Australia and the complexities of racism

India press has been awash recently with news of racism in Australia, specifically in the context of claims of attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne.

From Sydney's west comes stories of violence against Indians in Harris Park. A column in the Sydney Morning Herald puts a bit of context on this. Tanveer Ahmed paints a picture of Harris Park as home to successive waves of fresh migrants to Australia, formerly Mediterranean or Lebanese, and most recently Indians. In fact, when I worked close by there a few years ago, I noticed a heavy preponderance of Indian shops, with no particular signs [left] of previous communities maintaining a distinct identity. As always happens, the waves of migrants tend to blend in over time.

The writer positions recent violence in Harris Park specifically in the context of second-generation descendants of original migrants: "the worst racism encountered by the average migrant is usually from other migrants".

I would add a few anecdotal observations to that, having first arrived in this country something over twenty years ago. Coming from a similar culture, I could blend in barely noticed, yet I observed with fresh eyes the attitudes of Australians to those who were different. First, outward manifestations of violence [and racism] tend to come from young males (of course), say about 15 to 25. There was little overt racism towards earlier migrants, but noticeably more so towards recent arrivals. Those that are obviously different in speech and culture were the most likely targets - and, for example, if someone of darker skin spoke perfect english, they were more easily accepted.

But, I noticed at the time, Australians as a whole seemed to reserve their most vituperous ill-feeling to the original inhabitants - aboriginals. Having seen both sides - through both aboriginal friends and being on the receiving end of violence - I know better than to lump everyone into one basket. Not so your average Australian, who had simply not had any day-to-day involvement with any aboriginals, and so absorbed simply what they were exposed to by tabloids and talkback.

So yes, there is racism here, but I very much doubt that its worse than any multicultural country. And yes, where there is racism, it's most likely to be directed at aboriginals or recent migrants - yet the latter receive the press, while aboriginals just suffer day to day.

I would also add that those of the dominant culture are quite blind to the subtleties of racism, and would be quite ill-qualified to put a believable case against the existence of racism.

My personal feeling is such barriers best break down in situations where people are working together and get to know representatives of a variety of cultures. There's nothing like a multicultural workplace.

The past impacts the future

From Kevin Rudd's speech yesterday:

“we are the bearers of many blessings from our ancestors; therefore we must also be the bearer of their burdens as well.”

- something that people too often forget when there is a responsibility to fulfill.

Sorry: A historical act of reconciliation

When the band Midnight Oil played at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, they wore costumes emblazoned with "Sorry". Many watching from overseas wouldn't have known that it was a gesture of reconciliation to Aboriginal Australia, the Stolen Generations in particular.

Today, Oils singer Peter Garrett was in parliament as a Minister in the government that brought about a historical event.

When Kevin Rudd said sorry on the first full day of parliament sitting under his leadership, it brought much of Australia to a standstill. Many workplaces, mine included, watched live.
I didn't think I would be so moved, but tears came to my eyes several times in the course of his apology and his speech on the matter immediately afterwards. The cameras cut to audiences in the public gallery and outside parliament, and it was very moving to hear the words and see the reactions.

All Australia's living Prime Ministers from both sides were present - bar the last, John Howard, whose 11 years of obduration made this moment that much more poignant.

Opposition leader Brendon Nelson gave a reply that started off well, according to aboriginal people watching, but sank into partisanship and defending the previous government. The response was boos and backs turned, around the country. One news commentary: "Dr Nelson spent the first half of his speech apologising for the removal of Aboriginal children, and the second half implicitly suggesting that there should be more of it today."

Nevertheless, it was a historical moment, and Rudd's words will live on - particularly his subsequent speech outlining initiatives to turn around the appalling housing, health, and education situation of many aboriginal people.

Rudd's performance wasn't great oration, but the words mattered. At a reception afterwards for representatives of the stolen generations, he relaxed more and was much warmer.

The words were not actions, but what they symbolised was welcomed around the country, a very important step in aboriginal reconciliation. And they came with commitments.

The reactions of Aboriginal Australians to this day were warming. Their expressions and gestures, their words afterwards, demonstrate the real power in this act.

Some background stories on the eve of the apology.

One-time Aboriginal tennis player Yvonne Goolagong's response.

Other comments include: Maureen Riches, who travelled to Canberra from Shepparton, Victoria: it is "by far, the most momentous day" in Australia's history.
"I've been working for this for 11 years, ever since [John] Howard refused to apologise," she said.

Elder Beryl Gambrill said Mr Rudd was sincere and respectful.
"It brought back memories of what happened to our people when Kevin Rudd was talking about saying sorry to families," she said.
"I didn't think it was going to be that powerful. But I thank Kevin Rudd for what he said in his speech and thank him for all Aboriginal people."