Contemporary Indigenous Racism in Australia - Essay Example

Racism: Contemporary Indigenous Australian Name: Institution: Racism is a concept that has deeply affected our societies and is now consideredan issue of national concern in Australia (Yüan, 1983). It actually involves separation of some society members in regard to races, classes and sexes. Such individuals are referred to as the minority group. It is an issue that started long ago with the emergent of multiculturalism and ethnic groups due to immigrants who moved into Australia from other lands (Aikins & Murray, 2004). Racism may include such acts like, physical attacks, verbal abuse, bullying and offensive graffiti (Hollinsworth, 1998). There have been many attempts of the government and non-governmental organizations to try and curb racism, but it still exists in different organizations and in general social life (Wilson, 1996). Although the social-political atmosphere is trying to bring down the level of racism, I strongly argue that racism is still deeply rooted in our social circles.It then remains a point of concern to identify if racism is on the increase or it is reducing in a general view of the citizens of a country (Hollinsworth, 1998). In my opinion racism is on the increase. This can be verified from real life examples where people have sufferedin the hands of their masters and hosts (Aikins & Murray, 2004). In the recent past, many cases have been examined of individuals claiming to have suffered discrimination, verbal abuse and physical attacks (Yüan, 1983). Over the years, research shows that racism has advanced fromovert forms to more covert and subtle forms. This can try to cover the whole idea and bring a notion that racism is not in existence, but that is not the case (Wilson, 1996). It is actually in peoples’ minds and blood hence is difficult to eradicate from daily life. Racism has transformed into an institutionalized nature which is often invisible. It can only be observed through stress affecting the minority group due to discrimination, neglect and verbal abuse (Hollinsworth, 1998). Racism is still seen in the form of ethnocentrism where one privileges his or her own culture at the expense of others’ culture (Aikins & Murray, 2004). This can be seen from speeches from most political leaders. They mostly refer to their own culture and the way they carry out certain practices. This makes the minority group feel discriminated and alienated from the others (Wilson, 1996 Oppression of the minority group based on racial grounds has nowadays changed and is now manifested as internalized oppression (Hollinsworth, 1998). It is normally due to the dominance of the dominant group over the minority group. In addition to this the services provided by the government in regard to citizens’ welfare are normally seen to be targeting only the dominant group (Wilson, 1996). This is seen to be like this because most of the minority group individuals don’t getany benefits from such free government services (Aikins & Murray, 2004). Mental health services are actually supposed to be provided for free by the government. This however, is not the case in most Australian clinics. This is actually not in consideration to the minority group which in most cases is afflicted with stress issues resulting from discrimination. They are supposed to be provided with mental health services to cater for their stress issues (Hollinsworth, 1998). The minority group in the society faces racism in more covert waysthat are difficult to identify (Wilson, 1996). In a school setup, it was observed that students who were immigrants faced low teacher expectation, poor attitudes and they were mostly socialized into lower educational and occupational expectations (Yüan, 1983). Also in another setup, in a medical facility, it was observed that doctors only treated patients speaking the same native language as theirs and neglected those speaking other languages (Aikins & Murray, 2004). Although there were doctors who were bilingual, they preferred to use their native language. Another instance is at the Blainey debate where Asians immigrants were attacked. Multiculturalism was also an issue of concern but the government did so little to stop it (Wilson, 1996). As per now, these practices are still in existence and still the government is not taking serious steps to control or stop such vices. Racism can also be seen to be increased by groups that are formed on certain basis. Such groups like political or even educational can lead to prejudice and discrimination against those not involved in such issues (Aikins & Murray, 2004). It still increases instances of racism though in a more covert way. Young children are influenced to start practicing racism at a very tender age (Hollinsworth, 1998). This is by sensitizing them that there are two gender types; a boy and a girl. From then, the child grows knowing that there are always differences among people (Wilson, 1996). Soon they will go to schools and are taught about the settlers in the pre-colonial period and many issues concerning the other races, this forms a mental picture that is difficult to forget. From this perspective, it can then be seen that racism is a vice that is rooted in our minds from childhood hence difficult to avoid (Hollinsworth, 1998). The Aboriginal culture is believed to be unchanging (Wilson, 1996). They believe that it is real and authentic. They believe that any change in their mode of conductis a sign of losing their identity and roots (Hollinsworth, 1998). They, therefore, do anything that can prevent their culture from being eroded by the culture of the immigrants. This act is a true indication that they have racism mentality in their minds and would not be free to mingle with other cultures for any change. This encourages discrimination and oppression of the minority group (Wilson, 1996). Hence it becomes difficult to eradicate racism from our midst. Another instance of racism is seen from a group of workers in Australia who chose racism as their main problem among their list of the major problems facing them at the workplace (Hollinsworth, 1998). From a survey conducted among university students in Australia, it was noted that 73% of the respondents had been oppressed, discriminated or attacked on racial ground. They reported that they had hard times studying in Australia (Aikins & Murray, 2004). This is a clear indication that racism is not as easy to