The thing about travel is the wealth of experiences that accompany it. We meet new people, see new sights… and are exposed to all manner of different world views.
Some of these world views don’t quite gel with our own. Some jar. And some are just plain wrong.
This was the case when travelling around Australia. Don’t get me wrong. I met incredible people. I had an amazing time. The whole trip was extraordinary in many, many ways. But every now and again, I would run into some seriously off kilter behaviour that just didn’t seem to fit into my view of what Australia was about. And that behaviour was what I came to refer to as casual racism.
Casual, of course, is not really a term that should be applied to racism, in much the same way that you wouldn’t say that someone casually raped someone else. It was just the way that what appeared to be completely outlandish statements, from my point of view at least, were just dropped into conversation, as if it was perfectly normal.
Much like observing the weather, pointing out that there seemed to be some clouds on the horizon, and then, almost as an afterthought, suggesting that some folks of coloured skin should probably be quietly poked off a cliff. And then back to the weather.
So. My trip around Australia. I use Australia as an example because it’s the most recent place I have been, although I am aware that racism is hardly a problem unique to one country, nor am I labelling all Australian’s as racist. (I can almost feel the comment box beginning to quake in its boots already).
Let me give you an example.
I was travelling through the centre of Australia, and was in the East McDonnell ranges. These are a series of mountain ranges near Alice Springs which feature excellent walking and remarkably pretty mountainous scenery, particularly for a part of Australia I had long believed to be flat. My knowledge of Australian geography when I started out was fairly poor.
At one of the campsites we were staying at, we met a middle aged rather jovial Australian couple, with whom we spent some time discussing a variety of topics, including the weather (usually you can’t talk too much about the weather near Alice Springs, what with it being sunny roughly 100% of the time), the quality of the local drinking water, and the high quality of the local walking options.
Somewhere towards the end of the conversation, we mentioned that we were heading up towards Katherine next, at which point the gentleman pointed out to us that it was, of course, “full of fucking abo’s”.
I think the gears probably fell out of my dialogue engine at this point, and the many years of British politeness training kicked in to avoid the car wreck of the conversation that was suddenly happening around me. I looked across at my travelling companion, who appeared to be as flummoxed as I was. There were some mumbled “oh?” type noises, followed by some general nodding and bobbing of heads, before we extricated ourselves from the whole topic, and escaped to our vehicle, to wonder quite what the hell that had been about.
We had not, by this point on the trip, had much encounter with Australia’s original inhabitants, the aboriginal people who had been around as a culture for roughly 40,000 years before the Europeans showed up and, well, kinda ruined everything. And there was a reason for this. Large numbers of Australia’s remaining aborigines live in isolated communities – often alcohol free zones – which require entry permits to visit. One example of this is Arnhem land, which takes up a sizeable chunk of the Northern Territory.
Other encounters with aboriginal people as we travelled around Oz were fairly limited. We had a long chat with a fellow who ran an internet cafe in Katherine, who shared all sorts of stories and knowledge about aboriginal culture. Other than that, we just saw a few groups of people chilling out on the grass, or enjoying the sunshine. We couldn’t quite see what caused this somewhat overwhelming reaction from a minority of people we met, and it wasn’t something I seemed to be socially programmed to deal with.
Again, I should emphasize that this wasn’t a regular occurrence. But it wasn’t a one-off either. And looking back, I kinda wish I had some exciting story to tell about how I had been able to morally crusade around the country, righting the wrongs in people’s belief systems. But obviously, this wasn’t the case. Encounters with casual racism were brief and fleeting, usually because we just got the hell out of there whenever we could. I don’t believe I ever quibbled or argued against it. Perhaps I should have. Perhaps it wasn’t my place. Perhaps confrontation just wasn’t where I was. I have no idea.
I would love to know what your thoughts on this are, because I admit, this sort of thing really confuses me. Coming up against a world view that is so in opposition to your own, but then not having the capability or, perhaps, bravery, to face up to it and point out that it is wrong, seems somewhat like perhaps I failed in some way.
