Rascism, Prejudice & Discrimination in Australia

”The Sydney Morning Herald published a story on how Paul Shin and his wife Isabella were brutally bashed at their own business, a general store in Terrigal NSW, by a 17 year old male, who during the attack was repeatedly yelling racist slurs at the couple. Mr Shin was punched in the face and was left with a black eye and extensive bruises on his body.

After having endured many attacks on their store, his terrified wife has left to stay with their son until their shop has been sold. Instead of pressing charges, Mr Shin a former Korean Army Lieutenant, high school teacher and counsellor accepted an apology from the teenager. Mr Shin was quoted as saying, “He said he was sorry and he would never do it again. I said I forgave him everything.”

The Australian Government‘s ‘Racism No-Way’ anti-racism campaign is aimed at our youth by providing education in our schools to combat discrimination and bullying of any sort in this multicultural nation of ours. The 2011 census revealed that more than 75% of people in Australia identified with an ancestry other than Australian. 2% of those were from Indigenous backgrounds and 43% have one parent who is born overseas.

Social Diversity and Integration

Most people who come to Australia leave everything they know behind and then integrate to the Australian way of life; they get jobs and make a living for themselves in the Lucky country. While some miss their people, the food and speaking their own language they can form communities here in Australia for social activities with those who have similar backgrounds and with those they can relate to.

An Example Of Racism

“Another example of the extent of prejudice is the intolerance of Australians to foreign languages being kept and used by the new immigrants. Too often we hear white Australians talking amongst themselves that when people come to this country they should speak English and leave their own mother tongue back in the country from which they come.” Michael Anderson – Aboriginal Elder

We have to keep in mind that this is particularly difficult for the older ones who have grown up overseas because they think and reason completely in their mother tongue and don’t have the vocabulary to do so in English. It also takes time to learn another language as an adult. Children seem to pick it up really quickly. So we need to be patient and accept that this will happen with those who come from other lands to this beautiful country of ours. Eventually their future generations will all speak English fluently.

Dignity is a God-given right and a basic human right that adds value and respect to another human being.  Racism, prejudice and discrimination robs another person of their dignity.

Racism, Prejudice and Discrimination

Discrimination and racism can cause psychological distress, a high risk factor for anxiety and depression. There are subtle ways that people can discriminate against others like, Leaving them out or avoiding them. These subtleties for some, can be just as damaging as an all-out attack. This is another ‘stigma’ that with labeling and stereotyping can have profound effects on treatments, access to health and housing. Racial discrimination is a major contributor to the well-being outcomes and inequality in health.

What does the bible say about racism, Prejudice & Discrimination?  “The first thing to understand in this discussion is that there is only one race—the human race. Caucasians, Africans, Asians, Indians, Arabs, and Jews are not different races. Rather, they are different ethnicities of the human race. All human beings have the same physical characteristics (with minor variations, of course). More importantly, all human beings are equally created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to lay down His life for us (John 3:16). The “world” obviously includes all ethnic groups.

God does not show partiality or favoritism (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9), and neither should we. James 2:4 describes those who discriminate as “judges with evil thoughts.” Instead, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (James 2:8). In the Old Testament, God divided humanity into two “racial” groups: Jews and Gentiles. God’s intent was for the Jews to be a kingdom of priests, ministering to the Gentile nations. Instead, for the most part, the Jews became proud of their status and despised the Gentiles. Jesus Christ put an end to this, destroying the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). All forms of racism, prejudice, and discrimination are affronts to the work of Christ on the cross.”

Combating racism is the responsibility of global and local communities

One way to fight against racial discrimination in Australia is to know your rights. Visit the Australian Human Rights Commission page that is packed with information and contact details are on the website. http://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/race-discrimination/publications/know-your-rights-racial-discrimination-and-vilification

Beyond Blue’s Video – Staying Strong – Responding to Racism

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip. Couns (Christian)

Further Reading: Dignity Is A Basic Human Right & Mark Of Respect

Sources

The Australian Human Rights Commission – Know Your Rights
Creative Spirits – Rascism In Aborginal Australia
Sydney Morning Herald – “Terrigal outrage at police reaction after a boy forgives a shop keeper who bashed him”.
What does the bible say about racism, Prejudice & Discrimination?