eradicate as it seems. It is everywhere in our surrounding. To curb racism, there are a number of policies that have been put in place by the government and by certain non-governmental organizations in general (Yüan, 1983). There are many worldwide organizations that advocate for human rights and are on the lookout for any reports of discrimination. Individuals found guilty of discrimination can be sued and even jailed according to laws that were passed regarding human rights (Yüan, 1983). The laws were passed as a way of protecting individuals from discrimination, oppression denial of service if any kind and any other wrongs done to an individual (Wilson, 1996). To add on that, most employment places have unions and welfare organizations where every employee is required to registeras a member (Hollinsworth, 1998). Such groups try to bring workers from different background to stand together as workers hence develop peace and love among them (Yüan, 1983). It tries to minimize the differences that exist between them (Wilson, 1996). As another way of reducing racism in the schooling sector, schools have nowadays revised their syllabuses and are now focusing on enlightening students on the different aspects of varied cultures (Aikins & Murray, 2004). This gives them an understanding that there are different cultures and that all of them are ideally important to the owners hence no need of discrimination (Hollinsworth, 1998). In Australia, classes have been organized to teach the immigrants some aspects of the Aboriginal culture. This is to bring unity, and even help to assimilate the immigrants so that racism is reduced (Hollinsworth, 1998). As another way of bringing nations together and reducing racism, international games have been organized in various fields and circles (Hollinsworth, 1998). The participants are not restricted in any way from all the countries involved. This helps bring individuals together to share their cultures and believes hence reducing racism. Youth programs have also been lounged in many societies today to help bring youth together and to enhance groups so that we can reduce racism (Yüan, 1983). There are youth programs, youth committees and publicity campaigns to challenge racism. Although there are many programs put in place to help reduce instances of racism, I still believe that racism will continue to be an issue of main concern in Australia and a worldwide issue in general.This is because children who are being born start to learn the differences among people at a very young age. This makes it difficult to change the direction of thought of their mind (Aikins & Murray, 2004). It is also very clear that people attend games and conferences organized worldwide only due to money and rewards accompanying such events. After such meetings and games people still continue to behave the same way they were before the meetings (Yüan, 1983). As such, racism still will be an issue of concern. Recommendations In my opinion it is each individual’s responsibility to analyze and get the exact picture of the impacts of racism in our societies and look for safe means of reducing them. Individuals need to be sensitive to notice any forms of racism and condemn such acts in the society. This barbaric act can only be eliminated if it becomes each individual’s responsibility. In future political leaders need to be very keen when addressing their political crowds during rallies. Speeches given during such rallies will have great impacts to the group and can be used as a forum to bring unity and reduce racism. The government also has to be strict in enforcing the rules and regulations regarding to human rights. Any individual found to be going against human rights is supposed to face the penalties set. I also recommend that more games and conferences be lounged in different parts of the world to help interaction of people hence reducing racism. When people from different backgrounds interact they exchange ideas and get to learn each other’s cultures hence start to appreciate each other’s cultures which reduce instances of racism. Individuals are also encouraged to be sensitive and work together with the government to identify and condemn cases of racism. This will help to instill fear and understanding into racists that all people are actually the same. In conclusion, racism is everywhere and is deeply rooted in our minds. It is, therefore, to be each person’s concern that it needs to be eradicated from the society (Wilson, 1996). This is the only possible way of reducing it and finally stopping it. Without the participation of each individual in the society, then we will be pretending to have put programs in place to reduce it (Aikins& Murray, 2004). Racism is a vice and should not in any way be practiced by any sane individual in the society (Yüan, 1983). References Aikins, A. M., & Murray, S. (2004). Racism : deal with it before it gets under your skin. Toronto, Ontario : James Lorrimer Publishers. Aikins, A. M., & Murray, S. (2004). Racism : deal with it before it gets under your skin. Toronto, Ontario : James Lorrimer Publishers. Bonilla-Silva, E. (2010). Racism without racists. Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Cashmore, E., & Jennings, J. ( 2001). Racism : essential readings. London : SAGE. Chakma, S., Jensen, M., & Affairs., I. W. ( 2001). Racism against indigenous peoples. Copenhagen: IWGIA, cop. Chua, W. L. ( 2011). Racism in australia : the causes, incidents, reasoning, and solutions. S.l.: Balboa Pr. Fredrickson, G. M. ( 2003). Racism : a short history. Princeton, NJ : Princeton Univ. Press. Hays, S. R. (1994). Racism. New York: Cavendish. Hollinsworth, D. ( 1998). Race and racism in Australia. Katoomba : Social Science Press. Huggan, G. ( 2007). Australian literature postcolonialism, racism, transnationalism. New York : Oxford Univ. Press. Memmi, A. ( 2000). Racism. Minneapolis : Univ. of Minnesota Press. Pattel-Gray, A. ( 1995). The great white flood : racism in Australia . Atlanta, Ga: Scholars Press. Reilly, K., Kaufman, S. A., & Bodino, A. ( 2003). Racism : a global reader. Armonk (N.Y.) : M. E. Sharpe, cop. Wheeler, A. J. ( 2000). Racism : a bibliography with indexes. Huntington, NY : Nova Science Publishers. Wilson, C. A. ( 1996). Racism : from slavery to advanced capitalism. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage. Yüan, C.-m. ( 1983). Awakening conscience : racism in Australia. Hong Kong: Lung Men Press. Read More