What, after all, is the point in believing in something if you aren’t willing to stand by your cause? Should I have engaged in argument, or was the quick exit option sufficient? Let me know what you think, and how you have dealt with similar situations, in the comments below.
Shane says
Having grown up and lived in regional Queensland (north eastern Australia) I can attest that casual racism is an unfortunate truth, especially amongst the baby boomer generation and older. It was common place when I was young but thankfully I like to think I’ve developed a more progressive view as a result of travel, maturity and insight into the injustice perpetrated against our lands’ traditional owners.
Aboriginal people were not given full citizenship and voting rights in their own country until 1967 and 50+ years later in regional areas they are still marginalised by many with non progressive views.
That’s not to say there isn’t problems in many Aboriginal communities, including crime and violence, the issues are well researched but unfortunately not resolved.
Like you most are taken aback when confronted with unsolicited racism and in the awkward moment it can be hard to muster the courage and words to articulate an appropriate response. As a local I at least feel qualified to respond, though I do pick my words carefully if the other person appears to be unhinged or drunk.
Happy travels
Shane
Laurence Norah says
Hey Shane,
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and insight, and also for standing up for what is right. That is very important. I wrote this piece 11 years ago (how time flies!), how nice it would be to have read it and thought how much things have changed, sadly not so much the case 🙁
Safe travels too!
Laurence
An Indian Traveler says
I too have been a victim of racism on the road. It did not made me bitter but rather taught me an important lesson. I wrote in detail about that incident: https://www.anindiantraveler.com/2018/06/racism-on-road-lesson-learnt.html
Laurence Norah says
Sorry to hear that, but thank you for sharing your story 🙂
Simon says
That’s horrid! In my experience you tend to find racism in less culturally diverse places to begin with. In London, say, I never encountered any racism of any kind because cultural diversity was a fact of life. In the middle of nowhere (I’m not brave enough to name a place in case I offend!), however, I often find casual racism a fact of life.
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls says
Excellent of you to post about this. I think what I find interesting is that it seems that Oz is one place where people are more open, less hidden with their racism. I think it’s there just as strongly in Britain or the U.S. but it is hidden for various reasons. Is it more open in Oz? I don’t know, as we haven’t been there yet, so this is just what I have gathered from many conversations with Aussies and people who have traveled/lived there.
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
It sounds like a very uncomfortable situation. We’ve been in similar situations in the USA. We live in America’s Deep South (not known for open mindedness) and casual racism tends to poke it’s ugly head out when people drink or feel like no one is listening.
Nisha says
I am sorry that you faced this. I am also a ‘brown’ and have lived in Australia for nearly a year and did not face any form of racism, probably being a female I was going to only ‘safe’ places. Or mine was an isolated case.
Nonetheless, many Indians (my countrymen) will not agree with me. I think as a traveller, we need to take all these in our stride as long as it doesn’t go beyond a limit.
For that matter I was literally dragged and made fun of in Malaysia by some taxi drivers.
As Karen says, every country wants to be one up…. at least in front of outsiders. 🙂
Cole Burmester says
Great post mate. There is a lot of barely hidden racism everywhere in the world. I believe anyway. Doesn’t take much for most people to spit out something horrible, even if they mean it as a joke.
Karen @ Trans-Americas Journey says
I lived in Australia for three years and heard this sort of thing on a regular basis. Not every day, but often enough that it soon stopped shocking me. Which is shocking. And shameful. And absolutely not isolated to Australia. During our travels in Mexico and Central America we’ve come to the conclusion that intra-country racism aboslutely exists everyhwere on some level and, more pointedly, every country needs to feel superior to another. Belizeans think they’re better than Guatemalans. Folks in Nicaragua and Costa Rica go at it over border issues all laced with superiority and inferiority complexes. It all mimics the truly screwed up “relationship” between the US and Mexico. Trickle down effect or human nature? Either way it’s ugly and it’s all around us.
Andi Perullo says
I encountered this racism EVERY time I was in Oz. It disgusted me to no end. We had to beg for petrol when we were driving across the Outback because they were afraid if we bought extra we would sell it to the “bungs.” It really, really bothered me–still does years later.
