Help me out here folks.  There are 3 levels of racism:

1) governmental (state-sponsored) - such as that supported by Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia etc.
2) cultural
3) individual

Racism on an individual level will always exist to some degree everywhere, however cultural racism can be eradicated.

I'm an Aussie of Asian descent who now lives in Canada.  In Canada there is no cultural racism, however in Australia it is very much alive even though there is no governmental racism.

If you want proof of this, simply perform a google image search on "Canadian television advertisement" versus "Australian television advertisement".  In the first page of results, you'll see minority groups in the Canadian search, but you will only find white people after looking through 20 pages in the Aussie search.

Culturally, Australians of all colour see "Australian" as meaning "White Australian".  When I was back in Australia last year, I didn't see one advertisement or billboard that featured a minority - why?  Because minorities don't count in Australia, and they're subconsciously viewed as not true-blue Aussies, even though on an individual level many white Australians are decent and accepting.

Anyway, the reason why I'm saying all this is because whenever I point out that really obvious 2 inch mole on the face, I find "Australians of Asian Descent" (AADs) feeling offended, often saying "this is the place I've chosen to make my home", "you've got to accept the good with the bad" blah blah.

Recently this came about when I read a blog from an AAD (recently naturalized, unlike me who actually grew up in a hyper-racist Australian backwater town) showcasing Brisbane:

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/gallery/0,23816,5035183-17382,00.html

I commented: "how come you only ever see white people in these pictures about Australia.  There's 64 pics on that site!  Nice pics otherwise".

She replied to someone else's reply with something aimed at me, basically saying what I just said AADs always seem to reply with: "I've chosen to make this my home blah blah".

Which finally gets to the point of my post: why is it that Asian Australians like to live in blissful ignorance of the cultural racism in Australia?  I'm quite miffed about this.  I feel that apartheid doesn't exist in South Africa because people spoke up in SA and around the world about the racism.  Racism will never go away in Australia until Australians admit there is a problem.  I think Australians are good people, it's just think that there hasn't been any grassroots movement to fight for the cultural rights of minority Australians.  Australians (both white and minority) call non-white Australians "Chinese" or "Indian" or "Arab" or "African", but they call "white Australians" simply "Australians".  A German first generation immigrant with an Aussie accent will be called an "Australian", but a third generation AAD will be called "Chinese".  This must stop, and I truly believe that if enough people spoke up about it (just like the gay movement in N.America), people's attitudes will change.  All it takes is enough people to speak up!

I don't expect white Australians to do it, but I certainly as heck expect AADs to stand up for themselves, and it frustrates me to no end how gutless AADs generally are.  If this is the first time you've heard this sort of tirade from an AAD, then that proves my point.

If you are a white Australian, I would appreciate you simply spreading the word.  Just ask your friends: why aren't there minorities portrayed in the media?  Why don't we have more minorities in major roles on TV shows?  I think if enough people talked about it, things will change.  I live for a world where people will "see" people for their culture, not their colour.  It doesn't matter where people come from, it's what people identify with that matters.

If you are a minority Australian - have zero tolerance for racism of ANY degree.  Me as an Aussie fighting for minority Australians can only do so much if minority Aussies living in Australia do nothing for themselves.

Well I understand where you are coming from, but I do not agree totally with your point.
Sure we have racists, but probably less than many other countries, and probably less cultural racism than most asian countries.
Racism is learned, so I appreciate why the cultural image we portray should be broad enough, to not be a source of racist blueprinting, and many non-white faces are seen across the media these days.

It can get silly sometimes, with ads with mixing in the token ethnic groups to look PC.

We are a predominantly white nation, and to pretend anything else is unrealistic.

I fear that political correctness if too strictly defined, attempts to go the way of cultural shame, by apportioning mass guilt, for unspecified crimes of not promoting every race, in every scenario.

If we go that way, we see a lot of photoshopped images, with Asian eyes, and aboriginal smiles, and middle eastern hands, and southern european feet,superimposed onto our multicultural images.

It would be silly.

All they have to do is keep it real, if there are asians in the shot, fine, if there are not, fine.

Fakir, what you describe as cultural racism may be actually a blessing in disguise for Asian Australians.
To see it for yourself google images for "obesity Australia". On page 1 no asian faces at all and on page 2 they show an obese mice, which is white. Overall there nearly all obese people are whites. It seems that there is a strong correlation between predominantly white faces in "Australian television advertisement" and in "obesity Australia".

fakir,

Not necessarily disagreeing with you, but how is there state sponsored racism in Saudi Arabia?

http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1204173482

This post is not aimed at "AEDs" or Australians of European Descent.  I think it's probably unfair to expect AEDs to champion the cause of fairer representation in popular media.  This post is more aimed at the AADs who do nothing or don't care.

I find that generally AADs are so content with their quality of life and so smug about it at the same time that they take offense at anybody pointing out a flaw in their perfect world.  I can think of no other explanation why mentioning the obvious lack of proportionate representation in popular media would be a cause for offense.

I think we should be inspired by gays to see how far they've come with regards to cultural acceptance (as opposed to "tolerance" - there is cultural racial tolerance in Australia, I don't believe there is "acceptance" though) in such a short span of time.  Ask yourself: were they really that disadvantaged to begin with?  One could compare their rights and opportunities with Asians in Australia.  Both groups are equally blessed with abundance and quality of life - what's there to complain about?

But no - gays want more, and they spoke about what they want changed and we see them getting what they want.  AADs on the other hand are complacent and self-satisfied - that's why I haven't seen the kind of changes in Australia as I see in N.American popular media, and that's why AADs respond in an offended matter.

I mean, can you imagine if Nelson Mandela got offended because I spoke up against apartheid in South Africa?  Yet curiously some AADs I have encountered respond in this way!

I wonder what age you left Australia?

Young males will always put each other down, something to do with hierarchy and dominance, in fact it is not just guys who do this. The short guy will get hassled, the fat guy will get hassled, the red head will get hassled, so naturally so will the Asian, where the short, fat and red haired can also exercise some dominance.

People will also hang it on their mates, making fun of difference and shortcomings is how Australia is. I wouldn't call it racism or anything, you will notice the fat guy, the red haired guy, the short guy is not hated because of their qualities, but instead only teased, it isn't an issue that would cause you to immensely dislike them.

Although racism does exist.

I've found late middle aged North Americans to be the most racist, hating black Americans and saying things like "Stay away from black girls, stick with your own race." after knowing them for 5 minutes.

I've worked on building sites and other rough, blokey places, and I have found the Asian guy will cop it hard, unless someone is angry with him/her, which in that case appearance becomes irrelevant. It's only ribbing and really actually friendly, people looking incessantly for a bite.

easel,

You raise a good point here. Even if fakir wasn't Asian he probably would've been hassled for something else no doubt.

But I'd suggest that whilst this isn't uniquely Australian, it doesn't occur as much in other cultures, in fact is virtually non-existent in some cultures, and I think asian cultures generally have very little of this kind of stuff.

I know you probably just think it's just human nature and is the same worldwide, but it ain't necessarily so.

abu_rashid wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 6:14am:

... I think asian cultures generally have very little of this kind of stuff. ...

Is it why AADs "choose to live here"?

Can we drop the silly acronyms please. They are confusing.

tallowood,


Quote:

Is it why AADs "choose to live here"?

This is a pretty shallow response.
Kind of like saying:

"If people didn't like 100% of every single thing in our culture/society they wouldn't come here, so every single thing in our culture/society must be 100% better than in theirs!! Otherwise they wouldn't be here, simple!!!"

I left Australia in my mid 20s.  Of course I've been back many times, and the extent of Australia's lack of racial progressiveness becomes more and more obvious the more time I spend outside Australia.

For your information, this ribbing you describe is uniquely Australian.  Let me clarify: the EXTENT of this ribbing is uniquely Australian.  Furthermore a racial slur is a racial slur.  Although people rib in Canada, the extent is far less, people are far more sensitive and racial slurs (wog, chink etc.) are NEVER uttered.

The difference is that people in CA never say something that makes an individual feel discriminated against.  It's one thing to call someone a "bastard" which could apply to anyone.  It's another to call someone a "wog" which only applies to one person in the room.

And although you think it's fun to do it, trust me - it is NOT fun to be on the receiving end.  I grew up in a backwater town and a group of kids chanted racial slurs at me in front of the whole class.  I grew up wanting to be anything but myself - can you imagine what's that like?  I only grew comfortable with myself after I left Australia, so of course I would naturally have a fighting instinct to fight for the rights of all AADs.

Lastly, regarding the use of these acronyms.  It's sad and it's ridiculous.  I have never heard (not saying it's not used, just never heard it) the phrase "Asian Canadian".  A Canadian is a Canadian.  Heck I'd be happy with "Asian Australian", but no - the only time I've ever been called "Asian Australian" is by other "Asian Australians", and the only time I have ever been called "Australian" is by non-Australians outside Australia, and outside Australia no-one calls me an "Asian Australian".

ie. it's sad that I have to use "AAD" and "AED" but that's Australia for you.  I refuse to fall in the trap by using "Australian" to refer to "white Australian" and "Asian Australian" or "Asian" to refer to any Australian who isn't white.  That's demeaning and the whole problem.  I think it's far more respectful to say "Australian of .... Descent" as it recognizes everyone as equal.  We're all immigrants except for the Aborigines.




easel wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 5:43am:

I wonder what age you left Australia? Young males will always put each other down, something to do with hierarchy and dominance, in fact it is not just guys who do this. The short guy will get hassled, the fat guy will get hassled, the red head will get hassled, so naturally so will the Asian, where the short, fat and red haired can also exercise some dominance. People will also hang it on their mates, making fun of difference and shortcomings is how Australia is. I wouldn't call it racism or anything, you will notice the fat guy, the red haired guy, the short guy is not hated because of their qualities, but instead only teased, it isn't an issue that would cause you to immensely dislike them. Although racism does exist. I've found late middle aged North Americans to be the most racist, hating black Americans and saying things like "Stay away from black girls, stick with your own race." after knowing them for 5 minutes. I've worked on building sites and other rough, blokey places, and I have found the Asian guy will cop it hard, unless someone is angry with him/her, which in that case appearance becomes irrelevant. It's only ribbing and really actually friendly, people looking incessantly for a bite.

I can't say I've noticed it. I'm sure I've seen ads with people of all races, and I'm pretty sure I've seen ads with Asians in them too.  There was a Subway ad with an Aboriginal guy for one, and Dilmah tea, and I'm sure there are others.

However I agree with you that there is a certain amount of cultural racism in Australia. It's disturbing to find it among younger people too.

