Racism? Sexism? No worries, we have it all!

Posted by Jenni Colwill on 3 June 2009 | 4 Comments

Tags: Australia, women, racism, sexism,

Sexism? Racism? No worries, Australia's got it all! It is good to see that the Human Rights Commissioner on Race Discrimination has finally made a statement about the attacks against Indian students in Australia. The claims of Australian racism from ex-Telstra boss Sol Trujillo and now from hundreds of students from India aren't exaggerated, and I'm adding sexism into the mix.

How did we get to such a dismal point? You'd think we'd be a bit more sophisticated - after all, Australia is populated largely by migrants and women. Given that the majority of Australians are kind, easygoing people; it does seem a bit strange.

But there it was on ABC TV - last week the Victorian Police Deputy Commissioner said that the Indian students who have been subjected to violence were 'soft targets'. It reminded me of the 'dress sensibly, avoid rape' comments made by in the past by people like Sheikh Hilali.

Neither Sheikh Hilali or Deputy Commissioner Walshe meant to blame the victims of the crime, but that is what they are doing.

I once read that rape can be seen as a social virus - something that women 'catch' if they go to the wrong places or wear the wrong clothes. But really, it is just plain cruelty, one person dealing out pain to another. Attacks against people on any basis, including racism, are the same. You don't 'catch' racial violence by travelling on a Melbourne train after 10pm. Others inflict violence on you. The perpetrators are to blame, not the victim.

It is hard to believe that human nature can be so vicious when you see so many examples of kindness, consideration, respect and altruism. But then, we do go to war, we do violate other people's rights, and often in the name of righteousness, religion, nationalism, etc. Are humans programmed to inflict pain on each other? No, I am of the view that racism and sexism are both aberrant acts of brutality. They are dehumanising deviations from what is normal, and people who abuse others by dehumanising them are quite simply practicing oppression and brutality, and should be treated with the disgust they deserve.

The biggest danger we face in Australia is our complacency, our 'no worries' approach to problems, which can lead to a denial that the problems exist.

It is time we faced up to the facts - racism and sexism both exist in Australia, and both should not only be condemned, the problem should be discussed by governments, communities and individuals, and solutions should be sought. We might not get the right answers immediately, but taking responsibility for finding the solution is the first and most important step.

The discussion is long overdue.