Laurence says
Wow, that is disturbing. We never had that problem I have to admit. We
were often advised never to stop to help aboriginal people who had
broken down though. We only ever saw one broken down group, and I did
stop to help them, even though what they needed (jump leads) I didn’t
have. They were incredibly thankful we had even stopped though.
kayling05 says
I’m American, but I can attest that rural areas here (which is a great deal of the midwest and southeastern US) are much the same. I live in Alabama in a town with about 50,000 people now, but I grew up in a town of about 9,000. Racism was rampant and even open in some circles (when I say open, I mean I heard people blatantly say they wouldn’t vote for Obama because he was a [n-word]). It never sat right with me even when I was younger and didn’t know any different, but now after graduating from university and meeting a wide range of diverse people there and traveling abroad as well, I’m even more disgusted by it. I would completely go off on a stranger who ever said anything like that with no problem, but I have a hard time saying anything to family members who espouse similar views.
Kaylin S says
I’m American, but I can attest that rural areas here (which is a great deal of the midwest and southeastern US) are much the same. I live in Alabama in a town with about 50,000 people now, but I grew up in a town of about 9,000. Racism was rampant and even open in some circles (when I say open, I mean I heard people blatantly say they wouldn’t vote for Obama because he was a [n-word]). It never sat right with me even when I was younger and didn’t know any different, but now after graduating from university and meeting a wide range of diverse people there and traveling abroad as well, I’m even more disgusted by it. I would completely go off on a stranger who ever said anything like that with no problem, but I have a hard time saying anything to family members who espouse similar views.
Scott Thomas says
My Mum’s side of the family is from Australia. I’ve only met a few of the second cousins when they come to the USA to stay with us. They speak and act that way as well. It really bothered me and I couldn’t believe their blatant racism, but I tried to be polite and thought maybe I was missing something culturally. Now I know better, but all I can do is share my own beliefs of equality.
Caz Makepeace says
Sigh… yet another post that makes me want to hide the fact that I am an Aussie. Been a few of them lately.
but… a few things to add. I just hope that everyone who comments takes time to think about how racism exists in their own countries as I have rarely been to a country where I have not experienced it in some way or another.
Not too long ago I got really annoyed at another blogger who was slagging Australia’s treatment of Australian Aboriginals and how many of them now live in segregated areas etc. I completely agree at how bad this is, yet this American lady seemed to convieniently forgot her own country’s slaughter of their indigenous people and who now live in equally dire circumstances on reservations throughout the country. This is not okay. Don’t throw insults at others when your own culture is just as guilty for commiting such ignorant and horrible acts.
I taught in a small town in North Carolina, a town which still has a very active Klu Klux Klan underground movement and where the word “nigger’ was casually tossed around like a beach volleyball. I remember nearly falling off my chair when i first heard a teacher refer to her student as that stupid n#####.
In Ireland I was told by some stranger in a supermarket to just go home to where I came from, and recently abused by an Irish person for using the phrase “to be sure to be sure” in a post, and he said I was not welcome in the country. SI this racism? i don’t know but it is rude, unkind, and intolerant which racism is just another form of.
Believe it or not, even our lovely Thai friends were racist towards Cambodians, Chinese and many other nationalities.
Putting all that aside though, I have to say I agree with what you are writing Laurence. upon returning home, I have been absolutely shocked at the racism I have encountered, and it is not just directed toward Aboriginals, they are racist towards every race that is not their own.
It is just another reason why right now I don’t want my children to grow up in Australia and why I am left battling every day with my feelings towards my own country and how I no longer feel I relate at all.
I’ve noticed that Australians’ seem to be particularly angrr. I don’t know why but racism is just another form that anger takes, as with insecurity and feelings of inadequacy. I think a lot of this comes down to our convict past.It is the only thing I can come up with now to explain it.
so many Australians travel, so I would hope that this would have some sort of an impact on making a positive change towards accceptance and tolerance. But, there are so many that don’t travel especially in rural areas.
After spending time living in the Outback and seeing the different living conditions of the Aboriginal people compared to the White Australians I can see where a lot of the anger comes from.
