i don't mean to be racist but....
carla d, Sarah B & bethany
I don’t mean to be racist but… Why does Beyonce sing to the left, to the left? Because Black’s have no rights
Racism, a problem many of us consider to be in the past in Australia and most of us are against. Yet, we still judge people by which culture they resemble. We automatically judge someone because they may look like a “stereotypical” Asian or a Bogan. Stereotypes form many of the jokes that you just heard, jokes that can be in casual conversation, jokes that are apart of casual Racism. If you found any of those jokes even the slightest bit funny you are racist. Many of us take part in casual racism. Racism is "a distinction, or exclusion based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, of any human right or fundamental freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life." Acts of racism can simply be not wanting to sitting next to a person of a different race or making cruel jokes that can be demeaning to certain races.
Australia is seen as a multicultural country, this is something that as a Nation we are proud of. Sadly there are statistics like “More than 1 in 20 Australians say they have been physically attacked because of their race.” These statistics are frightening, especially as people flee from their homes to come to a country, which isn’t meant to tolerate racism. Racism is a problem of today, especially with the increase use of Casual Racism. Just because we are not extreme racist doesn’t mean our jokes won’t get out to other people, and offend them. The jokes and comments or simple actions can put someone self-esteem down and even at times led to isolation and depression. To stop these affects occurring, we need to first begin with our thoughts, and not make those racist jokes. Then, when someone else makes a joke, not to laugh and use our strength to make them aware that their words can be hurtful.
Casual racism is something that many of us take part of but how does it affect you, other individuals, and Australia? We change these views and racist remarks made by us and others we know, if we work together, and call attention to the problem.
In a recent survey, about 85 per cent of respondents believed that racism was a current issue in Australia. Racism has long been a disgraceful aspect of our history that has certainly tarnished Australia’s golden reputation. We are one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations; our last census revealed 1 in 4 Australians were born overseas. Our country has been regarded a beacon of hope for prosperous migrants after the war, as a safe haven for displaced refugees fleeing the terror of home. And yet, this land of sunshine, exile, and multiculturalism is also the home to 1 in 5 Australians who have been the victim of racial verbal abuse. Derogative slang, insulting imitations, insensitive stereotyping, and disrespectful phrases like “Go back to where you came from”, continue to circulate within society. Take Jeremy Fernandez, an ABC News anchor of who was the victim of a 15 minute abuse rant on a Sydney bus this year by a mother in front of both their children, a crowd of bystanders, and an inept driver. This distinguished Australian was left shattered, shaken by these direct racist threats to his safety. In a statement, Fernandez shared he couldn’t believe he was naïve enough to think things like this didn’t happen. But it does.
It has also been proven that there is a link between racism and poor mental health; particularly with anxiety and depression. Your seemingly subtle snide comment about a Chinese man driving his car may seem harmless, but the psychological effects from this discrimination are long lasting and distressing. Unfortunately, the racism in our society extends past racial taunts and unjust discrimination. Physical attacks on public transport and on the streets occur every year. Something must be done. It is us; the future of our nation that needs to change our attitudes, and challenge racism head on.
So, what can we do about these issues?
There are a multitude of strategies that can be implemented in communities, schools and the workplace. Communities are often where the root of the problem lies and how the general beliefs of significant people manifest into a mutual attitude. In many communities, a number of awareness campaigns for a variety of issues. With this in mind, why not incite change yourself and organise a breakfast or rally within a certain community? If there are already organisations dealing with such issues, join them! Schools, at times, when not monitored, can be a breeding ground for racist taunts and casual snipes. Sure, it can be difficult when you’re friend pull out a great racist joke but thank twice after it’s been shared and object to it- indicate that they shouldn’t pass it on as it may hurt or offend someone. Speakers at assemblies or other school announcement times are ideal in raising awareness of such discrimination in our society as they often have a much more personal and targeted response. Combating such discrimination in a work environment can be a challenge, particularly when there is a hierarchy. One method of eradicating these attitudes is developing a clear policy statement against all forms of discrimination and defining ways to make them work through cooperation and consensus. Other strategies include assessing hiring practices to ensure equal opportunities and fair hiring or organising a meeting to address and work through issues verbally. Its little measures like this that really make an imprint embedded in peoples’ minds and together, as a multicultural community we can try to make a greater change in the broader sense of society.
