When is Racism not racism.

[the_bob_delusion]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfpADBQZfUE

I've seen this ad a few times now. I don't think the ad gets its point across. How is it discrimination against just indigenous is a stretch? Just cause the person feel like they've been discriminated because they're indigenous doesn't make it so. You can look suspecious with your hands tucked into your sleeve regardless of your race. Plus that woman frankly just look white to me. And some women simply prefer not to sit next to man on a bus. The last guy just look mediteranian to me even though the only bit related to the indigenous is the "ab0" joke. 

I get the point they're trying to make on the ad but it just ends up mocking the indigeous for being cry babies. I don't like this ad. 

[bluecat*dancing]

Racism is bad no matter who is the target and who is doing the targeting. Since British colonisation began, the Indigenous peoples have been treated as sub-human and inferior as if their aboriginality is something to be ashamed of. It will take a long time before the harm caused over generations is healed.

[channys_mum]

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@lis351 wrote:
Lion, that's not fair. I have been abused, physically and verbally, many times in my life for being white, but that's ok? Because I'm not indigenous? Racism does exist, I'm not denying that, but I will not have the many times I have been on the receiving end (almost every time by an indigenous person) down played because I am fair skinned and haired.
In fact, I can answer yes to 3/6 of Lobs statements.

And as for the ad in the OP? I have store owners watch me as I wander around too. I've moved a bag from a seat on a bus/train for someone to decide not to sit next to me, why is it automatically a race thing, personally, I'm more creeped out by the actor playing the conscience.

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Absolutely not fair. Racism sails both sides of the river. The flag is never waved in defence of the white Australian. 

As I said before racism is not racism when it is aimed at a caucasian.

If I was to have an argument with a non caucasian person and I was called white trash etc by the other person, nothing, no reaction from the general public, nothing racist there. If I retaliate with black trash, I am automatically racist.

A friend and I tested this theory.

* Do you automatically open your bag on leaving a store cos you know its gonna get checked?

A Yes, because bags are supposed to be checked.

* Have you continuously watched your kids not get served at a counter?

A Yes, and I have been by passed at counters also. It happens

* Have you had someone on a plane look at you and then ask for another seat right in front of you?

A No, don't fly

* Have you been with a group in a pub and a glass is dropped and its YOU asked to leave?

A No, don't hang out in pubs

* Have you ever gone to touch someone and they flinch automatically?

A Yes, some people don't like to be touched, and it is space invading.

* Has every kid in the class been invited to a birthday party except yours? Explain that...........

A Yes.  I won't put the explanation on here, except to say it was Channy and to do with her orphaned status

[tall_bearded01]

Have you ever worked in a place where you are providing social services to white Aussies? You think the same deal doesnt happen? Youthink it is a black thing to be upset? downtrodden? angry? frustrated? rude? abusive?

Yes I have.

When it happened, I was authorised to terminate the interview immediately and demand they leave, and if they refused, I could press a duress button and within moments a security officer would be present, and if that didn’t defuse the situation, where necessary, we had the right to restrain and hold, until the police arrived.

As for the two family members, no duress button, no security. Because you are dealing with indigenous issues, it’s all part and parcel of the job. Put up with it or leave. They left.

As for being a black thing I guess you missed. “Now, if they or I had witness any of the incidents you describe, then they, as I, would have intervened because such conduct in my view is totally unacceptable. But, if these are examples of what constitutes racism now, then we have most certainly come a long way since the 1960s, though further work is required”.

[tall_bearded01]

The thing that most annoys me is, though we are the generation who first saw the injustice in how indigenous Australian were being treated and demanded change, we are still considered racist because, as we accept that indiginous persons have a right to be treated with dignity and respect and have an equal right to the opportunities this country affords, we demand be treated the same way even by those of aboriginal and Torres island decent..

You want an example of how things were back in the day, as a young soldier I was on the town with a few mates (other soldiers) in Townsville in the early 70’s. One of those mates was a young part aboriginal lad who was also a member of my gun detachment. We entered the Central Hotel to have a couple of drinks and my mate was refused service. Outcome, I spent 7 days in the guardroom (cells) with a further 7 days of restricted to barracks because of the fight I started. The rest got a warning because when harsh language turned to push and shove and I threw the first punch.

[bluecat*dancing]

Pretty terrible.

[azureline**]

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@lobs211 wrote:

* Do you automatically open your bag on leaving a store cos you know its gonna get checked?

* Have you continuously watched your kids not get served at a counter?

* Have you had someone on a plane look at you and then ask for another seat right in front of you?

* Have you been with a group in a pub and a glass is dropped and its YOU asked to leave?

* Have you ever gone to touch someone and they flinch automatically?

* Has every kid in the class been invited to a birthday party except yours? Explain that...........

This is daily. Call it what you want.

So many beautiful, kind, caring white Aussies but this ^^ is constant. Dont tell me racism doesnt exist!!

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Bag checks, yes I do, the person doing that job doesn't want to ask for fear of rudeness, however they have to, if your bag is A4 or bigger. So, I offer mine now, don't wait to be asked.

Children being ignored at counters.... yes, often, some people have no respect for children but demand it themselves.

Plane.... no

Pub... no

Touch....no but I don't like to be touched by people I don't know well.