Many Australians only see Aboriginals sitting around drinking all day and tearing apart homes that the government has given them. They get mad at this.
This is what makes this situation so sad. They never take the time to try to understand the Aboriginal culture and what some of the underlying issues are. So racism rears its ugly head and nothing is ever done to try and help the situation.
The Aboriginal culture is the oldest living civilization on earth and they are dying out. This is soooo tragic. If only white Australians stopped to think about how much the Aboriginal people could teach us and how many secrets they must know. They need to be embraced and cherished.
an American friend once asked me what is the thing I am most ashamed of about my culture and this would have to be it.
In regards to doing something about it this is what I strongly believe and what I have learned to be the best solution.
You will never change a person’s opinion by becoming confrontational with them. What is going to happen is you are going to get mad and frustrated, which will likely get turned into an argument with insults. and that does not help any cause. It is being just as bad. An insult is an insult whether it takes the form of racism or justification.
I believe the best response is to be the change you wish to see in the world. If you want a loving tolerant, peaceful world then be that. Your example will be a light for others, who will unconsciously begin to operate in the same manner.
When someone says ignorant racist comments around me, I take deep breaths to try and control the rising anger, I accept in my mind that these people have not yet had the opportunity to learn another way of thinking, and I say nothing. Not a word for or against it. I act as if nothing was ever said. If you don’t give it attention and respond it creates more of a space for the insulting party to perhaps think about what they said and realize that is was not appropriate. IF you say something to agree with them then you are supporting their view, if you say something against it all they are going to hear is that you are against them which will further cement their belief in their ignorant comment. Just ignore and do what you did walk quietly away. Leave with a It was nice to meet you but I have to get going now.
This is being the change. Try it next time someone says something, anything you don’t agree with or like and watch the reaction. Act like they never spoke.
Great post Laurence. Some real food for thought here. I really hope that we can one day all live in a world where we all just can get along no matter how different we are.
Laurence says
The comments in this thread have been really helpful for me with
changing how I may tackle this in the future. Confrontation sucks, but
there are ways to express your feelings without getting into an argument
I think.
Laurence says
Hey Mark. My experiences do indicate that this is certainly more of a
rural issue than a city one. Alcohol is definitely not a help in these
cases, and the dry communities seem to be the ones that are the most
successful. Thanks for your comment 🙂
Mark H says
I am an Australian who lives in Sydney and I have occasionally heard racial remarks in the casual context that you describe in my country. I wish it weren’t true but it does seem more of a habit out in rural Australia but it is shameful and you are correct to write about it and raise it. I have had a couple of arguments about it when I pull people up but you need to pick your time and place.
There has been some commentary on alcohol free (or dry) Aboriginal communities. I tend to support them – alcohol and drugs have been a real curse in these communities and most significantly, the actions to ban or manage alcohol is supported by both quite a number of community elders and by a large number of significant Aboriginal representatives across Australia, and they undoubtedly have the best interests of their people at heart.
Mark H says
I am an Australian who lives in Sydney and I have occasionally heard racial remarks in the casual context that you describe in my country. I wish it weren’t true but it does seem more of a habit out in rural Australia but it is shameful and you are correct to write about it and raise it. I have had a couple of arguments about it when I pull people up but you need to pick your time and place.
There has been some commentary on alcohol free (or dry) Aboriginal communities. I tend to support them – alcohol and drugs have been a real curse in these communities and most significantly, the actions to ban or manage alcohol is supported by both quite a number of community elders and by a large number of significant Aboriginal representatives across Australia, and they undoubtedly have the best interests of their people at heart.
Laurence says
Hey Mark. My experiences do indicate that this is certainly more of a
rural issue than a city one. Alcohol is definitely not a help in these
cases, and the dry communities seem to be the ones that are the most
successful. Thanks for your comment 🙂
Ordinary Traveler says
In my experience, speaking up about it isn’t going to change anybody’s mind, but it still can’t hurt to do so if you feel the need. I’m like you and I tend to shy away from confrontation. Scott, on the other hand, loves a good debate and would probably say something.
