Racism in Australia compared to US and Canada (lawyers, neighborhood)

[Minx]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

lack of political correctness

That's what my wife says about me, I lack political correctness.

I say "what a load of bull sh*t.......

[laurenaus]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

I think that Australia's main problem is a lack of political correctness (whatsoever). In Australia people seem more willing to do or say things that are considered offensive in other countries. Australia also seems to be in denial when it comes to its racist history and present, whereas Americans, Germans, and South Africans (all nations with histories of poor race/social relations) have gone to great lengths to acheive some level of tolerance and/or equality.

Australia's former and present immigration policies are not all that controversial. While the US and Canada have not restricted immigration based on race ever, both pioneered caps on the number of people it would accept. I would point out that the United States has a strong anti-refugee policy (with exception to Jews and Cubans), whereas Australia has at times been willing to accept refugees. The US had a long held defacto policy of accepting immigrants from only Asia and Europe. Some argue that this still exists, as immigration takes far longer from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to the United States than it does from Europe, Asia, Canada, or Australia.

I lived in OZ for a year, did a little traveling around the country as well and agree with the above. I don't see how you could argue against the point about being more politically incorrect when aussies admit that themselves.

[Gnutella]

Racism was invented in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. At least that's what I've heard.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

Speaking of racism, I wittnessed a racist incident last night at the bus stop...

I got off the bus-stop and nearly bumped into this girl who looked stoned out of her skull - eyes fixed in place, bumping into things left right and centre. Fortunately I avoided her in time, and in time to see her drop her ipod practically in front of her feet. This Asian student picks it up and gives it to her and how does she thank him? 'Thanks...you wog, go back to your own country!' Then she begins a rant, literally yelling, 'you ****ing ****, go back to China, you're not welcome in Australia!' and keeps on going with every expletive you can think of. He responds by yelling back at her, '**** you! **** you!' several times. This went on for about thirty seconds. I was tempted to catch it all on my phone, lol. I know it was drug related but it's still an example of the kind of stuff you occasionally here in some parts of Perth.

I'm curious, has anyone else wittnessed incidents such as this?

[LaDominadora]

I can't see any country being more racist than the good ole USA. People here are TOTALLY obsessed with race.

[laurenaus]

Originally Posted by LaDominadora

I can't see any country being more racist than the good ole USA. People here are TOTALLY obsessed with race.

id say it depends on which part. I don't deal with racism at all in socal.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by LaDominadora

I can't see any country being more racist than the good ole USA. People here are TOTALLY obsessed with race.

I think both countries are probably about equally racist/non-racist, although in Australia it's more on the surface, many Americans make it out like it's such a big deal. Although even in big cities like Sydney (perhaps ESPECIALLY the big city of Sydney) there's a fair deal of racism. For some reason I notice more racism in Perth and Sydney and less in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.

[artemis agrotera]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

I think that Australia's main problem is a lack of political correctness (whatsoever). In Australia people seem more willing to do or say things that are considered offensive in other countries. Australia also seems to be in denial when it comes to its racist history and present, whereas Americans, Germans, and South Africans (all nations with histories of poor race/social relations) have gone to great lengths to acheive some level of tolerance and/or equality.

Australia's former and present immigration policies are not all that controversial. While the US and Canada have not restricted immigration based on race ever, both pioneered caps on the number of people it would accept. I would point out that the United States has a strong anti-refugee policy (with exception to Jews and Cubans), whereas Australia has at times been willing to accept refugees. The US had a long held defacto policy of accepting immigrants from only Asia and Europe. Some argue that this still exists, as immigration takes far longer from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to the United States than it does from Europe, Asia, Canada, or Australia.

yeah, we're less precious on the whole, and as long as there is some humour attached / light hearted = ok

Originally Posted by Trimac20

I think both countries are probably about equally racist/non-racist, although in Australia it's more on the surface, many Americans make it out like it's such a big deal. Although even in big cities like Sydney (perhaps ESPECIALLY the big city of Sydney) there's a fair deal of racism. For some reason I notice more racism in Perth and Sydney and less in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.

yeah, I've definitely noticed it in Perth ... the few conversations with some locals that I have had have highlighted an underlying racist tinge ..

One thing I noticed in Sydney ... the 3 R's .... Rail (and not the public transport type) Racism, and Rugby

Melbourne is a little more tolerant, although the recent media beat up regarding the Indians painted it quite badly. I grew up there, and yes there are racist people, there are intolerant people but on the whole I do believe it works.

[nzrugby]

Originally Posted by LaDominadora

I can't see any country being more racist than the good ole USA. People here are TOTALLY obsessed with race.

In the main I find it is immigrants to NZ who are obsessed with race.
Normally it is those from the UK who have been in NZ a couple of years who then start whining that some other immigrants are not the colour THEY want to see in NZ.

Cheeky sods are not even NZ citizens, the USA does have a point in not allowing non citizens to vote, we should do the same.

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by nzrugby

Cheeky sods are not even NZ citizens, the USA does have a point in not allowing non citizens to vote, we should do the same.

I thought every country insists that only citizens 18+ are eligible for "sufferage."
(sufferage is funny English word; doesn't sound very appealing )