I'm planning to move my family from the UK to Sydney Australia. My wife is South American but is often mistaken for being Indian. Will many of the locals have a problem with her?
2007-09-09 03:58:19 · 17 answers · asked by godron_wookie 4 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
Racism is everywhere in the world and you will find some here in Australia as well.
But generally - Australians are very welcoming. There are a lot of different nationalities living here and Australians don't care what colour you are - as long as you treat other people the same way you want to be treated, you will be fine. (and when I say "Australians" I do not mean "white people" I mean EVERYONE)
One warning - Aussies have a sarcastic sense of humour. Someone may say something to you which you might think it is offensive - but it could be a light hearted comment. That is something you will have to get used to. It is Australia culture.
DO NOT expect the culture here to change to suit you. You are coming here - you have to change to suit it. Australians are very accepting but what we don't like are people who come here and then complain (and whinge and whine) that it is not like back home or how this is better back where you came from.
I have lived here for over 30 years and I don't think I have ever experienced racism. I am of Asian origin.
2007-09-09 19:33:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You will be fine in Sydney - I was there for a couple of weeks living with a family on the North Shore and came by people of many nationalities. In fact, seeing as you're moving, i'd recommend you check out that area as it is quite safe and very green - a welcomed retreat! But don't have any worries - Australia is no worse for racism than the UK, the US or most other places in the world for that matter.
2007-09-09 06:15:46 · answer #2 · answered by rozybb 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
There is a problem with racism in every country in the world.
If there is ANY truth in what the first answerer says, (and I'm sorry, but I think your boyfriend may have misinterpreted the situation) what the bar did was illegal.and if the incident was reported they would face serious penalties and be inviting one heck of a law suit as well.
That's not to say there are no ignorant bigots here - of course there are - Like anywhere else - ignorance knows no nationality or colour boundaries.
You'll find the vast majority of Aussies friendly and welcoming. We are one of the most multicultural countries on earth and we like it that way.
Mind you - you may find some good-natured ribbing & outpourings of sympathy for your wife having to put up with being married to a Pom :-) LOL
You and your family will be more than welcome here - come on down!
2007-09-09 12:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by Kella G 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Australia has no more of a problem with racism than the UK. In most parts of Sydney, it shouldn't be a problem, although in western Sydney it could well be an advantage, as this is an incredibly multicultural area, and you won't be looked upon as having a problem with people from other cultures.
2007-09-09 20:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by piranha_bcw 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Do you have a problem with your wife, obviously not, what does it matter if anyone else does, ignorance against colour and creed should be avoided and ignored, I have been to Australia twice this year and can honestly say I saw no signs of any racism whatsoever, everyone seemed to get on fine, I have friends who are Sri Lankan who live in Melbourne and they have never once encountered any form of racism, if people don't like you or your wife then how sad for them that they will never get to know what good people you are.
2007-09-09 08:30:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Aussies are possibly the least racist human beings on pondering 30% of our inhabitants is born distant places our PM Rudd speaks Mandarin which skill he's prepared to learn a distant places language that's no longer White. end generalising and don't Liston to all people who has no longer bodily been to Australia using fact they oftentimes make fake judgements on our united states and that they choose for to furnish our united states a foul call. Thats my opinion ok. So dont call me racist.............
2016-10-10 06:14:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Elizabeth its shame people stereotype other people that's how racism starts.
I know lots of people that live here from all over and they have never experienced racism I not saying there isn't any but your wife will be treated like anyone else.
We give everyone a fair-go and you get out Australia what you put into it a bit like life.
So good luck and I am sure you will be very happy here and good choice.
2007-09-09 16:25:24 · answer #7 · answered by molly 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Before I answer I like to say it's a shame that people with unfounded and inaccurate comments often seem to be the first to answer these questions.
The rest of use try to put a bit of time and thought into our answers.
Why would we have a problem with anyone?
I don't know where all these racist ideas about Australia come from.
I don't believe we're a racist country.
I'm afraid you'll find a few backward bigoted idiots here but you'll find that sort everywhere in the world.
Thankfully, they are a small minority of our population.
You're obviously a good and caring man but I don't think you or your wife have anything to worry about.
Welcome and enjoy your new home.
2007-09-09 13:30:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 5⤋
It varies from place to place. I think it is worse in the inland country area's.
A few years back a t.v poll asked do you agree with Australian should be wary of the smarter Asians and below averages Africans and according to the poll 70% agreed with it.
But I think most Australian people treat each person equally on their merits
2007-09-09 19:56:14 · answer #9 · answered by jobees 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
My boyfriend was in Sydney for a month earlier in the year and he did say that there was a lot of racism towards black people. He was in a bar and was disgusted to see that a normal, everyday guy who went in for a quick pint after work was made to feel very unwelcome by the white regulars and was asked to leave by the bouncers after the regulars complained. All simply because he was black.
I doubt this small mindedness would affect all Australians and I would hope that the majority of places would accept people of all races. You should not let the beliefs of the minority stop you from going where you want though. Good luck!
N.B. Elizabeth - The whole point of Y!Answers is for people to express their own thoughts and opinions. I give my opinion and state my reasons for it. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't give you the right to rubbish my answer!?! This was witnessed in your country. There were also many other occurences, of which I will not get into, which just so happen to differ from your clearly clouded point of view. I'm not saying it's right because I'm completely against racism and think it's criminal to judge people on their colour or creed. But it still happens. In all countries - I'm not targeting Australia alone! For you to think otherwise makes it very clear to me that you are in fact the one who does not think about what you are saying before you type...
2007-09-09 04:10:28 · answer #10 · answered by Showaddywaddy 5 · 5⤊ 8⤋