Aussie authorities discuss racism and how it doesn't really exist Down Under
Aussie authorities discuss racism and how it doesn't really exist Down Under "Look at the data. Indians are safer in this country than they are in their own country,"
Simon Overland, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, February 6, 2010
"Don't display your iPods, your valuable watch, don't display your valuable jewellery. Try to look as poor as you can."
Simon Overland, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, January 11, 2010
"Our Indian population is underrepresented in terms of assaults... We have a very large Indian and Sri Lankan population, they are nearly 7 per cent of our population and on average if you have 14 crimes that occur every week one will affect that community. But that doesn't mean that they are being targeted or it's racially motivated."
John Brumby, Victoria Premier February 4, 2010
BRUMBY
As the Premier of Victoria I would like to assure you that Indians are not singled out for racism in Melbourne. They're entitled to the same levels of racism that we offer other ethnic minorities.
Yes, there has been a death or two and people have been punched, stabbed and burned but it's wrong to assume that these are the result of racism.
People get upset for all kinds of reasons such as when they lose their Internet connections. So of course, if it's an IT issue, for instance they are likely to pick on the nearest Indian.
OVERLAND
I think John has a point, non-whites deserve equal amounts of racist abuse and preference should not be given to any one community. As for racism, it does exist we are a country like any other country and entitled to a degree of racism. In fact, it's surely a motivator for students to study harder, achieve great results and go back to their own country more quickly. We're not a racist society, but there is a hint of racism in our societyu00a0 it's a bit of spice, a bit of masala. Nothing wrong with that, is there?
BRUMBY
Simon has a point but I think he's wrong to think we are a racist society. You can argue that Australian society is predicated on the destruction of the Aboriginal people but you can argue many things. I could go around saying kangaroos conduct courtship rituals in Latin but that doesn't make it true. We're not a racist society and racism has no part in it. There are all sorts of wogs and gooks and desert-niggers studying at our universities and we welcome them all.
OVERLAND
While I agree in principle with John, it's important to define racism. Being stabbed or kicked or burned could and does happen to anyone.
BRUMBY
I agree. I'd say racism is moaning. "Oh, woe is me, I'm being attacked." It's a victim culture see and what the victim is doing is blaming power. The fact is that power is not racist, it's power. I love a good curry.
OVERLAND
What we recommend is that Indians stay at home and study. A racist is unlikely to visit you at home and you are all very family-oriented people, so stay at home and keep away from the Indian media.
BRUMBY
That's right, I agree. Lock your doors and windows in case the Indian media get it in. Make sure not to use your laptop in public in case the Indian media rob you. And don't walk down any dark alleys as the Indian media might be lurking there.
OVERLAND
Yes, it's not helpful for the Indian government to issue a travel warning either. We have to deal with things sensitively and get to the bottom of things. Things are not black and white.
BRUMBY
Quite. I get tired of all this constant harping on. What Indians should do is look poor, that way they won't be robbed. Just like in Slumdog Millionaire dress down and no one will want to attack you. Also, if you are about to be attacked you can take precautions.
OVERLAND
That's right. If you are apprehended by racists pretend you're on your way to the airport. This is likely to disarm them, unless they are wielding weapons in which case the best thing to do is run. If you tell a racist you are leaving the country, chances are that person will stop and help you achieve your aim. That's when you'll see the caring side of Australia. "Leaving the country? Let me give you a hand."
BRUMBY
Haha. That's right. It just shows how the media sensationalises things, telling us we're in denial. We are not in denial. We are not racist. It's wrong to assume every racial attack has a racist motive. In fact, it's wrong to assume every attack is an attack for community cohesion you need dialogue, not assumptions. That's the root of misunderstanding. If I clobber you with a hammer, you can call it an attack but in another culture it could be an expression of love.
