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Well actually, if more of us were polite but firm in our approach to sorting out issues with new aussies, I reckon we'd get a lot further. Anger and resentment just breed the same, if you tell someone to **** off, they're instantly on the defensive, whereas if you politely explain why you have an issue with what they've done, they're going to be more willing to take on board what you have to say, and they might learn something.Quote:
Originally Posted by DT-P38
Nope, don't believe you... especially when the current influx has very little desire to listen to, or be like us at all. In fact I am pretty sure the majority just want to take from us and breed us out of existence in our own homeland.Quote:
Originally Posted by Disco Muppet
Seriously, can you feel the love (or even a little basic mutual respect) when interacting with those that call us all infidels? I only have in a few occasions. And that is generally with women. Maybe we should let the ladies and kids in but reject the misogynist men.
FWIW, I have had cab drivers preach to me and tell me some day Islam will conquer the world... and my children will be smart to come on board "first before last". Beats me but WTF does that mean??? He wants to be a part of my country and culture and is happy to listen to me? Not bloody likely.
BTW, I don't think I have mentioned swearing and/or telling them to **** off. I reserve that open and honest communication for good mates!!!
So what should I say? Excuse me my good man but I would be most appreciative if you would not do that. Thankyou for your time and good day sir. Oh yeah thats gonna help. Back in the 20th century maybe.
I honestly don't think there is a clean or simple answer here... and that is the big issue. A problem with no real solution. Someone will always walk away unhappy. Should it be me or the other fella?
Well that's the issue, IMHO.
The politically correct attitude of 'them', those people who determine things, means that it's very one sided.
We have to respect X,Y,and Z, but disregard the notion that respect is a two way street, which is a huge mistake, because it means no-one can make honest social commentary without being labelled a racist, sexist, homophobe, etc etc etc.
However, I personally err on the side of an honest mistake at first, mainly because I've had considerable exposure to both asian and islamic cultures, and I can understand that there are fundamentalist nutjobs in EVERY camp of people on earth, but the majority that I've met are friendly people who are happy to make adjustments to their behaviour if so requested.
So yes, I start off with being polite, because that's just how I was raised and I can see the value of potentially making your opponent think they have the upper hand ;)
Then if they're still being a ***** I take appropriate further action, be that attracting the attention of a relevant official or asking if they've got 10 minutes to hear about my book called The Watchtower, that normally scares them off :twisted: :angel:
You don't seem to have a lot of contact with people of the Muslim faith.Quote:
Originally Posted by DT-P38
I work with lots of Muslims and live in a suburb with a Mosque. Most of them are just like the rest of Australia, wanting to live a decent life in keeping with their religious beliefs. Yes they have zealots, but so does Christianity but other Christians don't seem to notice their own fundamentalists as much as the Islamic fundamentalists get noticed.
Dave, I'd be reporting those buggers to the cab company.Quote:
Originally Posted by DT-P38
I found most I have met of the Islam faith have been fine upstanding people. There are minority extremists that exist in all walks of life that give a poor reputation to the majority - sounds like those cab drivers may be working their way in to that category.
FWIW I think DM is on the money, assume an innocent mistake has been made on their part, then go from there.
True, but maybe its only the bad stuff I am wanting to talk about too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies
And I really don't think its just all about their version of god bothering either... those of "faith" as you call it tend to fear wrong doing ramifications in their afterlife. I had a good Arabic mate of strong "faith" in high school who taught me a few things. I only understood years later why he was happy being somewhat different and detached from the majority of kids in our level. He knew with absolute faith that he was better than the rest of us in his god's eyes and was very comfortable with that. And he did not want to deviate for fear of god and/or reducing his family's standing in their church community.
I do have a plan to go to our nearest mosque at some stage and seek out a thick skinned (and hopefully life experienced) buddy "of faith" for some answers / further education. I just need to be clear of my objective(s) first.
And why is that any different from the people attending the Hillsong, or Jehovahs Witness' or Mormon or Jewish or any number of other faiths.
My faith is science, its based upon a theology of the big bang and has a variety of different sects of evolution, physics, mathematics etc. I know I'm correct and those blowing themselves up will never get any virgins let alone 27 each, because my belief in mathematics make it an impossible hypothesis.
As for those dickheads blowing themselves and others up to get 27 virgins,i'd rather have 27 who knew what they were doing:p
So is it racist to feel awkward when watching the Winter Olympics in the lunch room at work with people of asian background and they use the word 'slopes' on the TV?
Jeff
:rocket:
No....Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff
Presenting "A Muppets Guide to Racism: Test yourself in under 1 minute!"
1. When a situation arrises that has you questioning "Am I racist for......", ask yourself this simple question.
"Am I making a negative judgement about someone purely due to their race?"
If the answer's no, congratulations, you're not being racist!
No Jeff, you weren't being racist. You were uncomfortable with the fact that a word that can be used to reflect poorly on people with Asian heritage was used while in the presence of several Asian people.
If, you were going to burst out laughing and say "Ha! Slopes! Better them getting cold in Russia than getting my order wrong at the local Wing Wa!" but didn't because of you olympic-viewing comrades, then yes, perhaps that's racist.