I don't think we'll ever eradicate it. What counts is that I don't have a racist cell in my body, and I don't tolerate bigotry from anybody.

I won't use the 'unaustralian' word because I'm not sure what it means, but racism runs contrary to our collective goals as a society.

abu_rashid wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 9:03am:

tallowood, Quote: Is it why AADs "choose to live here"? This is a pretty shallow response. Kind of like saying: "If people didn't like 100% of every single thing in our culture/society they wouldn't come here, so every single thing in our culture/society must be 100% better than in theirs!! Otherwise they wouldn't be here, simple!!!"

A shallow statement .eg. "I think asian cultures generally have very little of this kind of stuff." requires a shallow response.

The cultural differences are very real and very consistent. On the other hand, people's reasons for coming to Australia are not consistent, though it is unlikely that they come here so their children can be teased mericlessly.

freediver wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 11:51am:

The cultural differences are very real and very consistent. On the other hand, people's reasons for coming to Australia are not consistent, though it is unlikely that they come here so their children can be teased mericlessly.

cultural differences are very real but not very consistent, they can be food, closing, type of housing, et., including name calling. For example many Asians use "foreign devil" verbal abuse form so to say that "asian cultures generally have very little of this kind of stuff" is shallow.

tallowood wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 12:25pm:

freediver wrote on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 11:51am: The cultural differences are very real and very consistent. On the other hand, people's reasons for coming to Australia are not consistent, though it is unlikely that they come here so their children can be teased mericlessly. cultural differences are very real but not very consistent, they can be food, closing, type of housing, et., including name calling. For example many Asians use "foreign devil" verbal abuse form so to say that "asian cultures generally have very little of this kind of stuff" is shallow.

LOL Where would that be? The worst I was called in China was Lao wai, and that's quite common. It just means old foreigner. If you were at a rail station in a remote part of China, the kids would point and say "Lao wai" and the parents would try to hush them, but Chinese people are probably over polite when it comes to such things.  

There is a sort of underlying racism in parts of China, but it's very subtle.

You might be thinking of yang guizi, which hasn't been used since the days of fu manchu LOL :) - or in Hong Kong there is Gweilo, which means something like 'ghost person'. It's very mild.

In Japan, the term is Gaijin, which is just outsider. In Thailand, it's farang, but that's innocuous enough.

muso wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 2:28pm:

tallowood wrote on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 12:25pm: freediver wrote on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 11:51am: The cultural differences are very real and very consistent. On the other hand, people's reasons for coming to Australia are not consistent, though it is unlikely that they come here so their children can be teased mericlessly. cultural differences are very real but not very consistent, they can be food, closing, type of housing, et., including name calling. For example many Asians use "foreign devil" verbal abuse form so to say that "asian cultures generally have very little of this kind of stuff" is shallow. LOL Where would that be? The worst I was called in China was Lao wai, and that's quite common. It just means old foreigner. If you were at a rail station in a remote part of China, the kids would point and say "Lao wai" and the parents would try to hush them, but Chinese people are probably over polite when it comes to such things.   There is a sort of underlying racism in parts of China, but it's very subtle. You might be thinking of yang guizi, which hasn't been used since the days of fu manchu LOL :) - or in Hong Kong there is Gweilo, which means something like 'ghost person'. It's very mild. In Japan, the term is Gaijin, which is just outsider. In Thailand, it's farang, but that's innocuous enough.

Good examples of Asians having cultural racism from long time ago.

All cultures had racism. That isn't the aspect of Australian culture that was being highlighted.

http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1223160395

First of all, Fakir, do you disagree with Aesop?

I remember this. You posted the very same thing here 2 years ago.

Yeah.  The problem still exists.  That link on Brisbane is very recent, and lo and behold - it looks like only white people live in Brisbane.


DILLIGAF wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 6:31pm:

I remember this. You posted the very same thing here 2 years ago.

and lo and behold - it looks like only white people live in Brisbane

Brisbane doesn't hide it's coloured folk in the back shed. It's just that there aren't a whole lot of them, unless you go to the universities, Chinatown or something like that. If you walk around a typical Brisbane suburb, it probably reflects what you see in the ad. They don't like to round up the coloured folk and parade them for everyone to see how civilised they are.

freediver wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 10:22am:

and lo and behold - it looks like only white people live in Brisbane Brisbane doesn't hide it's coloured folk in the back shed. It's just that there aren't a whole lot of them, unless you go to the universities, Chinatown or something like that. If you walk around a typical Brisbane suburb, it probably reflects what you see in the ad. They don't like to round up the coloured folk and parade them for everyone to see how civilised they are.

I think there is a fair mix of ethnic people in advertising. There are a lot of Asian people around Southbank, but probably because they are tourists. Whenever we go to Brisbane, we make a beeline for Southbank in the evening, because it's such a relaxing place to eat and it has a great view of the city.

When I participated in the Bridge to Brisbane run, I saw a few Asian people, but by far the majority were caucasians.

Fakir do you always keep track of people's race so closely?

freediver wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 12:14pm:

Fakir do you always keep track of people's race so closely?

that's a silly question.  If I lived in a country full of white people, and was magically transported to Africa, I think it's fair to say I'd notice that people look different.

The reason why Australia's lack of minority representation in popular media is so glaringly obvious to me, is because I live in a country that has fair representation.  So when I go to Australia and see NO representation, then it is glaringly obvious.

Sure - some of you say that you've seen it, but the few times I have gone back to Australia I have never seen it.  So given that my experience has been absolute every time, I can fairly conclude that something is wrong.  We know in the law of averages, one should be able to see something some of the time to make a reasonably fair observation about a place.  An observation that results in an absolute answer, 100% of the time gives a fairly strong message.

Now freediver's comment about the photos being just about blind chance that there didn't happen to be any minorities about is invalid.  Whenever you advertise anything, you have to be mindful of the audience at hand.  In canada, advertisers are mindful that there are different colours in Canada and they rightfully and consciously incorporate fair racial representation because they understand that not everyone aspires to be a white person and are quite comfortable in their own skin (pun intended).

By extension, I can cynically conclude that Australians don't have this cultural disposition to respect the diversity that they advertise to.  The Brisbane showcase creators didn't care to consider that the audience they are showcasing to might like to see Brisbane as a city that they might find attractive because people of their own colour enjoy life there.  Instead, apparently because white people like it in Brisbane, that should be enough for all the coloureds out there.

And honestly - you AEDs keep replying with these kind of replies, because you simply don't understand this notion, and maybe because you've never seen it before.  Imagine if I advertised children's toys by featuring adults playing with the toys - it shows I don't respect the intended audience.

It is profoundly disappointing when I have such low expectations, and so when I find one of these "showcase Australia" type advertisements I expect to see zero minority representation and that's exactly what I get - yes even 2 years after that original post.  Have a look at Qantas advertisements next time you fly.  You would think that an advertisement aimed at Australia's biggest tourist market would at least include some Asians enjoying themselves in Australia.  You would "thunk it" right?  Wrong again - only white people, and utter disrespect to the advertisement's intended audience.

The thing is, I actually optimistically believe that marketing folks in Australia don't intentionally exclude minorities.  I actually think it's a subconscious cultural thing, simply because no-one has pointed out this problem.  If people like yourselves make this issue known (especially AADs) - I think Australia will become more culturally progressive and 2 years from now you won't see another of these posts.

fakir wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2008 at 12:35am:

Help me out here folks.  There are 3 levels of racism: 1) governmental (state-sponsored) - such as that supported by Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia etc. 2) cultural 3) individual Racism on an individual level will always exist to some degree everywhere, however cultural racism can be eradicated. I'm an Aussie of Asian descent who now lives in Canada.  In Canada there is no cultural racism, however in Australia it is very much alive even though there is no governmental racism. If you want proof of this, simply perform a google image search on "Canadian television advertisement" versus "Australian television advertisement".  In the first page of results, you'll see minority groups in the Canadian search, but you will only find white people after looking through 20 pages in the Aussie search. Culturally, Australians of all colour see "Australian" as meaning "White Australian".  When I was back in Australia last year, I didn't see one advertisement or billboard that featured a minority - why?  Because minorities don't count in Australia, and they're subconsciously viewed as not true-blue Aussies, even though on an individual level many white Australians are decent and accepting. Anyway, the reason why I'm saying all this is because whenever I point out that really obvious 2 inch mole on the face, I find "Australians of Asian Descent" (AADs) feeling offended, often saying "this is the place I've chosen to make my home", "you've got to accept the good with the bad" blah blah. Recently this came about when I read a blog from an AAD (recently naturalized, unlike me who actually grew up in a hyper-racist Australian backwater town) showcasing Brisbane: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/gallery/0,23816,5035183-17382,00.html I commented: "how come you only ever see white people in these pictures about Australia.  There's 64 pics on that site!  Nice pics otherwise". She replied to someone else's reply with something aimed at me, basically saying what I just said AADs always seem to reply with: "I've chosen to make this my home blah blah". Which finally gets to the point of my post: why is it that Asian Australians like to live in blissful ignorance of the cultural racism in Australia?  I'm quite miffed about this.  I feel that apartheid doesn't exist in South Africa because people spoke up in SA and around the world about the racism.  Racism will never go away in Australia until Australians admit there is a problem.  I think Australians are good people, it's just think that there hasn't been any grassroots movement to fight for the cultural rights of minority Australians.  Australians (both white and minority) call non-white Australians "Chinese" or "Indian" or "Arab" or "African", but they call "white Australians" simply "Australians".  A German first generation immigrant with an Aussie accent will be called an "Australian", but a third generation AAD will be called "Chinese".  This must stop, and I truly believe that if enough people spoke up about it (just like the gay movement in N.America), people's attitudes will change.  All it takes is enough people to speak up! I don't expect white Australians to do it, but I certainly as heck expect AADs to stand up for themselves, and it frustrates me to no end how gutless AADs generally are.  If this is the first time you've heard this sort of tirade from an AAD, then that proves my point. If you are a white Australian, I would appreciate you simply spreading the word.  Just ask your friends: why aren't there minorities portrayed in the media?  Why don't we have more minorities in major roles on TV shows?  I think if enough people talked about it, things will change.  I live for a world where people will "see" people for their culture, not their colour.  It doesn't matter where people come from, it's what people identify with that matters. If you are a minority Australian - have zero tolerance for racism of ANY degree.  Me as an Aussie fighting for minority Australians can only do so much if minority Aussies living in Australia do nothing for themselves.