Scott & Christy says
In my experience, speaking up about it isn’t going to change anybody’s mind, but it still can’t hurt to do so if you feel the need. I’m like you and I tend to shy away from confrontation. Scott, on the other hand, loves a good debate and would probably say something.
Laurence says
The comments in this thread have been really helpful for me with
changing how I may tackle this in the future. Confrontation sucks, but
there are ways to express your feelings without getting into an argument
I think.
Lorna_theroamantics says
oh i can definitely relate! haven’t been in australia, but have been in the situation where i was so stunned by a racist comment that i couldn’t get it together enough to even make a decision about how to respond. i live in a liberal bubble (the s.f. bay area) and even though racism surely exists (especially here in oakland) rarely do people dare express it verbally. was just talking to some people today about my upcoming cross-country trip and how i’m sure i’ll be shocked a lot by precisely this.
i think how to respond has to be case specific and i don’t think you should kick yourself for not having done more. if i sensed that someone’s racist expression was the result of never having critically thought about the meaning behind their words but they seemed like an otherwise reasonable person, i might ask them to elaborate. i’d probably try a “i don’t understand” or something similar. if the speaker seemed out of this world ignorant and prone to belligerence my words will be wasted and likely put my safety at risk. hard core racists even hate non-racists.
it’s such a tough call. fantastic thoughtful post for sure! 🙂 Lorna
Andi Perullo de Ledesma says
I encountered this racism EVERY time I was in Oz. It disgusted me to no end. We had to beg for petrol when we were driving across the Outback because they were afraid if we bought extra we would sell it to the “bungs.” It really, really bothered me–still does years later.
Laurence says
Wow, that is disturbing. We never had that problem I have to admit. We
were often advised never to stop to help aboriginal people who had
broken down though. We only ever saw one broken down group, and I did
stop to help them, even though what they needed (jump leads) I didn’t
have. They were incredibly thankful we had even stopped though.
Working Traveller says
Yup, encountered a lot of racism in Australia. I felt the Aussies were amongst the most crudely charming, hospitable, bend over backwards to help you kind of people…. if you are white. I’m not sure I’d have such a positive view of Australians if I were black. Having met plenty of Australians in the UK this casual rascism came as a surprise. I guess all the racists stay at home.
Possibly it is a generation thing. Living within a large expat community in Turkey I can say Brits of a certain age share many of the same ulcerous views. I got fed up a long time ago pointing out the irony of them moving abroad to escape all the immigrants in the UK.
Amanda Williams says
I thought I already commented on this, but apparently not! It’s interesting to read some of these other comments, and see that many people have noticed this particular nasty vein of racism in Australia. I, too, encountered some of this when I was in Sydney. I wrote a post about it, too and also was at a bit of a loss as to how to respond to it. It’s just one of those really uncomfortable situations that nobody likes to find themselves in. But, unfortunately, it happens probably more often than we think (the racism, that is).
Laurence says
Oo, well, it’s possible you did and my spam filters trapped it, and then
my e-mail spam filters trapped the e-mail, and by the time all that
happened your post was lost. Or not. Anyway! It does appear to be a
fairly common theme noticed by travellers to Australia. Uncomfortable it
certainly is, and it’s nothing something I’m well geared, yet, to
respond to. However lots of the comments in this thread have given me
plenty to think on 🙂
suzyguese says
I don’t think you should feel bad about not standing up against racism in a situation like that with a stranger. I remember in Italy, my host dad would often make comments that seemed racist to me, but I wouldn’t get into an argument with him about it. I would also see sexism a great deal in Italy with the idea the wife cooks and cleans and not much else. Just as racism occurs everywhere and in forms people don’t always consider, cultures can have outdated viewpoints on reality your culture might not understand. Worldviews can be funny…
Laurence says
Hey Torre 🙂 I’d like to stress that I didn’t mean to single out
Australia as being particularly flawed – I’m certain that every country
one travels in will have pockets like this. It’s just more likely when
travelling that you encounter more varied world views than the ones you
get back home, partially, I guess, because we can pick and choose who we
associate with back home, and also because we probably feel more right
about what is culturally acceptable in our own land. I think the
shocking thing that got me was how casual and acceptable the whole thing
was, much like discussing the weather.
