Muh Taufiqurrohman

The Thinker: Australian Racism

People in Australia are talking a lot about the recent attacks on Indian students and immigrants in the country. The violence and subsequent protests have raised concerns among communities in Australia, especially in Melbourne where I live. People have been asking two questions in particular that have not been answered for many years. The first is whether or not Australia is a racist country, and the second is, if so, why might this be?

I have seen some Australians treating people unfairly based on their skin color. In my workplace, some Caucasian Australians direct racist comments at their Asian colleagues. They say that Asians, be they Australian Asians or permanent residents, do not deserve to work and live in the country because they do not speak proper English. They also consider Asians a lower class because they often come from developing countries.

There are several factors contributing to the emergence of such racist attitudes in Australia. The first factor is a lack of multicultural education in Australian schools. Most students are not given the opportunity to study subjects related to indigenous Australians, let alone Asians. In addition, many public schools do not teach religious subjects. When religion is taught, it is often only at a primary level and focuses purely on Christianity. As a result, Australians have a lack of understanding of Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and other religious or spiritual beliefs. This lack of understanding often leads to feelings of suspicion or wariness toward the adherents of these religions.

A second factor is social jealousy and a significant economic gap. Some Asians in Australia are able to get good jobs with high salaries. Most have a strong work ethic, and as a result, they manage to secure a decent life. This seems to have created jealousy among some white Australians who have lost jobs during the current economic recession and who feel that Asians have taken work from them.

A third factor is the absence of a clear definition of what constitutes being Australian. Despite what many white Australians may say in their defense, when people do not have white skin, and especially when they do not speak Australian English, they are often seen as different, as non-Australian, regardless of whether they hold Australian citizenship.

A fourth factor is related to immigrants’ attitudes toward Australian values. Many immigrants are unaware of these values, and either intentionally or unintentionally, disrespect these values in a way that Australians perceive as rude. For example, on the roads of Melbourne, I find young Chinese and Indian drivers exceeding the speed limit and running traffic lights in a dangerous fashion. This understandably annoys those people who uphold respect for others and the law, and reinforces their ideas of immigrants as being disrespectful.

The last factor is immigrants’ failure to mingle with the white Australian community. Even in workplaces and public spaces, Asian immigrants often speak their own language and prefer to associate with their “own people.” Whatever reasons may be behind this, their perceived aloofness gives the impression that they disrespect Australian culture, which holds friendship and amiability in high regard.

To address racism in Australia, the Australian government needs to take action. It needs to improve cross-cultural education; for instance, through public schools, the government can educate the younger generation about other cultures religions. The government also needs to better educate immigrants about Australian values.

I would not judge Australia as a racist country based purely on the recent attacks directed at Indian students and immigrants. I have Australian family members and friends who respect people from other cultural backgrounds. They not only express an interest in Asian culture, particularly the Indonesian language, but also see and treat Asians the same as they do other Australians.

Amid allegations that Australia is a racist nation, people need to remember that Australians themselves have often been the victims of racism. In Bali, Indonesians often make crude comments about Australians being nothing more than a bunch of scantily-clad drunken bule .

Racism is clearly not just an Australian problem. It is a problem of humanity, as we all have different perceptions and ideas about what is normative. To stop ourselves from becoming trapped in racism, we all have to have open minds and accept the differences around us.


Muh Taufiqurrohman holds a master’s degree in international relations from Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR).

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