http://alltogethernow.org.au/racism/ (video)
Racism, a problem many of us consider to be in the past in Australia and most of us are against. Yet, we still judge people by which culture they resemble. We automatically judge someone because they may look like a “stereotypical” Asian or a Bogan. Stereotypes form many of the jokes that you just heard, jokes that can be in casual conversation, jokes that are apart of casual Racism. If you found any of those jokes even the slightest bit funny you are racist. Many of us take part in casual racism. Racism is "a distinction, or exclusion based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, of any human right or fundamental freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life." Acts of racism can simply be not wanting to sitting next to a person of a different race or making cruel jokes that can be demeaning to certain races.
Australia is seen as a multicultural country, this is something that as a Nation we are proud of. Sadly there are statistics like “More than 1 in 20 Australians say they have been physically attacked because of their race.” These statistics are frightening, especially as people flee from their homes to come to a country, which isn’t meant to tolerate racism. Racism is a problem of today, especially with the increase use of Casual Racism. Just because we are not extreme racist doesn’t mean our jokes won’t get out to other people, and offend them. The jokes and comments or simple actions can put someone self-esteem down and even at times led to isolation and depression. To stop these affects occurring, we need to first begin with our thoughts, and not make those racist jokes. Then, when someone else makes a joke, not to laugh and use our strength to make them aware that their words can be hurtful.
Casual racism is something that many of us take part of but how does it affect you, other individuals, and Australia? We change these views and racist remarks made by us and others we know, if we work together, and call attention to the problem.
In a recent survey, about 85 per cent of respondents believed that racism was a current issue in Australia. Racism has long been a disgraceful aspect of our history that has certainly tarnished Australia’s golden reputation. We are one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations; our last census revealed 1 in 4 Australians were born overseas. Our country has been regarded a beacon of hope for prosperous migrants after the war, as a safe haven for displaced refugees fleeing the terror of home. And yet, this land of sunshine, exile, and multiculturalism is also the home to 1 in 5 Australians who have been the victim of racial verbal abuse. Derogative slang, insulting imitations, insensitive stereotyping, and disrespectful phrases like “Go back to where you came from”, continue to circulate within society. Take Jeremy Fernandez, an ABC News anchor of who was the victim of a 15 minute abuse rant on a Sydney bus this year by a mother in front of both their children, a crowd of bystanders, and an inept driver. This distinguished Australian was left shattered, shaken by these direct racist threats to his safety. In a statement, Fernandez shared he couldn’t believe he was naïve enough to think things like this didn’t happen. But it does.
It has also been proven that there is a link between racism and poor mental health; particularly with anxiety and depression. Your seemingly subtle snide comment about a Chinese man driving his car may seem harmless, but the psychological effects from this discrimination are long lasting and distressing. Unfortunately, the racism in our society extends past racial taunts and unjust discrimination. Physical attacks on public transport and on the streets occur every year. Something must be done. It is us; the future of our nation that needs to change our attitudes, and challenge racism head on.
So, what can we do about these issues?
There are a multitude of strategies that can be implemented in communities, schools and the workplace. Communities are often where the root of the problem lies and how the general beliefs of significant people manifest into a mutual attitude. In many communities, a number of awareness campaigns for a variety of issues. With this in mind, why not incite change yourself and organise a breakfast or rally within a certain community? If there are already organisations dealing with such issues, join them! Schools, at times, when not monitored, can be a breeding ground for racist taunts and casual snipes. Sure, it can be difficult when you’re friend pull out a great racist joke but thank twice after it’s been shared and object to it- indicate that they shouldn’t pass it on as it may hurt or offend someone. Speakers at assemblies or other school announcement times are ideal in raising awareness of such discrimination in our society as they often have a much more personal and targeted response. Combating such discrimination in a work environment can be a challenge, particularly when there is a hierarchy. One method of eradicating these attitudes is developing a clear policy statement against all forms of discrimination and defining ways to make them work through cooperation and consensus. Other strategies include assessing hiring practices to ensure equal opportunities and fair hiring or organising a meeting to address and work through issues verbally. Its little measures like this that really make an imprint embedded in peoples’ minds and together, as a multicultural community we can try to make a greater change in the broader sense of society.
http://alltogethernow.org.au/racism/ (video)