Birthday parties.... not mine (we didn't have parties all the time, like they do now) but grandchildren, yes. 

but...yes, racism exists, most of us don't have cause to notice it often enough though, for it to be a concern.

I take people as I find them.

[channys_mum]

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@tall_bearded01 wrote:

The thing that most annoys me is, though we are the generation who first saw the injustice in how indigenous Australian were being treated and demanded change, we are still considered racist because, as we accept that indiginous persons have a right to be treated with dignity and respect and have an equal right to the opportunities this country affords, we demand be treated the same way even by those of aboriginal and Torres island decent..

You want an example of how things were back in the day, as a young soldier I was on the town with a few mates (other soldiers) in Townsville in the early 70’s. One of those mates was a young part aboriginal lad who was also a member of my gun detachment. We entered the Central Hotel to have a couple of drinks and my mate was refused service. Outcome, I spent 7 days in the guardroom (cells) with a further 7 days of restricted to barracks because of the fight I started. The rest got a warning because when harsh language turned to push and shove and I threw the first punch.

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I absolutely agree.

When I was a kid at school I saw no race colour or creed, my friends were chosen because of who they were as people. I was always the defender of the underdog. I taught ESL to refugees as an adult. Oh this was no charge, my time was donated.

I was appalled by the treatment of indigenous peoples back then. 

I am also apalled by the discrimination against white kids as far as opportunity and disciplinary action goes.

I have no problem with the indigenous flag, however what about the australian flag, are the indigenous not australian. I have never seen the other races who have chosen australia to be their home flying the flags of their heritage on Australia Day etc,

It is these actions that separate the indigenous from the rest of Australians. 

Here is a question.

My mother's family was French on Gran's side and Irish on Grandad's side

My father's familyn was English (which means it could be one or two of many)

I was born in Australia.

Am I French, Irish, English, or should I just consider myself Australian because of my mixed blood and the fact that this is my home.

Not a racist, just a realist.

[tall_bearded01]

If you want an example how petty this issue has become, here’s an example.

The community centre at place I moved to when I retired wanted to upgrade their cenotaph three months prior to ANZAC Day. They submitted the plans to Council, and were told ANZAC Day, or not, it was likely to take 6 months, or more, before it got to the top of the pile for approval.

A week later the committee submitted revised plans – same plans but this time with two flag poles. One for the national flag and the other for the so called aboriginal equivalent. Planning approval was given on the spot.

Sort of puts into perspective the priorities of some and one nation under on flag

[bushies.girl]

Great Post CM     ...... Look at this way if you write "proud black woman" thats quite ok  BUT if you write "proud white woman" you are deemed to be a racist.   The term "white trash" is mild  in comparision to some of the oher names I have been called by "Indigenous" people who are whiter looking than I am.  If Indigenous people want to have respect perhaps they need to learn to give it as well!

Also a REALIST!

[the_bob_delusion]

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@i-need-a-martini wrote:

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@**what_would_bob_do** wrote:

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So first they don't know if she's aboriginal or not but spend time laughing and looking at her. Doesn't make sense. So if she doesn't happen to be aboriginal it's no longer racist???

People can be bigoted and insensitive for various reason. Doesn't make it racism.

I have met people with an unusual mix wondering what nationality of mix they are. Does that make me racist? Infact I actually perceived them as unique and much more beautiful. Which is probably a form of racism. 

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I didn't notice she was indigenous until I overheard the comments in this group. But I had another look to see what they were going on about and yes, she was clearly indigenous albeit very light skinned.

Would they have spent half an hour of their time staring at a blond girl and debating her nationality? Or staring at an olive skinned girl and debating her nationality? No. So it is racism.

Wondering about someones nationality or not the same level of srcutinisation that indigenous people get. Because unfortunately it is tied into a whole raft of other stereotypes. That is what the ad is trying to highlight.

And I have often talked about a young indigenous girl I had working for me who copped unbelievable racism every day - from  people pointing and staring, to refusing to touch her (a bit hard when she was working a cash register and wanted to give you some change) to making overt gestures like visibly checking their change as if they were expecting her to steal some of it. 

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So she's "clearly indigenous" according to you yet the others spent half an hour debating whether she is or isn't. Indigenous with very light skin. Not "Clearly indigenous" to me. To me if would be an exotic mix to me and I'll be curious to know what, just as would for any other mix. Please look up the definition of racism. Racism to me is a matter of intention.  I'm not saying racism doesn't happen but the Ad sucks at getting that point across. 

You just have to look at the selections for jobs. If you have an Asian or Middle Eastern sounding name you're least likely to even get chosen for an interview. Having an indigenous name will give you a better shot. 

Your reference to the young indigenous girl. how do you differenciate between her discrimination because of her being a female, her persona, her race, or 100 other factors. Unless you can tell me how someone else is thinking. Wanna provide some concrete evidence instead of saying this is how she felt.  Jimmy provided a good experiment on Oprah, people have more of a victim's mentality when they have that perception already and I think the ad reinforces that. 

Victims lose all credibility when you start crying foul every single incident for every single day. 

On a bus, I would not want to sit next to a person if they're dirty, stinks or takes up too much space. If they happen to be indigenous does that make me racist?