Torre DeRoche says
I live in Melbourne city and I’m always shocked, when I travel to rural or outback areas, how rife racism is in my country. I never knew this existed until I travelled to Bundaberg, QLD and overheard a few racist comments about skin colour. I agree with Brook: it has to do with how behind some of these areas are and while the big cities are operating in modern times, rural and outback Australia is lagging 20 – 30 years behind because of the isolation. It is a problem here and it’s something I feel quite ashamed of when I travel out of the cities. Hopefully it’s something this country will grow out of soon.
Brooke vs. the World says
I must say that your post about this happening in Oz did not surprise me one bit. I’ve heard my share of comments here that have left me feeling confused and angered. Racism happens everywhere, but I think that there are parts of this country that are really left in the past — and that goes with the way they think and talk, too.
My flatmate is from Zambia and works at a nursing home here and has been called a “boong” openly by one of her patients before.
Laurence says
Hi Brooke, thanks for stopping by 🙂 As I said to Torre, I’m not trying
to say Australia is the only place this happens – it’s just the most
recent place I’ve been where it has been noticeable. Certainly in New
Zealand I have noticed the odd slightly off comment also.
I have not really discussed this issue with anyone of coloured skin who
has travelled round Oz, and your flatmates experience sounds pretty
awful. It would be interesting to hear from other people if they have
had issues though, and how they deal with them.
Brooke vs. the World says
Yes, yes I know, but I also live in Oz right now so it is easiest for me to associate. I also think that since they speak English here, noticing bits of racism is easy. If I’m in Italy or Ukraine, I may not realize what people are saying if it is in another language. Another encounter with racism happened when I was in Kyrgyzstan where many Kyrgyz dislike Uzbeks, and it was controversial for this girl I knew to have an Uzbek boyfriend. Again, I probably only picked up on this info because I was spending a lot of time there.
Laurence says
Interesting point, I’ve probably come across it all over the place and
never noticed due to the language barrier. Ignorance being, in this
case, bliss 🙂
Heels and Wheels says
I left Australia about a year ago and to your words are exactly what I saw and felt. Not everyone is racist, but I heard comments and saw things often enough for it to have been apart of my trip. I was once in the same situation as you were with the couple who said something completely out of line. Though I said something. They came back at me for being American and always wanted to change other cultures, but also that my nation was just as racist. It wasn’t worth continuing the discussion with someone who is not open for discussion obviously.
It’s a really sad situation there and like you say it’s not only Australia. You may not have said something in that moment, but writing a post like this is standing up for your beliefs. I know traveling different countries, we often have to bight our tongues, so it can be hard knowing when to speak up and when to keep observing.
I found the treatment of aboriginals very sad in the cities. So I think it’s important for people to visit further outside where they may have a chance to see and learn about aborigines who aren’t yet corrupted by western influence. I also found the rules about “no booze” in certain aboriginal areas to be just as shit as someone saying something racist. I realize alcoholism is prevalent among aborigines, but all people should be treated equal and have the same rights. Not saying I support drinking, just that it’s not fair to say a white man can have a bottle of booze in his house, but a black man cannot.
Thanks for writing this. You said a lot of things I have been too afraid to on my blog and you did is very eloquently. Beautiful photos BTW.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon says
I left Australia about a year ago and to your words are exactly what I saw and felt. Not everyone is racist, but I heard comments and saw things often enough for it to have been apart of my trip. I was once in the same situation as you were with the couple who said something completely out of line. Though I said something. They came back at me for being American and always wanted to change other cultures, but also that my nation was just as racist. It wasn’t worth continuing the discussion with someone who is not open for discussion obviously.
It’s a really sad situation there and like you say it’s not only Australia. You may not have said something in that moment, but writing a post like this is standing up for your beliefs. I know traveling different countries, we often have to bight our tongues, so it can be hard knowing when to speak up and when to keep observing.