'Wacism' in simply natural, Fakir. The sooner you learn to live with this, the easier life will be for you. People tend to discriminate against people who are the most different. Whether it's 'good' discrimination or 'bad' discrimination. A guy has glasses, he's discriminated against. A guy is skinny in a room of fat people, he's discriminated against. A white guy is in a room full of Asians or black people, he's discriminated against. People discriminate against people who are different. It's a primal instinct. A tribal thing. Completely natural. Whether you want to fight this instinct, fine, but no matter how hard you fight, so-called 'racism,' it will always exist in some shape or form. This is a fact. So why do you even bother?

The 'commercials' in Australia have nothing to do with discrimination and you're being nieve for suggesting this as your prime example.

Australians are 80% of the population. They use white people to sell a product to themselves. It would HARDLY sell if it was a black guy selling shampoo to a white person. Or an Asian selling McDonalds. People simply RELATE more to seeing their own race/ethnic group selling a product. It's not discrimination. The advertisers are simply doing what they think is best to sell their product. It's not racial discrimination, it's practicality and greed.

I think Maddox explains it better than I:
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=stock_photos

Scroll down to point number 4 on the page.


As far as complaining about Asians not being considered 'Australians,' I've got some shocking news for you Fakir... they're not.

Asians, nor Africans, nor Middle Eastern looking people are simply not universally accepted as 'Australians.' That's just how it is.

You should see the bitter disappointment Chinese people show when I say I want to introduce them to my 'Australian' friend. The Chinese girls are 'naturally' expecting to see a big, blonde, tanned white guy, and they are confronted with a scrawny second generation Vietnamese guy who dedicates his life to watching Manga, listening to J-Rock, uses chopsticks and doesn't like how 'wacist' 'Australians' are towards him.

I should have just said to these Chinese girls from the word 'go,' this guy is a Vietnamese guy who's parents moved to Australia in 1977. It would be far more practical to do so. Until people from around the world start recognising other races as being 'Aussie' I'm afraid they're simply viewed as being Africans or Asians living in Australia. -Not that it's deserved or anything, after all, it was 'Anglos' who founded this country. On the grand scheme of things, Asians have pretty much contributed nothing to the development of this nation.

Are you an East Asian Fakir? You know? A proper Asian? You certainly don't sound like one, as in my experience, East Asians tend not to complain about Australian racism and tend to go along with it. You  sound more like a bitter Middle Easterner or Indian. And trust me, any discrimination these two races get, is well-deserved. By far a couple of the rudest races in the world from a cultural viewpoint.

You're move, Fakir.

-DT

PS. I don't suppose you're going to move this to the more appropriate board, FD?

fakir wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2008 at 12:35am:

If you are a white Australian, I would appreciate you simply spreading the word.

Are you a proper Asian or one of dem darkies or Arabs who like to class themselves as Asians?

Coz in Australia, every second bloody advert features a Chinese / South East Asian / or half cast of above. "What the fack is happening to this country???" I yell as I throw yet another shoe at the telly.

You are completely full of shiat.

I'm guessing the reason why Asian minorities are featured is coz [a] they inter marry and don't join exclusive clubs like dem pesky Indians [b] they don't join economic clubs where they have to, for example, BUY SPECIAL FACKING MEAT COZ THE AUSTRALIAN WAY AIN'T GOOD ENUFF FOR THEM COZ THEY WON'T GO TO HEAVEN or some horseshiat reason like that, so why bother advertising to that group and [c] they work bloody hard and have money to spend so people want to advertise to them.

Uncanny Valley wrote on Oct 26^th, 2008 at 12:04pm:

Are you a proper Asian or one of dem darkies or Arabs who like to class themselves as Asians? Coz in Australia, every second bloody advert features a Chinese / South East Asian / or half cast of above. "What the fack is happening to this country???" I yell as I throw yet another shoe at the telly. You are completely full of shiat. I'm guessing the reason why Asian minorities are featured is coz [a] they inter marry and don't join exclusive clubs like dem pesky Indians [b] they don't join economic clubs where they have to, for example, BUY SPECIAL FACKING MEAT COZ THE AUSTRALIAN WAY AIN'T GOOD ENUFF FOR THEM COZ THEY WON'T GO TO HEAVEN or some horseshiat reason like that, so why bother advertising to that group and [c] they work bloody hard and have money to spend so people want to advertise to them.

And just curious. If we're all eeeeeeequal, why are you taking statistics? Isn't that kinda racist?

I have to laugh when some darkie lobs over here, becomes spokesperson for the Ethnic Council of Australia (is that the name for it?) and then BANGS ON about immigration and how Australia better keep on letting darkies into the country.

What a strange strange racist thing to get worked up about. You have been let into Australia. Shut the bugger up with your racist shiat where you are loudly and proudly lobbying for PEOPLE OF CERTAIN RACES to be allowed into Australia.

I'm looking at you Ramdas Sankaran you racist piece of shiat.

Quote:

You are completely full of shiat.

Please leave out the insults Uncanny.

Every single advert for home security etc. features WHITE PEOPLE as the perps.

Every. Single. One.

Remember the v.recent adverts telling us what a JAIL TIME DESERVIN' WANKER you would have to be to beat up your girlfriend?

I mean... IMAGINE AN ABORIGINAL PERSON BEATING UP THEIR GIRLFRIENDS OR ROBBING YOUR HOUSE!!!!!

As this would ever happen. Sheesh. Same goes for Asians.

"If you are an Asian whinging on a forum, I would appreciate you simply spreading the word.  Just ask your friends: why aren't there Asians portrayed negatively in the media? "

That quote remind you of anything, sizzlechest? ::)

Uncanny Valley wrote on Oct 27^th, 2008 at 9:22pm:

Every single advert for home security etc. features WHITE PEOPLE as the perps. Every. Single. One.

I don't know what ads you're watching mate, but most of the time I see SE Asians on the ads for border security.


Quote:

And trust me, any discrimination these two races get, is well-deserved.

Piss off, seriously.

Blasko wrote on Oct 30^th, 2008 at 5:34am:

Uncanny Valley wrote on Oct 27th, 2008 at 9:22pm: Every single advert for home security etc. features WHITE PEOPLE as the perps. Every. Single. One. I don't know what ads you're watching mate, but most of the time I see SE Asians on the ads for border security. Quote: And trust me, any discrimination these two races get, is well-deserved. Piss off, seriously.

No, you piss off.  8-)

Blasko wrote on Oct 30^th, 2008 at 5:34am:

Uncanny Valley wrote on Oct 27th, 2008 at 9:22pm: Every single advert for home security etc. features WHITE PEOPLE as the perps. Every. Single. One. I don't know what ads you're watching mate, but most of the time I see SE Asians on the ads for border security. Quote: And trust me, any discrimination these two races get, is well-deserved. Piss off, seriously.

Blasko, you wanker head, have you ever considered the adverts for Border Security are actually clips from REAL LIFE OCCURANCES and maybe this is why SE Asians are commonly featured in them, rather than home security adverts which feature ACTORS?

Good point though, if you want to see Asians and Middle Easterners and all our ethnic cousins on TV, watch Border Security and The Force and other Australian reality (not Big Brother or Survivor reality, as in reality reality) crime shows.

Multicultural delight!

http://www.rockhate.com/hanson/

The difference between Jon Howard and Pauline Hanson was only in trafficking. While she was talking Howard was quietly walking or in other words he almost did everything what she said. The legacy that he left, as a result of such policy, was racially divided Australia with dangerously encouraged Anglo-Saxon militant nationalism that resulted in events like Cronulla riots, suppression of Aborigines, abolishment of multy culturalism etc.
Thanks to new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd the thinks are much improving and Australia is getting again more harmonious society.
Also you have to take in to account that Canada is less British colony than Australia.
Personally I never had problem with true-blue Aussies here, I’ve only had problem with Poms who pretended to be true-blue Aussies.
Once when Australia becomes republic (Abolishing its colonial British status) the thinks will become much better.
This country is fortunate to have Kevin Rudd as a prime minister.    

I'm a big fan of malty culturalism too.

Very good.

athos wrote on Nov 4^th, 2008 at 11:28am:

http://www.rockhate.com/hanson/ The difference between Jon Howard and Pauline Hanson was only in trafficking. While she was talking Howard was quietly walking or in other words he almost did everything what she said. The legacy that he left, as a result of such policy, was racially divided Australia with dangerously encouraged Anglo-Saxon militant nationalism that resulted in events like Cronulla riots, suppression of Aborigines, abolishment of multy culturalism etc. Thanks to new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd the thinks are much improving and Australia is getting again more harmonious society. Also you have to take in to account that Canada is less British colony than Australia. Personally I never had problem with true-blue Aussies here, I’ve only had problem with Poms who pretended to be true-blue Aussies. Once when Australia becomes republic (Abolishing its colonial British status) the thinks will become much better. This country is fortunate to have Kevin Rudd as a prime minister.

Ah okay, a Canadian. The home of multiCULTuralism. No problem, I like Canadians and I totally dig that Ren and Stimpy royal Canadian kilted Yaksmen episode.  :)

Anyway, it's a little difficult seeing the Howard Government in that way (Militant and nationalist), Athos, given that his Government was responsible for the largest intake of parasitical third world immigrants since, well, ever. He's also responsible for liberalising Australia's economy and opening up our borders to free trade. Can you really say his Government was 'nationalistic' when he commited all these acts?

I truly believe that the Murdoch and Fairfax Press (The REAL leaders of Australia) have deceived us all in this manner. Because they have us believing that John Howard gives a rats about the common Australian when it really isn't true.

Athos...  back to the musketeers and being drunk for you buddy.


Quote:

The difference between Jon Howard and Pauline Hanson was only in trafficking. While she was talking Howard was quietly walking or in other words he almost did everything what she said.

Like you'd know. BTW, yes he did and so did labor steal a whole lot of One Nation policies.  Yet he continued to say one thing and increase Immigration numbers.


Quote:

The legacy that he left, as a result of such policy, was racially divided Australia with dangerously encouraged Anglo-Saxon militant nationalism that resulted in events like Cronulla riots, suppression of Aborigines, abolishment of multy culturalism etc.

And so it should be abolished as should any divisive social policy.
Cronulla wasn't about any sort of Militant nationalism, even though a handful of them were present.  that's what happens when you ADVERTISE something like that.  It was in fact a protes attended by 5000 or so Sutherland Shire residents sick of 10 years of abuse and intimidation by Lebanese blow-ins.  Oh riiiight all that violence that happened that night with guns, baseball bats and knives and people ending up in hospital and 100s of damaged vehicles...  that never happened.

