Foxy

I didn't say "there are always two sides to each coin". I was discussing that hate and fear are two sides of the same coin. Distinct difference.

"I fully understand what you're saying about fear/phobias.
I don't disagree with you. I simply think in broader terms.
Is all."

I did believe I was discussing the subject in broad terms. I was not focusing on the specific issue of Antonius' workplace, he may well have been a target of racism, however he was still being bullied. Nor would I suggest what he should or should do in his situation, being hypoglycemic, I have to have meal breaks at reasonable times. Now I don't know and neither do you, whether Antonius had been able to take reasonable breaks, just because the boss chooses not to doesn't mean that Antonius has to as well. Manipulating rest breaks, rosters and shift hours is another bullying tactic.

Also I am aware of what the word prejudice means. But thanks for the definition anyway.

You mentioned the theory that the authoritarian type personality may be more prone to prejudice and I agree that this is likely. People who see themselves as superior no doubt carry an entire swathe of prejudices with them.

Finally I admit I'm not really quite sure what point you are trying to make here, Foxy.

Are you saying that prejudice is instinctive? Like Maxi claims xenophobia is? If so, I disagree. I believe that prejudice is learned behaviour, and, as such may be unlearned. We are born with the capacity for hate and fear as survival mechanisms it is how we are raised whether these emotions turn into racial prejudice and its brethren, intolerance.

Dear Fractelle,

The point that I've been trying to make all along
is that many prejudiced people have a distinctive
set of traits, including conformity, intolerance,
and insecurity. They see the world in very rigid
and stereotyped terms.

I don't understand why we're arguing. I agree with
you - these are learned traits - which may be passed
from generation to generation. Many children learn
prejudice from their parents and teachers.

As far as Antonios is concerned - you're right I
shouldn't have judged him by what I would have done
in his circumstances - after all none of us really
know the exact circumstances. I was merely going on
what he said in his post - and I got the impression
that he seemed more concerned with his rights at work,
then with the actual work itself. But as you rightly
point out - there could be mitigating circumstances
involved.

“It is near impossible to change workplace culture unless it starts at the top. Some reading for you:”

Hey Fractelle thank you for the link. Do you know what occurred to me reading all the stuff about being bullied... I think I have been. It wasn’t nice admitting to being a victim in this. I knew a punishment was in place but even with that I felt angry that it affected children who I considered the victims. Now I feel sorry for myself but perhaps I should have all along. Thank you.

But I volunteer so not even the inadequate steps that employees may have available to them can help. And with that thought I am back to being angry again which is a more comfortable place for me.

You and Foxy… I think I have confused some stuff and you two have a better understanding. Is being prejudiced the same as being racist? Is being narrow minded the same thing as calling someone insular? Is intolerant just an impatient person or someone who in general doesn’t tolerate anything outside what they know or who they are?

Does this describe you average Australian and by Australian in relation to this thread does that mean all residents of this country?

Yes I know I should have asked these things before even saying anything before.[smile]

Peter the Believer,
<<Menzies joke about two wongs don’t make a white>>
A Liberal leader would never make such a racist statement.
It was in fact Arthur Calwell, Labor Immigration Minister from 1945 to 1949 and leader of the Australian Labor Party from 1960 to 1967.

Jewely,
"Antonius' fear of losing his job is what gives the bullies their power over him" YOU HAVE RIGHT!
But I am about 60 and it is imposible to find new job, plus the financial crisis, before as sole parent I did not have the right to risk my children's future.
When I had to be brave I was brave and I did it many times for workers rights. When you are involved in the union you can not spaek or promote your personal benefits, it is easy to fight for others benefits but not for yours, I do not like any one to say that I use the union for my own benefits. Do you understand?
Migrants, sole parents, aged people are in difficult position, they do not have any power for any negosation, especialy in a financial crisis. I was migrant, sole parent, aged plus I try to build my own business.
It is employer's obligations to respect their employees rights, it is their responsibilities to promote the equal opportunities for all their employees and not block migrants from any opportunity.
I discussed many times with union organizer about migrant's conditions in other places. He said me my workplace was a palace comparing with the other places, I have believed him I heard bad stories for other places. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THE MIGRANTS!
My question is not in comparison with other employers BUT in comparison with employees fron the privilaged race.
ALL OF THEM HAD CHANGES TO IMPROVED THEIR POSITION, AND THEY DID IT, EXEPT FROM ME!
THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT MIGRANTS DO NOT HAVE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THEIR POSITION IN WORKPLACES.
The EQUAL opportunities is the biggest lie I ever heard in Australia.
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

Jewely,
I believe that migrant';s conditions will be improved in Australia.

2. The synthesis of Australian population does not allow racial games. The authorities have no other choice than to protect basic migrant's rights as equal opportunities. The biggest problem for migrants is the lack of equal opportunities in workplaces.
2. The Union Movement will have huge problems if it does not stay by the migrants, from one point and after they will show real interest for migrant's rights.
3. My real messege is very simple. MIGRANTS HAVE A PROBLEM IN WORKPLACES, DO NOT ALLOW TO BUILD UP IT BECAUSE THEN WE WILL HAVE A REAL, BIG PROBLEM!
Jewely,
If there is problem with migrants then an "unusual event " convert it to a political problem which needs urgent solution.
4. I hope migrants to start to claim their rights, to realize their political power, if it happens then our conditions will become better.
Today I watched a demonstration og Indian studens, this is a good sign because remind the authorities for the real conditions. THE RELATIONS BETWEEN VARIOUS RACES ALWAYS ARE IS VERY FRAGILE!
5. They knew that I was a union officer overseas but the ignore my basic rights.Unionists or politicians use the same way to promote their goals. They convert a problem, to a social problem, (as migrant's problem) etc. to a political problem. With this way unionists or politicians put in the "batle" more and more people.
6. No one will listen or respect me if back of me there are not many voters! It is the power, the balamce of power which makes the changes and not their respect. If I will be strong they will listen to me if I am weak they will ignore me and violate my basic rights as they did until now. Do you understand me what I am saying?
Do not worry, I know when to stop!
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide