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.
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Asian Australians and Australian-style Racism (Read 13654 times)