As for suppression of Aboriginals...  not even a ON policy in fact their policy broadly in every aspect was about Aborigines being treated the same as every other Australian without racial discrimination.  Which is what the uncle Tom policies of Labor were...  I note they made the Aboriginal situation worse...  so much so that years later Noel pearson was lauded by the Left for saying what Hanson had said about welfare and sit down money and the disasterous effects of such policies.


Quote:

Thanks to new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd the thinks are much improving and Australia is getting again more harmonious society.

Thanks to both major parties hardly anything happened until Mal Brough came along.


Quote:

Also you have to take in to account that Canada is less British colony than Australia.

yes its more Americanised... except Qebec of course...  little France.  Go multiculti.


Quote:

Personally I never had problem with true-blue Aussies here, I’ve only had problem with Poms who pretended to be true-blue Aussies. Once when Australia becomes republic (Abolishing its colonial British status) the thinks will become much better.

We haven't been a colony or should I say a collective of colonies for years Athos.  get out from under your rock.


Quote:

This country is fortunate to have Kevin Rudd as a prime minister.

 

Why?

I just heard from a friend who returned back from Sydney (he's Canadian).  He remarked that he hated it there.  He find white Australians unfriendly, insular and racist.  He hung out mainly with other Canadians.  And he's white.

You see you cannot see racism in your own country.  You're bound to defend what you think is normal.

So we are unfriendly to a white tourist who only hangs round with other white tourists from his own country because we are racist?

rotflmao

I have a Canadian friend who loved it here.  
Has relos who live here.

None of them are offended by Australia and Australians nor do they see it as a racist place.

Oh dear...  whom are we to believe?  ::)

fakir wrote on Nov 9^th, 2008 at 2:28pm:

I just heard from a friend who returned back from Sydney (he's Canadian).  He remarked that he hated it there.  He find white Australians unfriendly, insular and racist.  He hung out mainly with other Canadians.  And he's white. You see you cannot see racism in your own country.  You're bound to defend what you think is normal.

Does he hang out with the Inuit back home?

Fakir, did this Canuk mate of yours by any chance try to convince the Australians that they were racist, while ignoring everything they said, then get upset because the locals thought he was a nutter?

freediver wrote on Nov 9^th, 2008 at 6:59pm:

Fakir, did this Canuk mate of yours by any chance try to convince the Australians that they were racist, while ignoring everything they said, then get upset because the locals thought he was a nutter?

There really is no wonder racism will never change in Australia!  You really don't get it do you?  Everyone I talk to OUTSIDE Australia always says "yeah I heard about the racism in Australia".

You think it's a big joke just because I seem to be "ignoring" what you "locals" are saying.  It's the other way round mate.  You're ignoring what the world sees in you.

As for the other white Canadian who loves Australia - so?  It's bound to be natural that a white person will find it homey in Australia, what's weird is when a white person can clearly see racism in Australia - and he wasn't a tourist, he lived in Sydney for a while.

What's the point of saying that some white people think there's nothing wrong with Australia?  Ask someone in the KKK whether there's anything wrong with Pauline Hanson, and he's likely to think nothing either and probably ridicule others just like you guys.

You can't smell the stink in your own house.

Do you think there's cultural racism in America?  Compared to Australia, you probably wouldn't think so since there are so many minorities in American popular culture.  There's even an Asian amongst the top 5 upcoming teens to look out for (Brenda Song).  And yet, because the black people make a stink about things (and rightfully so), we now have a Black American President.  Compare with the shameful 99.9% white Australia in popular media.

On the other hand, Asians in Australia should be ashamed for their complacency and putting up no fight at all.  That's why the white folks on this forum think there's no racism in Australia.  I find it disgraceful.  But is it any surprise that white Australians can't see their own sht?  Because minorities in Australia keep their mouth shut.  Asians can learn from Black America!

As much as it disgusts me that you white Australians keep ridiculing this thread, it disgusts me even more that the few Australians of Asian Descent (AADs) on this forum aren't speaking up more.  Australia will always be racist with AADs like you!

But you know what?  I used to be like you when I lived in Australia.  When I lived in Australia, I used to say "racism isn't that bad" whenever a foreigner would ask me about the racism in Australia (which by the way is the #1 question I get about Australia, go figure).  However it's only when I left Australia that I realized how friggin bad it really is compared with other countries.  You obviously can't see it (just like I couldn't see it) because you still live there.

That's why it's refreshing to see Obama become President.  Having lived in different countries before, he has a more open-minded perspective.  It's flabbergasting talking with some of you with your obviously insular and narrow-minded perspectives.

Fakir you can't even count the number of non-whites on Australian TV ads, so I can hardly expect you to accurately gauge the actual level of racism in Australia. It's like you live in a different world, with different TV ads showing only white people. I have lived overseas for a large portion of my life. I didn't experience the things you claim to have experienced. Instead of confronting us with the truth, you are confronting us with an absurd conspiracy theory to explain why we cannot see what you can see and what you claim is right in front of us. Why would you expect any other response?

Well I note that photos for 2 different news articles on the weekend had at least 20 people in each one and there were probably 2 caucasians in one and none in the other.

Australian racism cannot be understood by foreigners. Most of it isn't serious.

Ever heard of taking the piss?

Yes some cultures aren't big on sarcasm and irony.

Grendel wrote on Nov 12^th, 2008 at 2:40pm:

Well I note that photos for 2 different news articles on the weekend had at least 20 people in each one and there were probably 2 caucasians in one and none in the other.

were they advertisements?

I'm not blind.  I see pictures of minorities too - but they're always in the context of minorities.  It's never in the context of "these are true blue Aussies", in a very colour-blind fashion.  However if those pictures were in a colour-blind "true blue Aussie" fashion, then that's great!  I've just never seen it.  If you could post the pictures I'd like to have my perspective changed.

Grendel wrote on Nov 12^th, 2008 at 3:54pm:

Yes some cultures aren't big on sarcasm and irony.

You can't expect someone who doesn't know you to "get" your sarcasm.  That's just a very unrealistic position to have.  Context is everything.

fakir wrote on Nov 14^th, 2008 at 1:53am:

Grendel wrote on Nov 12th, 2008 at 2:40pm: Well I note that photos for 2 different news articles on the weekend had at least 20 people in each one and there were probably 2 caucasians in one and none in the other. were they advertisements? I'm not blind.  I see pictures of minorities too - but they're always in the context of minorities.  It's never in the context of "these are true blue Aussies", in a very colour-blind fashion.  However if those pictures were in a colour-blind "true blue Aussie" fashion, then that's great!  I've just never seen it.  If you coultd post the pictures I'd like to have my perspective changed.

faker,
tinted people are depicted as minorities because they are. They may well be contributing to the country now but they have not made it what it is. The Europeans did, especially the English, Scots and Irish and their descendants.

Read the names on the war memorials.

And stop whining.

Yes fakir YOU did miss it...  I suggest you star googling the press...  maybe nsw rail might get those stories.  I think one was front page of the DT.
Takes a bit to miss a front page.

AS for humour...  most Australians get it...

Hey guys, new member here. Just some basic info about me to start off with:
Age: 22
Race: Asian
Born and lives in: Australia
Occupation: Student/PT shelfstacker (ugh)


I've been lurking for a little bit and i just had to respond to this thread (of course since this topic is a touchy subject for me :P)

I don't want to seem hostile/intrusive/long-winded as a newcomer, but i really disagree with what some of you guys have to say in regards to telling fakir to shut up. I personally don't care so much about inclusion of other races in the media so much as promotion of stereotypes in the media, but i feel a lot of you guys have to ask yourselves:

what do you truly know about the recieving end of racism?

i mean do you guys understand why slurs such as gweilo are not as offensive to white people as gook or black person are to non-white people? It's not because non-white people are a bunch of whingers who "can't take a joke". If you were in the same position you'd be feeling the same.

You have to think of the history behind these words.
Basic history behind the slur 'Gook' for example:
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2rpvj9NSXM

The slur 'gweilo', as it relates to whites, came from the situation of colonisers occupying hong kong as a result of the opium wars. Most of you guys don't have a violent or unpleasant experience from it either.

A racial slur is like me telling you to f off, but to me, it means a lot more to do with world history and my own personal history. Just because it's not offensive for you, doesn't mean it's not offensive for others.

For a more eloquent way of putting it and from a white guys perspective, I'd recommend Tim Wise's essays.
http://www.lipmagazine.org/~timwise/honkywannacracker.html
(It's about the USA specifically but mostly applies here in any case)

Thanks for reading and i hope you understand where i'm coming from.

Welcome to OzPolitic Middle Sky.

thanks, glad to be on board.  :)

I've noticed there is one racial slur that appears to evoke a strong response from those of European descent (at least in Australia) and that is the term "white trash".

Hi Middle Sky. Which country are you from originally?

Thanks for providing some personal insight. Having read some of the racist comments that are tolerated on this forum, I start to despair about what's happening to our younger generations in the cities.

I guess there is less ethnic diversity where I live in rural Queensland, but at least we have the old Aussie ethos of accepting a person for what they do and say - not for their culture, their religion, or the colour of their skin.

Please stick around and continue to contribute. Some parts of this forum should only be taken in small doses.

muso: born and raised here, but my parents are from Hong Kong. So i'm suothern chinese i guess.

Cool. I've been to Hong Kong and Guanzhou and many other parts of China. I'm a self confessed Sinophile. I love all aspects of Chinese culture, except maybe the humour :) Northern Chinese humour comes out to me more like the tales of Aesop than jokes.

Can you give an example of Chinese humour?

小姐去算命﹐算命先生看了就說﹔“帶凶兆﹗”

小姐說﹔“那我就把它拿掉吧。”

先生說﹕“不行﹐要是拿掉﹐妳的人生就會出現兩個大波。”

I don't get it.

freediver wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2008 at 1:55pm:

I don't get it.

LOL Ok.

One of the problems of translation is 'tone puns'.

I'll try harder, but our new contributer may have some better examples:

A wealthy man lived between the houses of two blacksmiths, and was constantly annoyed by the noise of their hammers, so that he could not get rest, night or day. First he asked them to strike more gently; then he made them great promises if they would remove at once. The two blacksmiths consented, and he, overjoyed to get rid of them, prepared a grand banquet for their entertainment. When the banquet was over, he asked them where they were going to take up their new abodes, and they replied--to the intense dismay of their worthy host, no doubt: "He who lives on the left of your house is going to that on the right; and he who lives on your right is going to the house on your left."

