birth' in the meanings.

By your definition, those that object to the customary hunting of whales are all racist, those that objected to the hunting of baby harp seals, by the indigenous Eskimos were racist, likewise those that objested to fox hunting. Would those that critisize FGM, suppression of females, arranged forced marriages, bull fighting officials coruption and honour killings be racist? Are those that find nativity scenes at Xmas or scantily clad people at beaches offensive racist? What about those that critisize our cultural activities of binge drinking or rodeo events are they racist? By your reckoning all the critics shown above would be racist.

Like most, I do not see any of the critics above as racist. You may not like critisism of some aspects of some cultures but that does not mean you are correct to label such critics as racist.

Please look up the meaning of the words.

Dear Banjo,

I'm not going to argue with you. I gave you the definition of racism as defined by The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in Australia (1998). If it makes you happy stick with your dictionary definition by all means...

Cheers.

While some years before the victims of race discrimination was only non Anglo Saxon, now we can find victims from any race, even from Anglo Saxon I am sure if we do not control this problem now , in the future Australia will have huge problems.
You have right to be angry with them if they are not employing any of the local aboriginal people or locals. We (non Anglo Saxon ) have the same problems from the other site!! One time I said the manager in my workplace that they destroyed our (migrants) lives, (no training, not any kind of opportunities) and if they continue to employee only Anglo Saxon they will destroy our children too.
Slowly, slowly the Company change policy, the things are getting better but I had to fight with many ways, (HRC, Union, Publishing) and of cause the cost for me of cause the race discrimination was very high.
Every one must understand that none can accept his/her victimization.The victims will fight for their rights,( any victims in any part of the world, sooner or later, with one or the other way). They will retaliate when they found the right time!!.
This happened in many parts of the world and will continue to happen The question is if we are enough mature, enough responsible to avoid the big, very big problems of racial conflicts.
I believe the ALP government will handle this problem much better than Howard's government.
We live in a democratic country and if necessary we could create our own organizations to protect our BASIC rights.
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaid

Dear Antonios,

Social justice is what faces you in the morning. It is waking up in a house with adequate water supply, cooking facilities and sanitation. It is the ability to nourish your children and send them to school where their education not only equips them for employment but reinforces their knowledge and understanding of their cultural inheritance. It is the prospect of genuine employment and good health: a life of choices and opportunity, free from discrimination.

Social justice means being entitled to the same rights and services as all other citizens.

And who can blame you for wanting that...

A very strong factor of the social injustice is the race discrimination.
When we have in a work places many migrants first or second generation, from different countries, different ages, different education and English language level, men or women who have the same problems, lack of opportunities, no training,, when they are low wage, bulling, when many migrants leave their job crying, then we have clearly race discrimination and what any cheap, dirty racist says is not simple a lie but a strong indicator how big, how deep is the problem of race discrimination and how much the migrants must fight to protect their basic rights.
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

Antonios
just wondering if you could give us an example of something that is happening right now that should be fixed.

As for work place its the migrants who dont mind to work and work hard while Aussie kids head for the beach and welfare in large majorities.
Sothe migrants kids could sure teach many of ours some things as well.
Most of the migrants kids can also show ours how to show love and respect to parents.
After saying that I am totally and utterly discusted that our kids do not say the lordsprayer because they may offend migrant kids anymore.
Thats one example. I am going off my tree here in case you didnt notice that Cairns is over run with Chinese that are so dam rude to us Aussiues I just want to CTLSOOT.[ Dont as]
So would you agree its racist to chase us Aussies out of our own Country.?

Would you? Or is that ok as far as you feel?