In addition to this the services provided by the government in regard to citizens’ welfare are normally seen to be targeting only the dominant group (Wilson, 1996). This is seen to be like this because most of the minority group individuals don’t getany benefits from such free government services (Aikins & Murray, 2004). Mental health services are actually supposed to be provided for free by the government. This however, is not the case in most Australian clinics. This is actually not in consideration to the minority group which in most cases is afflicted with stress issues resulting from discrimination.

They are supposed to be provided with mental health services to cater for their stress issues (Hollinsworth, 1998). The minority group in the society faces racism in more covert waysthat are difficult to identify (Wilson, 1996). In a school setup, it was observed that students who were immigrants faced low teacher expectation, poor attitudes and they were mostly socialized into lower educational and occupational expectations (Yüan, 1983). Also in another setup, in a medical facility, it was observed that doctors only treated patients speaking the same native language as theirs and neglected those speaking other languages (Aikins & Murray, 2004).

Although there were doctors who were bilingual, they preferred to use their native language. Another instance is at the Blainey debate where Asians immigrants were attacked. Multiculturalism was also an issue of concern but the government did so little to stop it (Wilson, 1996). As per now, these practices are still in existence and still the government is not taking serious steps to control or stop such vices. Racism can also be seen to be increased by groups that are formed on certain basis.

Such groups like political or even educational can lead to prejudice and discrimination against those not involved in such issues (Aikins & Murray, 2004). It still increases instances of racism though in a more covert way. Young children are influenced to start practicing racism at a very tender age (Hollinsworth, 1998). This is by sensitizing them that there are two gender types; a boy and a girl. From then, the child grows knowing that there are always differences among people (Wilson, 1996).

Soon they will go to schools and are taught about the settlers in the pre-colonial period and many issues concerning the other races, this forms a mental picture that is difficult to forget. From this perspective, it can then be seen that racism is a vice that is rooted in our minds from childhood hence difficult to avoid (Hollinsworth, 1998). The Aboriginal culture is believed to be unchanging (Wilson, 1996). They believe that it is real and authentic. They believe that any change in their mode of conductis a sign of losing their identity and roots (Hollinsworth, 1998).

They, therefore, do anything that can prevent their culture from being eroded by the culture of the immigrants. This act is a true indication that they have racism mentality in their minds and would not be free to mingle with other cultures for any change. This encourages discrimination and oppression of the minority group (Wilson, 1996). Hence it becomes difficult to eradicate racism from our midst. Another instance of racism is seen from a group of workers in Australia who chose racism as their main problem among their list of the major problems facing them at the workplace (Hollinsworth, 1998).

From a survey conducted among university students in Australia, it was noted that 73% of the respondents had been oppressed, discriminated or attacked on racial ground. They reported that they had hard times studying in Australia (Aikins & Murray, 2004). This is a clear indication that racism is not as easy to eradicate as it seems. It is everywhere in our surrounding. To curb racism, there are a number of policies that have been put in place by the government and by certain non-governmental organizations in general (Yüan, 1983).

There are many worldwide organizations that advocate for human rights and are on the lookout for any reports of discrimination.

Read More