Middle Sky wrote on Dec 2^nd, 2008 at 3:35pm:

Hey guys, new member here. Just some basic info about me to start off with: Age: 22 Race: Asian Born and lives in: Australia Occupation: Student/PT shelfstacker (ugh) I've been lurking for a little bit and i just had to respond to this thread (of course since this topic is a touchy subject for me :P) I don't want to seem hostile/intrusive/long-winded as a newcomer, but i really disagree with what some of you guys have to say in regards to telling fakir to shut up. I personally don't care so much about inclusion of other races in the media so much as promotion of stereotypes in the media, but i feel a lot of you guys have to ask yourselves: what do you truly know about the recieving end of racism? i mean do you guys understand why slurs such as gweilo are not as offensive to white people as gook or black person are to non-white people? It's not because non-white people are a bunch of whingers who "can't take a joke". If you were in the same position you'd be feeling the same. You have to think of the history behind these words. Basic history behind the slur 'Gook' for example: h t t p://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2rpvj9NSXM The slur 'gweilo', as it relates to whites, came from the situation of colonisers occupying hong kong as a result of the opium wars. Most of you guys don't have a violent or unpleasant experience from it either. A racial slur is like me telling you to f off, but to me, it means a lot more to do with world history and my own personal history. Just because it's not offensive for you, doesn't mean it's not offensive for others. For a more eloquent way of putting it and from a white guys perspective, I'd recommend Tim Wise's essays. h t t p://w w w.lipmagazine.org/~timwise/honkywannacracker.html (It's about the USA specifically but mostly applies here in any case) Thanks for reading and i hope you understand where i'm coming from.

Hi Middle Sky.

'Redneck' is a word that's used to put down white people. It isn't seen as a 'racial slur,' but it might as well be. 'Honky' and 'cracker' are terms used by black people in a futile attempt to counter the 'n####r' insult.

I guess white people are just not insulted by racial insults because at the end of the day, we pretty much created the modern world. And we know it, but don't say it, because it's 'politically incorrect.' Although the Japanese and Chinese have been doing their fair share of contributing to the modern world, lately.

I guess Greeks and Italians weren't as offended by the 'w##s' insult, because they were aware that without mathematics, astrology and other assorted practices they perfected 2000-4000 years ago, the anglos wouldn't be where they are today.

I condemn all forms of racial slurs. They are simply unnecessary. However, I am not deluded by the notion that 'all people are created equal.' People are clearly unequal. And I guess you could say that I'm racist somewhat because I believe some races are intellectually superior to others on a genetic basis.

muso wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2008 at 2:13pm:

freediver wrote on Dec 3rd, 2008 at 1:55pm: I don't get it. LOL Ok. One of the problems of translation is 'tone puns'. I'll try harder, but our new contributer may have some better examples: A wealthy man lived between the houses of two blacksmiths, and was constantly annoyed by the noise of their hammers, so that he could not get rest, night or day. First he asked them to strike more gently; then he made them great promises if they would remove at once. The two blacksmiths consented, and he, overjoyed to get rid of them, prepared a grand banquet for their entertainment. When the banquet was over, he asked them where they were going to take up their new abodes, and they replied--to the intense dismay of their worthy host, no doubt: "He who lives on the left of your house is going to that on the right; and he who lives on your right is going to the house on your left."

It is very funny
but I like the original
Quote:

小姐去算命﹐算命先生看了就說﹔“帶凶兆﹗” 小姐說﹔“那我就把它拿掉吧。” 先生說﹕“不行﹐要是拿掉﹐妳的人生就會出現兩個大波。”

better because it is shorter and more visual and I am visually oriented type.

Quote:

I condemn all forms of racial slurs. They are simply unnecessary. However, I am not deluded by the notion that 'all people are created equal.' People are clearly unequal. And I guess you could say that I'm racist somewhat because I believe some races are intellectually superior to others on a genetic basis.

Modern society's necessity for everyone to play nice, means that even if they had rolled gold scientific proof of this fact, it would never see the light of day on public interest immunity grounds.

There is plenty of scientific research into race and IQ. They just haven't found consistent differences. The more they eliminate language and culture specific aspects of IQ tests, the more universally consistent the results. Anything else is just wishful thinking on the part of racists. The racists had our entire history, up until a few decades ago (or even the present in many parts of the world) to demonstrate race differences in IQ. They failed.

http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1181870633

ex-member DonaldTrump wrote on Dec 4^th, 2008 at 3:54pm:

Hi Middle Sky. 'Redneck' is a word that's used to put down white people. It isn't seen as a 'racial slur,' but it might as well be. 'Honky' and 'cracker' are terms used by black people in a futile attempt to counter the 'n####r' insult. I guess white people are just not insulted by racial insults because at the end of the day, we pretty much created the modern world. And we know it, but don't say it, because it's 'politically incorrect.' Although the Japanese and Chinese have been doing their fair share of contributing to the modern world, lately. I guess Greeks and Italians weren't as offended by the 'w##s' insult, because they were aware that without mathematics, astrology and other assorted practices they perfected 2000-4000 years ago, the anglos wouldn't be where they are today. I condemn all forms of racial slurs. They are simply unnecessary. However, I am not deluded by the notion that 'all people are created equal.' People are clearly unequal. And I guess you could say that I'm racist somewhat because I believe some races are intellectually superior to others on a genetic basis.

You don't really get my point about slurs and insults. What does this "whites invented the modern world" have to do with it?

If i said i raped your buggerin mum last night and she was a slut, you wouldn't really care since it's just poo talking. If i said that to someone whose mother was raped and murdered or something then that person would be really offended wouldnt he. When it comes to racial slurs, it's taking all that sentiment and my own personal experiences, rubbing it in my face and i can't really do anything about it. Seriously dude, there's more to it than you think. If i were you, I wouldn't really talk crap about it if i didn't know what it was like.

Quote:

Culturally, Australians of all colour see "Australian" as meaning "White Australian".  When I was back in Australia last year, I didn't see one advertisement or billboard that featured a minority - why?  Because minorities don't count in Australia, and they're subconsciously viewed as not true-blue Aussies, even though on an individual level many white Australians are decent and accepting.

So advertising billboards is how you view a nation's priorities. Yes the Federal government of Australia meets regularly with the Advertising Council in order to make sure we have politically correct billboards.

Australia is like a corporation. Employees come and go. If you are on board with the team, constructive criticism is useful. But constant bleating and whining just means you will get shown the door. How about stopping with the victimhood stuff and taking responsibility for your own life. What other country would put up with all this whinging -pretty much only Euroland, the USA and Australia.

Australia provides more good for more people than just about anywhere in the world. If you want to know what true racism is, move to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Japan, China. Where is the Saudi Minister that is a foreigner? Where is the white person in the Chinese cabinet? Even if you have a chinese wife, speak mandarin and have a chinese law degree, a foreign born white person cannot practice law in China.

How's that for racism.

Or how about some really vile racism - watch Arabic TV and its caricatures of ebil Jews. That's prime time fun for the whole family righht there, institutionalised racism sanctioned expressly by sovereign Arabic governments.

ex-member DonaldTrump wrote on Dec 4^th, 2008 at 3:54pm:

'Redneck' is a word that's used to put down white people. It isn't seen as a 'racial slur,' but it might as well be.

Donald, Donald,

"Redneck" is just a US derived equivalent of the Australian term 'bogan'. Rednecks are just a tad unsophisticated. It's not even race related.

Roy D Mercer is best known for perpetuating the Redneck persona with his expressions such as "ass whuppin" or "I'm gonna hit you so hard your kids are gonna be borned dizzy"  in his prank phone calls.

Most rednecks are actually proud of being called rednecks, so it's an ineffective slur. The term normally evokes a series of 'hyuk's accompanied by extreme wobbling of the beergut by the true redneck.

You can check out Roy D Mercer's Doublewide here:  

http://www.roydmercer.com/main.htm

freediver wrote on Dec 5^th, 2008 at 10:39pm:

There is plenty of scientific research into race and IQ. They just haven't found consistent differences. The more they eliminate language and culture specific aspects of IQ tests, the more universally consistent the results. Anything else is just wishful thinking on the part of racists. The racists had our entire history, up until a few decades ago (or even the present in many parts of the world) to demonstrate race differences in IQ. They failed. http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1181870633

Yeah. Sure FD. Whatever makes you happy.

Middle Sky wrote on Dec 6^th, 2008 at 10:40am:

ex-member DonaldTrump wrote on Dec 4th, 2008 at 3:54pm: Hi Middle Sky. 'Redneck' is a word that's used to put down white people. It isn't seen as a 'racial slur,' but it might as well be. 'Honky' and 'cracker' are terms used by black people in a futile attempt to counter the 'n####r' insult. I guess white people are just not insulted by racial insults because at the end of the day, we pretty much created the modern world. And we know it, but don't say it, because it's 'politically incorrect.' Although the Japanese and Chinese have been doing their fair share of contributing to the modern world, lately. I guess Greeks and Italians weren't as offended by the 'w##s' insult, because they were aware that without mathematics, astrology and other assorted practices they perfected 2000-4000 years ago, the anglos wouldn't be where they are today. I condemn all forms of racial slurs. They are simply unnecessary. However, I am not deluded by the notion that 'all people are created equal.' People are clearly unequal. And I guess you could say that I'm racist somewhat because I believe some races are intellectually superior to others on a genetic basis. You don't really get my point about slurs and insults. What does this "whites invented the modern world" have to do with it? If i said i raped your buggerin mum last night and she was a slut, you wouldn't really care since it's just poo talking. If i said that to someone whose mother was raped and murdered or something then that person would be really offended wouldnt he. When it comes to racial slurs, it's taking all that sentiment and my own personal experiences, rubbing it in my face and i can't really do anything about it. Seriously dude, there's more to it than you think. If i were you, I wouldn't really talk crap about it if i didn't know what it was like.

I guess the point you're trying　make is that you want to learn and understand the 'history' behind the wacist insults? Yeah, sure. I find it interesting too.

I guess you're other point is that people need to be in your position to 'understand' wacism?

If not, what is your point?

On the contrary, Middle Sky, the area where I was born had a mass influx of Southern Europeans as I was growing up. My suburb was made up of about 30% Australians. I copped plenty of racially motivated insults in my schools and I was in the minority. Yet, I didn't take it to heart.

I am now in a country where about 99% of the population is non-European in origin. I've copped plenty of discrimination since I arrived here around a year ago (So please spare me the 'you don't know what it's like' routine). Yet, I don't really care about it.

And everytime I come onto a political forum or talk to them in person all I hear are a bunch of whining foreigners claiming they were  'unfairly treated' and 'discriminated against' because somebody looked at them funny in the street (Mind you, head to toe Islamic outfits are more suitable for costume parties than supermarkets in modern Australia).

