Is there much racism against africian american in australia?

Question

I'm thinking about accepting a job position in Australia, and I'm curious about the social and cultural climate there...

Answer 1

Not racism per se...
But there are parts of Australia where there is a strong anti-American climate. Bigger cities are more multicultural, but smaller regional areas can be less accepting of outsiders.

I'm an American who has been here for 12 years, and am quite happy where I'm living now.... but I've gotten some pretty rude and thoughtless comments in other parts of the country.

What part of Australia are you thinking of coming to?

Answer 2

I think many of the prior contributors are correct. Sadly, there is some prejudice against our own Aboriginal people and some other groups of significant size here (eg SE Asians), but I think that because there are few people of African descent here, people will be curious far more than prejudiced. Generally racism only arises where a group is of sufficient size to have developed an identity, and there really aren't enough Africans in Australia for these kinds of perceptions to have arisen. I definitely agree that you'll be a hit with the ladies (or gentlemen)!

And I agree that there are far more negative views of Americans than of African-Americans. But that's really towards those Americans who believe that the USA is the only place in the world where people would want to live, the best, "number one", etc. If you love your country but recognise that it has its flaws - just like Australia and every other country - then I don't think you'll find any problems. Just be warned that sentiment against the US Govt/Dubya is very high. Probably people will ask what you think about Dubya, or be more direct and just say "man how could you people elect Dubya?", and how you get on will depend on your response. If you handle it light-heartedly and with humour, such as shrugging and saying "What can I say?" or something like that, they'll laugh with you and you'll get along fine. But if you get offended or try and defend Dubya, you'll find that most Aussies will react badly to that. We're a pretty critical bunch, but that includes of our own politicans as well - our PM also cops a lot of flak for supporting Dubya's policies. We're nowhere near as overtly patriotic as Americans; criticising ourselves and others, and not taking things too seriously, are an integral part of the Aussie culture which I hope you'll come to know and love. We're VERY irreverent.

I recommend watching "The Castle" and "The Dish" as an introduction to the Australian sense of humour.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

Australia is a very multi-cultural country. However, there are some cities that are perhaps less accepting of different cultures than others. The larger cities are more accepting.

In Melbourne, the vast majority of people are very accepting and often interested in learning about different cultures (especially where there's food concerned).

But, of course, in every city in every country in the world, one can find racism.

I don't think an African American would have too many problems in Australia. What city are you thinking of moving to?

Answer 4

G'day,

I am an immigrant and have been living in Melbourne for over 16 years and never regret the move at all. I do not have Anglo-Saxon appearance, I speak English with an accent and I still feel like I am born in this country all along. My neighbors are combinations of immigrants and true blue Aussies and we are getting along very well. Racism will always be there in any country, but I definitely do not feel it here.

In your case, you speak the lingo, you are raised in western culture... I do not think that you'll find any problems at all. Yes there are some time required to adjust to the new (slightly) different western culture, but there will be plenty of support. Just remember that Australians are built by immigrants, including the Caucasians and Aborigines (so I was told).

Good luck and welcome to Australia :)

Answer 5

There is racism everywhere and stupid people everywhere. but as an Australian who has worked in several other countries, it seems to me that we are less racist than most other places in the world. My former students from various locations often relate stories of strangers being actively friendly and helpful. Our society in the cities is highly multi-cultural and in small towns people tend to be reserved but more friendly than they seem at first. I think you will find that in the unlikely event you encounter a problem, you will also get a spontaneous ground swell of support to back you up. Whether we succeed of fail some of our core values are mateship, fairness, and egalitarianism. Accept the job and move here, you will love it. Allow me to invite you to dinner after you arrive. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Well I live in nz and I don't think there is any here. The comment above me was stupid don't take any notice. New zealand is a lovely country. As for it in Australia (my home country) there is a lot of it. Just watch your back and be careful but other than that have fun. Most Australians are goo people

Answer 7

I honestly have lived and travelled Australia for 18 years, all parts of the Country East, West, North & South.
I strongly believe it will be a great experience for you, and for the people around you. Most Australians love meeting people from another country we find it interesting.

And i'm sure the Aussie women would love it too.

You can't beat an african american Guy....You guys are HOT!!!!

Good luck, if in Sydney you'll be fine.

Answer 8

Ha ha... you will probably experience more prejudice on account of you being American, rather than you being of African descent. There is a certain type of racial tension that is uniquely American. So you should leave those thoughts behind and go to Australia (or any other new country) with an open heart.

Answer 9

I live north of Brisbane in Queensland and NO I don't think there is racism against Africian American's or any race from outside Australia. There is racism against the Australian Aboriginal.

Answer 10

No where near as much as in America we try to give everyone a fair go here and I think you would pleasantly surprised how accepted you would be here.
After all we are a nation of immigrants and we do have racism against our Aboriginals but I think a lot of that comes from ignorance.
My in-laws and my children are Aboriginal and they don't let a minority ruin their way of life so come on downunder you will love it.