I found the treatment of aboriginals very sad in the cities. So I think it’s important for people to visit further outside where they may have a chance to see and learn about aborigines who aren’t yet corrupted by western influence. I also found the rules about “no booze” in certain aboriginal areas to be just as shit as someone saying something racist. I realize alcoholism is prevalent among aborigines, but all people should be treated equal and have the same rights. Not saying I support drinking, just that it’s not fair to say a white man can have a bottle of booze in his house, but a black man cannot.
Thanks for writing this. You said a lot of things I have been too afraid to on my blog and you did is very eloquently. Beautiful photos BTW.
Laurence says
Hi, and thanks for dropping by. I am generally not brilliant at
confrontation unless I have all the arguments lined up in my head, and I
know what I’m talking about. In this situation, the whole thing felt
wrong, but I didn’t feel that I was going to be confidently able to cut
across a lifetimes worth of opinion in a few minutes, and I could just
see it spiralling out of control. So the quick exit seemed to be the
best, if more cowardly option.
Thank you very much for your kind words. I admit that I was a bit
nervous about posting this one, and have been drafting it for some time,
so it is wonderful to get positive feedback 🙂 As for the photos – I
didn’t have too many on the theme in question, but I’m delighted you
liked them 🙂
Dave from TLWH says
I think the longer you travel the more you will see this, and learn to let people “mouthing off” fend for themselves. There are many different kinds of racism, multiculturalism, and all manner of “ism’s” in the world today.
Then again, in many countries there are daily terms that would not be accepted in other countries. Example being in West Africa I would frequently be called “white man” or “white man with lots of money” – in a native language. And in return I would call my friend “black baby”. All perfectly acceptable in the society I was living in. But, do that in London, and you’ll probably be up on charges.
Likewise in parts of Asia if I am in an area where I am being referred to by assumption based on race. I often turn it around with a similar local phrase. The result has always been laugher and understanding.
Again, this done in the “West” will probably end up in a not so good situation.
That man used a slang, and profanity. I generally take this as offensive in any culture. Whilst Australians are quite fond, in general, of profanity two negative don’t make a right. I would have done the same and dropped out of the conversation quickly.
If one is traveling in another persons country, it’s usually not a good thing to start up a fight. You’ll lose on many fronts. But, standing your ground after such a statement by saying to other people “Well, is anyone gong up there?” aka blanking or ignoring the previous comment would be akin to standing your grounds without provoking this person.
Laurence says
Hey Dave,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I have to agree, there are many
different norms, and it sounds like what you encountered was just
friendly kidding around which would have been taken as offence in a
Western society.
As you say, this wasn’t like that at all. Your approach sounds like a
fair idea, I have no doubt my travels will bring me to this sort of
situation again, so I will see if I can approach it differently to my
current “scarper as quickly as possible” tactic.
Katrina says
(I already posted a blurb on FB, so I won’t repeat that.)
I don’t think there is a “should” here, though I have a very strong preference to call people on b.s. like this. I’d prefer to be effective in raising awareness rather than simply creating confrontation, but I’m not always as articulate as I’d like. And sometimes people are not as open to listening as one would like, too. 😉
The fact that you’re still thinking about it is a good sign. Perhaps you’ll come up with a strategy that helps you feel more in harmony with your values should you encounter this again. There’s probably bunches of websites that have advice on this, should one do a search.
Good on you for asking the question!
Katrina says
(I already posted a blurb on FB, so I won’t repeat that.)
I don’t think there is a “should” here, though I have a very strong preference to call people on b.s. like this. I’d prefer to be effective in raising awareness rather than simply creating confrontation, but I’m not always as articulate as I’d like. And sometimes people are not as open to listening as one would like, too. 😉
The fact that you’re still thinking about it is a good sign. Perhaps you’ll come up with a strategy that helps you feel more in harmony with your values should you encounter this again. There are probably bunches of websites that have advice on this, should one do a search.
Good on you for asking the question!
Laurence says
Hey Katrina, and thanks for your comments. Certainly different people
have different approaches, and I think I need to improve on my strategy
so the other person realises that what they are saying isn’t acceptable
to me, whilst not starting a confrontation – a fair old challenge in
itself! Dave’s suggestion in a later comment seems like a good starting
point which I will build from.