I guess what I'm trying to find out is the reason why different races react so differently to racially motivated attacks. 'White' people, in my experience, are the least likely to take a wacist attack seriously. An African on the other hand...

Mｙ statement 'whites invented the modern world' was not intended to be an insult. It's just a fact. Sorry if that makes you feel smaller, but it's simply the truth. Chinese people invented a few good things too and　created a pretty kick-@ss civilisation if that makes you feel any better?

Yet, you reacted in a negative way and thought I was insulting you.

I guess what i'm trying to say with the 'whites invented everything' argument is: An African or Asian can't really carry out a wacist attack on a white for being 'stupid' effectively in an offensive way, because historically, whites have invented pretty much everything in the modern world.  However, whites can attack an African for being stupid, becasue they've invented hardly anything and Africans know it. Which is why Africans feel the need to attack Europeans with the 'physical' insults (Ie. Weak, small penises etc).

Anyway, feel free to discuss the origin of wacist insults. I don't really mind.

muso wrote on Dec 6^th, 2008 at 6:01pm:

ex-member DonaldTrump wrote on Dec 4th, 2008 at 3:54pm: 'Redneck' is a word that's used to put down white people. It isn't seen as a 'racial slur,' but it might as well be. Donald, Donald, "Redneck" is just a US derived equivalent of the Australian term 'bogan'. Rednecks are just a tad unsophisticated. It's not even race related. Roy D Mercer is best known for perpetuating the Redneck persona with his expressions such as "ass whuppin" or "I'm gonna hit you so hard your kids are gonna be borned dizzy"  in his prank phone calls. Most rednecks are actually proud of being called rednecks, so it's an ineffective slur. The term normally evokes a series of 'hyuk's accompanied by extreme wobbling of the beergut by the true redneck. You can check out Roy D Mercer's Doublewide here:   http://www.roydmercer.com/main.htm

Muso, Muso, Muso, Muso, Muso...

Meh.

The term is beginning to be used by non-Europeans in Australia to describe Australians.  It may have originally come from the United States as a term to describe Southern Americans, but I've noticed it's starting to be used in a wacist way.

I'm well aware of its history and its 'intended' meaning. So nothing new there.

ex-member DonaldTrump wrote on Dec 6^th, 2008 at 10:25pm:

.... I guess the point you're trying　make is that you want to learn and understand the 'history' behind the wacist insults? Yeah, sure. I find it interesting too. I guess you're other point is that people need to be in your position to 'understand' wacism? If not, what is your point? On the contrary, Middle Sky, the area where I was born had a mass influx of Southern Europeans as I was growing up. My suburb was made up of about 30% Australians. I copped plenty of racially motivated insults in my schools and I was in the minority. Yet, I didn't take it to heart. I am now in a country where about 99% of the population is non-European in origin. I've copped plenty of discrimination since I arrived here around a year ago (So please spare me the 'you don't know what it's like' routine). Yet, I don't really care about it. And everytime I come onto a political forum or talk to them in person all I hear are a bunch of whining foreigners claiming they were  'unfairly treated' and 'discriminated against' because somebody looked at them funny in the street (Mind you, head to toe Islamic outfits are more suitable for costume parties than supermarkets in modern Australia). I guess what I'm trying to find out is the reason why different races react so differently to racially motivated attacks. 'White' people, in my experience, are the least likely to take a wacist attack seriously. An African on the other hand... Mｙ statement 'whites invented the modern world' was not intended to be an insult. It's just a fact. Sorry if that makes you feel smaller, but it's simply the truth. Chinese people invented a few good things too and　created a pretty kick-@ss civilisation if that makes you feel any better? Yet, you reacted in a negative way and thought I was insulting you. I guess what i'm trying to say with the 'whites invented everything' argument is: An African or Asian can't really carry out a wacist attack on a white for being 'stupid' effectively in an offensive way, because historically, whites have invented pretty much everything in the modern world.  However, whites can attack an African for being stupid, becasue they've invented hardly anything and Africans know it. Which is why Africans feel the need to attack Europeans with the 'physical' insults (Ie. Weak, small penises etc). Anyway, feel free to discuss the origin of wacist insults. I don't really mind.

I don't subscribe to the race theory because of lack of scientific definition of races but I must say this above is a good analyses of inter human relationship in general.

ex-member DonaldTrump wrote on Dec 6^th, 2008 at 10:25pm:

I guess the point you're trying　make is that you want to learn and understand the 'history' behind the wacist insults? Yeah, sure. I find it interesting too.

It's the sentiment and history that helps makes words offensive. The "N" word is just a sound, but the associated history and sentiment make it offensive for a black person. Calling a woman a 'slut' would be really offensive. Calling me a slut wouldn't really do anything since it doesnt really mean much to a guy.


Quote:

I guess you're other point is that people need to be in your position to 'understand' wacism? If not, what is your point?

No, i was saying i don't know how to explain it if someone hasn't experienced it.


Quote:

On the contrary, Middle Sky, the area where I was born had a mass influx of Southern Europeans as I was growing up. My suburb was made up of about 30% Australians. I copped plenty of racially motivated insults in my schools and I was in the minority. Yet, I didn't take it to heart.

yeah probably cause you felt you had the rest of the white country to back you up? Because you feel whites 'invented everything'?


Quote:

I am now in a country where about 99% of the population is non-European in origin. I've copped plenty of discrimination since I arrived here around a year ago (So please spare me the 'you don't know what it's like' routine). Yet, I don't really care about it.

Maybe because your opportunities in life were not affected by people poo talking to you.


Quote:

And everytime I come onto a political forum or talk to them in person all I hear are a bunch of whining foreigners claiming they were  'unfairly treated' and 'discriminated against' because somebody looked at them funny in the street (Mind you, head to toe Islamic outfits are more suitable for costume parties than supermarkets in modern Australia).

Now i've heard this with some expatriates in Hong Kong. They get cushy jobs, overpaid, much more than a local would for the same position and whatnot. All because of 'the system' that makes idiots think that whites would make their company 'look more international'. But they still complain a lot anyway cause some chinese guy was giving him poo for rubbing it in his face or dumb poo like that.
Some people have had many worse experiences and are in a way suspicious about these things.
Also some people are just whingers.


Quote:

I guess what I'm trying to find out is the reason why different races react so differently to racially motivated attacks. 'White' people, in my experience, are the least likely to take a wacist attack seriously. An African on the other hand...

I seriously doubt 'other races' are more prone to whinging about it. It's more about the percieved situation. Whoever gets the poo end of the stick will make more noise about it.

Quote:

Mｙ statement 'whites invented the modern world' was not intended to be an insult. It's just a fact. Sorry if that makes you feel smaller, but it's simply the truth. Chinese people invented a few good things too and　created a pretty kick-@ss civilisation if that makes you feel any better? Yet, you reacted in a negative way and thought I was insulting you.

Because you mentioned this 'races are more intelligent due to genetics' thing as if it were fact. It's rather baseless don't you think? Kids without an education don't often do as well as kids who get to go to better schools. So would it make sense to think that because some countries have had it good for so long, that they perform better academically since each generation builds upon the last? A lot of places around the world have experienced a lot of political turbulence and war for the past few hundred years, but you want to attribute poorer academic performance and number of inventions developed to race and genetics?


Quote:

I guess what i'm trying to say with the 'whites invented everything' argument is: An African or Asian can't really carry out a wacist attack on a white for being 'stupid' effectively in an offensive way, because historically, whites have invented pretty much everything in the modern world.  However, whites can attack an African for being stupid, becasue they've invented hardly anything and Africans know it. Which is why Africans feel the need to attack Europeans with the 'physical' insults (Ie. Weak, small penises etc).

You admit there can be differences in certain situations, can't you apply that logic to other situations? Maybe then eventually you'll realise what i'm trying to say? I dunno.


Quote:

Anyway, feel free to discuss the origin of wacist insults. I don't really mind.

Well i actually don't want to argue about this anymore because you're not going to change your mind about this and neither am i. I spend a bit more time than i'd like thinking of how to articulate things which in the end, i don't feel i really could very well.

I found your account of 'reverse racism' in Hong Kong to be interesting. I came across something similar in Ghana. A guy who ran the local branch of a company that I worked for a few years ago, explained to me how he had to put up with all kinds of nonsense when doing his banking. He was Ghanaian.

I went in to the bank with him and he was made to wait 30 minutes before anybody could see him. While we were waiting, we were talking to pass the time, when the bank manager came up and apologised to me. I was unknown to the bank manager. He explained that had he realised that we were together, he would have seen him right away.

It made my blood boil at the time, although I didn't make a scene. Having thought about it, it was probably some kind of perverted economic discrimination. A known rich Ghanaian would have probably  received the same treatment as me.  

hmm interesting. I guess  often it really is that money talks.

freediver wrote on Nov 11^th, 2008 at 5:21pm:

Fakir you can't even count the number of non-whites on Australian TV ads, so I can hardly expect you to accurately gauge the actual level of racism in Australia. It's like you live in a different world, with different TV ads showing only white people. I have lived overseas for a large portion of my life. I didn't experience the things you claim to have experienced. Instead of confronting us with the truth, you are confronting us with an absurd conspiracy theory to explain why we cannot see what you can see and what you claim is right in front of us. Why would you expect any other response?

hmm.. conspiracy eh?

Latest news from Austraya: Indians burn effigies of Rudd decrying the racist attacks on Indians in Melbourne.  Rudd replies "Australia is not racist".

Hmm.. where have I heard that before?  I think I heard it from the previous PM.  It seems every PM is trying to convince the rest of the world that Australia is not racist.

Now I wonder why OZ PMs feel the need to say that, when apparently it's just some stupid conspiracy theory made up by 6.6 billion people minus the 20 million oblivious white racists in Australia.

How many other world leaders have to say their country isn't racist?

You're a joke because you're arguing from a such an ignorant point of view.

fakir wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 12:35pm:

... Indians burn effigies of Rudd decrying the racist attacks on Indians in Melbourne.  Rudd replies "Australia is not racist". ...

I find this unacceptable in Australia and it would be very nice to stop it before this form of expression becomes "normal way of protest" here.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 12:46pm:

fakir wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 12:35pm: ... Indians burn effigies of Rudd decrying the racist attacks on Indians in Melbourne.  Rudd replies "Australia is not racist". ... I find this unacceptable in Australia and it would be very nice to stop it before this form of expression becomes "normal way of protest" here.

What is unacceptable is the passive acceptance of racial violence. Why did we need the Indian Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner to remind us that kicking people half to death is wrong? And if there's a racial pattern to this violence, then it's gravely wrong.

Perhaps you should read about the treatment and regard of the Chinese in late 19th early 20th century to gain an understanding of what passive acceptance of their underclass status meant. Indian students, to their credit, are not prepared to be treated as garbage.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 1:17pm:

What is unacceptable is the passive acceptance of racial violence. Why did we need the Indian Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner to remind us that kicking people half to death is wrong? And if there's a racial pattern to this violence, then it's gravely wrong. …. Indian students, to their credit, are not prepared to be treated as garbage.

So far we have Australia's name tarnished, well ahead of finding out who did it and why.

It could also be conspiracy to undermine export of our education.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 1:26pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 1:17pm: What is unacceptable is the passive acceptance of racial violence. Why did we need the Indian Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner to remind us that kicking people half to death is wrong? And if there's a racial pattern to this violence, then it's gravely wrong. …. Indian students, to their credit, are not prepared to be treated as garbage. So far we have Australia's name tarnished, well ahead of finding out who did it and why. It could also be conspiracy to undermine export of our education.

So far, what we have is a society and a Parliament slow to respond and condemn what are clearly unprovoked racial attacks on decent non-violent guests in our country.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 1:31pm:

So far, what we have is a society and a Parliament slow to respond and condemn what are clearly unprovoked racial attacks on decent non-violent guests in our country.

I suppose society and a Parliament want to know some more details before jumping on your wagon.

On the other hand, if you know something for sure, why not to contact Crimestoppers?

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 1:46pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 1:31pm: So far, what we have is a society and a Parliament slow to respond and condemn what are clearly unprovoked racial attacks on decent non-violent guests in our country. I suppose society and a Parliament want to know some more details before jumping on your wagon.

Maybe a quick look at the victims lying in hospital with their faces bashed in would be a start. Maybe a report on these incidents by the Police Commissioner to Parliament, perhaps. This didn't just begin over the long weekend.

As someone of apparent foreign background, Happy, apologising for the worst in our society doesn't make you more Australian, it makes you more a target.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 1:26pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 1:17pm: What is unacceptable is the passive acceptance of racial violence. Why did we need the Indian Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner to remind us that kicking people half to death is wrong? And if there's a racial pattern to this violence, then it's gravely wrong. …. Indian students, to their credit, are not prepared to be treated as garbage. So far we have Australia's name tarnished, well ahead of finding out who did it and why. It could also be conspiracy to undermine export of our education.

I tend to agree with you there. People often jump on the racist bandwagon.  I was speaking to a young Asian friend who complained that Australian women are so racist. It turned out that he was saying that because his advances had been rejected by a woman he fancied  ;D

I told him that maybe she just didn't find him attractive - nothing to do with race LOL.

In the case of the Indian students, mmm the jury is still out. Maybe they were just seen as 'soft targets' as was reported recently.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 1:55pm:

Maybe a quick look at the victims lying in hospital with their faces bashed in would be a start. Maybe a report on these incidents by the Police Commissioner to Parliament, perhaps. This didn't just begin over the long weekend. As someone of apparent foreign background, Happy, apologising for the worst in our society doesn't make you more Australian, it makes you more a target.

Bit of a basher yourself?

Let me repeat:

I suppose society and a Parliament want to know some more details before jumping on your wagon.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 2:06pm:

I suppose society and a Parliament want to know some more details before jumping on your wagon.

Do they, Happy? Does that explain why MPs are now speaking out? ... and only after the Indian Prime Minister and High Commissioner expressed their concerns?

Let me repeat.. Don't be an apologist for the worst as payment for acceptance.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 2:13pm:

Does that explain why MPs are now speaking out? ... and only after the Indian Prime Minister and High Commissioner expressed their concerns? ...

It is part of Governmental etiquette to reply.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 2:36pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 2:13pm: Does that explain why MPs are now speaking out? ... and only after the Indian Prime Minister and High Commissioner expressed their concerns? ... It is part of Governmental etiquette to reply.

Why publicly and in such strong terms, Happy? Diplomatic protocol requires a response if asked for. If MPs think that the students have it all wrong, they're certainly not saying it. They are condemning what they know to be true... the beginnings of 'curry bashing' as a cultural phenomenon as has been seen in the UK.

More power to Indians for refusing to accept the situation.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 2:56pm:

If MPs think that the students have it all wrong, they're certainly not saying it.

Well they did not sack Policemen who tried to disperse nuisance intersection sit in.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 3:08pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 2:56pm: If MPs think that the students have it all wrong, they're certainly not saying it. Well they did not sack Policemen who tried to disperse nuisance intersection sit in.

How does an MP, Minister or PM sack a policeman, Happy?

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 3:10pm:

Happy wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 3:08pm: NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 2:56pm: If MPs think that the students have it all wrong, they're certainly not saying it. Well they did not sack Policemen who tried to disperse nuisance intersection sit in. How does an MP, Minister or PM sack a policeman, Happy?

OK, Ministers and PM did not say that what Police did was wrong.
Better now?

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 3:13pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 3:10pm: Happy wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 3:08pm: NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 2:56pm: If MPs think that the students have it all wrong, they're certainly not saying it. Well they did not sack Policemen who tried to disperse nuisance intersection sit in. How does an MP, Minister or PM sack a policeman, Happy? OK, Ministers and PM did not say that what Police did was wrong. Better now?

You don't need me to tell you this, Happy. The police dispersed an angry crowd in accordance with their legal obligation to keep order.

Some things are worth getting arrested for.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 3:14pm:

You don't need me to tell you this, Happy. The police dispersed an angry crowd in accordance with their legal obligation to keep order. Some things are worth getting arrested for.

Yes, especially when one is law obeying guest.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 3:17pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 3:14pm: You don't need me to tell you this, Happy. The police dispersed an angry crowd in accordance with their legal obligation to keep order. Some things are worth getting arrested for. Yes, especially when one is law obeying guest.

Especially when your friends and kin are getting smashed over for no reason.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 5:00pm:

Especially when your friends and kin are getting smashed over for no reason.

You just take it in your own hands as law obeying guest and smash if not perpetrator something else or be a nuisance, because this is your right and you are above local law, right?

I get your drift.

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 6:38pm:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 5:00pm: Especially when your friends and kin are getting smashed over for no reason. You just take it in your own hands as law obeying guest and smash if not perpetrator something else or be a nuisance, because this is your right and you are above local law, right? I get your drift.

I doubt you do.

It's a pity it took all this to deal with a problem that's been worsening over a number of years and been largely ignored.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 7:02pm:

I doubt you do. It's a pity it took all this to deal with a problem that's been worsening over a number of years and been largely ignored.

I don't want to take responsibility for authorities not taking seriously growing problem.

But amazes me that we so easily accept violence as means of justification.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 3:10pm:

Happy wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 3:08pm: NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 2nd, 2009 at 2:56pm: If MPs think that the students have it all wrong, they're certainly not saying it. Well they did not sack Policemen who tried to disperse nuisance intersection sit in. How does an MP, Minister or PM sack a policeman, Happy?

Don't they do it in India?

Happy wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2009 at 7:44pm:

I don't want to take responsibility for authorities not taking seriously growing problem. But amazes me that we so easily accept violence as means of justification.

The gravity of the crime justifies the protest against it. A scuffle or two with the cops from a protest against bashings hardly compares to having your teeth kicked out because you're Indian.

And how many Indians have been assaulted? 3? How many Australians are regularly assaulted by Lebanese muslims because they are Australians? 100s every weekend?

There should be a demo at the Lebanese Consul-General's office:
http://www.lebconsyd.org.au/index2.htm.
And at other consulates whose nationals are behaving badly. Seriously.  Whitey protesting against racist attacks. Would be fantastic on TV in the evening.

NSW hasn't got enough police to keep up with the burgeoning migrant problem. While the Federal government keeps bringing more and more people here, the state's infrastructure is failing everyone.

All Australians deserve to live safely, but there are more attacks against white Australians now by ME youth than there are against Indians or other races. The Indians have got the right to protest as much as everyone else - maybe we should be protesting as well about our security, but we've become lethargic and accepting. All racial attacks should be dealt with swiftly and severely.

NSW needs to double its police force and build more gaols before this problem gets any worse.

It's blatantly obvious why this thread is so necessary.  Ordinary educated "Australians of European Descent" (AEDs) thinks the notion of racism in Australia is ridiculous.  They think there's equal representation of other races in commercials (ie. non-Gov't regulated mass media) even when presented with evidence to the contrary.  Even when Australia has a reputation for racism in every part of the world, apparently it's a conspiracy theory.  Even when the last 3 PMs (Keating, Howard, Rudd) have had to apologize to other nations about racism in Australia.

But how much more evident when a movie named after the country presents every AED in the movie except one as a racist against the only people who can be called "true Australians" by calling them "creamys" and exercising racial segregation - a movie I might add that is used by the Australian Tourism Commission to promote the country.

Do I need to hit some of you over the head with an idiot stick?  It seems I do.  But it's probably why cultural racism is still so ingrained in the collective Australian psyche.

There probably is some racism in Australia, but to be totally honest, I've seen much more racism in other parts of the world, including the UK, and many parts of Africa. Yeah, as far as Europe goes, it seems to be worst in the Mediterranean countries.

Actually Switzerland is probably even worse, and it's state sponsored there!

Hey Fukir, I'm a white racist. :)

I'm glad that Spic who tried to destroy telstra left us, and glad that the curry munchers down south are being beaten up.

Are you satisfied?
I am  ;D

fakir wrote on Jun 5^th, 2009 at 6:17am:

It's blatantly obvious why this thread is so necessary.  Ordinary educated "Australians of European Descent" (AEDs) thinks the notion of racism in Australia is ridiculous.  They think there's equal representation of other races in commercials (ie. non-Gov't regulated mass media) even when presented with evidence to the contrary.  Even when Australia has a reputation for racism in every part of the world, apparently it's a conspiracy theory.  Even when the last 3 PMs (Keating, Howard, Rudd) have had to apologize to other nations about racism in Australia. But how much more evident when a movie named after the country presents every AED in the movie except one as a racist against the only people who can be called "true Australians" by calling them "creamys" and exercising racial segregation - a movie I might add that is used by the Australian Tourism Commission to promote the country. Do I need to hit some of you over the head with an idiot stick?  It seems I do.  But it's probably why cultural racism is still so ingrained in the collective Australian psyche.

No Indian, fakir or not, is in a position to lecture whitey, Australian or not, about racism unless he has presented evidence of his efforts towards eliminating the most racist fakiring discriminatory system on the planet, vis. Indian caste system.

Where were you, daddy-o, when the call went up to end Indian racism?

The caste system is not racism.  It is elitist, but not racist.

Aussie wrote on Jun 7^th, 2009 at 7:29pm:

The caste system is not racism.  It is elitist, but not racist.

That is a novel argument. Your own?

at...
"Just who attacked the Indian student?"
Early this month an Indian overseas student, Sourabh Sharma, was bashed and robbed on a Melbourne train.
Who was to blame? The Islamic Council of Victoria angrily denounced white racism against brown people as having motivated the attack. It was, fumed Nazeem Hussain, a director of the ICV, a continuing legacy of Australia's dark past
....Last week, the Islamic Council of Victoria issued a media release noting that police had "failed to adequately address the cause of the attacks — which is racism".
In response, Superintendent Graham Kent lashed out at the council on 3AW, claiming the police were "disappointed" and that the statement was "uninformed".
http://ozconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-who-attacked-indian-student.html




CCTV footage IMAGE...
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BmVnMZODeXI/ShouJbLsfYI/AAAAAAAAAAs/pIlyALxmcdM/s320/train+assault+1.jpg
"[the attacker may be 'Australian', he is] certainly not white. In fact, he looks as if he could be South Asian. Here's an image of the second attacker:"




CCTV footage IMAGE...
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BmVnMZODeXI/ShovzImfbWI/AAAAAAAAAA0/FPnUk7kIY6A/s320/train+assault+2.jpg
"He's certainly not Anglo and probably not European either. There is, in fact, no-one in the CCTV footage who can readily be identified as a white person"

Brutal truth about attacks

   * Paul Sheehan
   * June 10, 2009

An Indian male displays his injuries after a group of males attacked him as tensions boiled over in Harris Park last night.

An Indian male displays his injuries after a group of males attacked him as tensions boiled over in Harris Park last night. Photo: Kate Geraghty

ANOTHER bashing of an Indian student, another angry demonstration by fed-up Indian residents, another brick in the wall of the misconception that Indians in this country have become the frequent victims of violent white racism.

This misconception has hardened into belief in India, where widespread media coverage of the attacks has played on old sensitivities about the treatment of Indians by whites and white Australia.

The perception is wrong. Indian students are being attacked in Australia, with at least 100 incidents in Melbourne and Sydney during the past year. The violence is undeniable, the targeting of Indians is undeniable, and the problem is unacceptable and embarrassing.

But the distorted story of white racism has been helped along by the prevailing sensibilities of reporting of crime in Australia, with skittishness about detailing the gritty reality that most violent street crime in Sydney and Melbourne is not committed by whites. The prison populations confirm this.

The attacks on Indians have followed this pattern, with the crimes committed by a polyglot mix reflecting the streets - white, Asian, Middle Eastern, Aboriginal, Pacific Islander.

The most recent attacks, in Harris Park this week, allegedly involved assailants of the proverbial "Middle Eastern appearance". The assault on Monday night was followed by a retaliatory attack by a big group of Indians. Police said three men "of Middle Eastern appearance" were set upon in Harris Park after about 200 Indian men converged on the street after hearing of the latest attack. In Melbourne, an assault on an Indian student on a train was recorded on video and footage depicting the attack was posted on YouTube. The video shows a swarm of young men robbing and repeatedly attacking the student. Most of them do not appear to be white.

A recent assault on an Indian student in Glebe was committed by a young offender described as Aboriginal. Sydney University is bounded on the east and west by Glebe and Redfern and both have crime hot spots involving Aboriginal communities.

Another recent assault on an Indian student, by a knife-wielding assailant in Port Melbourne, involved three attackers identified as Caucasian.

The ethnicity of the attackers thus varies from crime to crime. The police are telling the truth when they describe the attacks as largely motivated by opportunism, because Indian students work late at night, live in lower-cost neighbourhoods, and are regarded as soft targets.

It is also true that Indians have been targeted, hence the demonstration by about 1000 Indian students in Melbourne 10 days ago, and this week's eruption by hundreds of Indian men in Harris Park, which has Sydney's largest concentration of Indian residents. The suburb has experienced a spate of attacks on Indians in recent months.

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/brutal-truth-about-attacks-20090610-c2dm.html

Speaking as an outsider I perceive Australia as a white nation and the concept of non-white Australians seems strange and absurd to me.  In fact this is my reaction to non-whites in every Western nation except the United States, which of course has a traditionally large black population.  

I mean no animosity nor disrespect to the OP in saying this.  The characterization of Canada being free from "cultural racism" is also frankly absurd.  The CBC is hardly representative of Canada.

Our media has disproportionate representation of non-whites, and it also portrays a multiracial fantasy land in which race has no importance (except occasionally as fodder for some harmless jokes) and everyone has a "rainbow" social circle.  This picture is completely false, and I find the media marginalization of whites to be threatening as they signify our increasing dispossession from the homeland our forefathers conquered and built.

Coral Sea wrote on Jun 11^th, 2009 at 3:42am:

Speaking as an outsider I perceive Australia as a white nation and the concept of non-white Australians seems strange and absurd to me.  In fact this is my reaction to non-whites in every Western nation except the United States, which of course has a traditionally large black population.   I mean no animosity nor disrespect to the OP in saying this.  The characterization of Canada being free from "cultural racism" is also frankly absurd.  The CBC is hardly representative of Canada. Our media has disproportionate representation of non-whites, and it also portrays a multiracial fantasy land in which race has no importance (except occasionally as fodder for some harmless jokes) and everyone has a "rainbow" social circle.  This picture is completely false, and I find the media marginalization of whites to be threatening as they signify our increasing dispossession from the homeland our forefathers conquered and built.

You have no right to talk about Canada any more than I can talk about the US.  Although I can clearly see the level of representation of minorities on US TV, nevertheless I can obviously give no personal experience.  You can give no personal experience in either Australia or Canada, so your opinion is worth nothing.  Furthermore, you're not a minority, so what the hell do you know about racism?

Unlike what some people on this forum think, I am not trying to troll.  On the other hand, I want to make it painfully aware to anyone who reads this prominent (?) forum on Australia that Australians have a lot to change.  The status quo must go.

Oh look: more racism against the True Australians:
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25649566-5017007,00.html

Now check out a similar story in Canada:
http://www.thestar.com/article/633589

See the difference?  400 students walked out in defence of the Korean.  Can you imagine that happening in Australia?

Want more proof?  How many derogatory names can you think of for Aboriginals?  I can think of 3 right now beginning with the letters A, B and C.  In fact now I know a fourth "C" name since watching "Australia".  Do you know how many derogatory names there are for Canadian Natives?  None!  In fact they are called "First Nations" - an honourary title!  Imagine that.  Do you still think Australia is as progressive culturally as it should be?

Since I've left Australia (about 12 years ago), there have been two racial riots, Pauline Hanson was elected into Parliament, and Chinese restaurants were firebombed.  Hmm - has Australia progressed culturally?  You tell me.

Obviously I am making a big deal of it because I live in Canada and I can see the difference.  I specifically moved to Canada because I didn't want my kids growing up experiencing the discrimination that I faced in Aus.  Does that shame you?  Probably not - you're probably glad I left, which proves my point.

fakir - yes, if you want to live as an apologetic I am glad you left aussie.
Aussie's racial riots show aussies don't want to be run over by immigrants


how is the summer there ? go swimming in the ocean?
no wonder more people want to come to aussie.

Chinese restaurants were firebombed??????????????????????
Obviously not by Hanson
Oh ans since when is being elected into parliament by winning a previously ALP held seat seen as a race riot?  rotflmao

fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

I didn't want my kids growing up experiencing the discrimination that I faced in Aus.  Does that shame you?  Probably not - you're probably glad I left, which proves my point.

What was wrong with the country of your birth, full of people of your own race and outlook on race.

fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

You have no right to talk about Canada any more than I can talk about the US.

You're quite free to talk about America.


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Although I can clearly see the level of representation of minorities on US TV, nevertheless I can obviously give no personal experience.  You can give no personal experience in either Australia or Canada, so your opinion is worth nothing.

You do not know what my personal experience is with either nation (quite significant in the case of Canada), and appealing to experience (or lack thereof) is a logical fallacy.


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Furthermore, you're not a minority, so what the hell do you know about racism?

Minorities in fact have legally superior status to whites in my country, and in most Western nations statutes against "hate speech" are applied very unequally indeed.


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Unlike what some people on this forum think, I am not trying to troll.  On the other hand, I want to make it painfully aware to anyone who reads this prominent (?) forum on Australia that Australians have a lot to change.  The status quo must go.

Perhaps Australians don't want to change?  Maybe those not satisfied with the status quo in Australia should leave?  I can't understand how immigrants can be so ungrateful after being welcome into a first world nation that they immediately seek to change it.


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Oh look: more racism against the True Australians: http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25649566-5017007,00.html

True Australians?  They're a conquered people.



fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Now check out a similar story in Canada: http://www.thestar.com/article/633589 See the difference?  400 students walked out in defence of the Korean.  Can you imagine that happening in Australia?

Depending on the context, yes, but as a general rule, no.  Australians are also quite a bit less sensitive that Canadians and far more willing to take it on the cheek and get on with it.


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Want more proof?  How many derogatory names can you think of for Aboriginals?  I can think of 3 right now beginning with the letters A, B and C.  In fact now I know a fourth "C" name since watching "Australia".  Do you know how many derogatory names there are for Canadian Natives?  None!  In fact they are called "First Nations" - an honourary title!  Imagine that.

And despite this "honor" they routinely cause trouble and do things like block off railroads.  For the record south of the border we have a couple of names we could lend the Canucks.  Just where do you live in Canada that you never hear negative sentiments expressed against Indians?


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Do you still think Australia is as progressive culturally as it should be?

It seems to be far too progressive, like most Western nations.


fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Since I've left Australia (about 12 years ago), there have been two racial riots, Pauline Hanson was elected into Parliament, and Chinese restaurants were firebombed.  Hmm - has Australia progressed culturally?  You tell me.

Well someone as ungrateful as you left, so that seems to be progress.



fakir wrote on Jun 18^th, 2009 at 3:02pm:

Obviously I am making a big deal of it because I live in Canada and I can see the difference.  I specifically moved to Canada because I didn't want my kids growing up experiencing the discrimination that I faced in Aus.  Does that shame you?  Probably not - you're probably glad I left, which proves my point.

Perhaps you should go back to whatever country you're from instead of trying to tell Australians to change their country to suit you?