Am I racist for saying...

**loneranger** · 3rd February 2014, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by carlschmid2002

I have to agree. i don't believe that I am a racist but certain cultures that have chosen to live here certainly have a different way of doing things to what I would consider normal and polite. I was in Melbourne at Christmas and we braved the Christmas shopping with a newborn and a 15 month old child. Have you any idea how many people of an Asian background choose to park in the parks marked for parents with prams? I couldn't believe as we were leaving I was placing shopping and pram in the car and this car was waiting impatiently for the carpark that was clearly marked for parents with prams. It was an Asian couple minus kids. I think they understood me clearly when I walked over and explained that this car park wasn't for them. I have seen them parking in disabled quite often too. My wife gets most upset with me when I question them. Maybe a few lessons on manners on a citizenship application would be in order. Yes I have seen people from a European background do this as well but in my experience Asians are the worst offenders. This is not racism. It is an observation.

See plenty of Aussie bogans doing the same thing around here.

**BreakingBad** · 3rd February 2014, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by VladTepes

however if you pronounce the name of our country as "straya" and enjoy beer from green cans ... you are more likely to be racist than the general population....

i thought bundy or xxxx was the drink of choice.

**bob10** · 3rd February 2014, 08:33 PM

Aren't there any mirrors in your houses? I've seen the same attitudes you talk about displayed in threads here. May not manifest itself by in parking in the wrong spot, but it is here. In a different form, Bob

**snowbound** · 3rd February 2014, 08:36 PM

[QUOTE=DT-P38;2079315]Fair enough. But is calling a spade a spade racist?

Probably person of say, African decent is more acceptable

**bob10** · 3rd February 2014, 08:42 PM

[quote=snowbound;2080075]

Originally Posted by DT-P38

Fair enough. But is calling a spade a spade racist?

Probably person of say, African decent is more acceptable

Ah, jokes, good, let's lighten this up a bit. Bob

Q: What's the difference between England and a tea bag?
A: The tea bag stays in the cup longer.

**bob10** · 3rd February 2014, 08:51 PM

here's another one, have a chuckle, Bob

Q: How does every English joke start?
A: By looking over your shoulder.

**London Boy** · 3rd February 2014, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Ferret

No, your a nationalist. Supporting your countries sporting team has nothing to do with race unless your country discriminates team selection on the basis of race. I don't think that happens here.

In law, 'race' includes colour, ethnicity, nationality, culture, etc. It's a roader definition than you'd imagine.

**davidsonsm** · 3rd February 2014, 09:32 PM

But what about the land rovers?

**DT-P38** · 3rd February 2014, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by BreakingBad

If they weren't visibly different to stereotypical white anglo saxon Australians would you still have used the term "In this country"??

And there you have it... Well put Wayne. It IS racist (or at least discriminatory) to use wording that can not be applied to ALL people in this country.

So the new question is: What should be said to get the message across that we don't push in or queue jump?

**Ferret** · 4th February 2014, 01:30 AM

Originally Posted by London Boy

In law, 'race' includes colour, ethnicity, nationality, culture, etc. It's a roader definition than you'd imagine.

I'm not sure whose law you are referring to. The UN definition of racism includes the words you have used - "colour, ethnicity, nationality, culture" etc.

"racial discrimination" shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

Crucially the UN definition connects these words (colour, ethnicity, nationality etc) with the terms exclusion, distinction, preference etc. which act to diminish another's recognition, freedoms, enjoyment of private and public life etc.

I'm sure the Australian law's wording of the definition of racism would be framed similarly. That is, racism it is not just about colour, nationality or ethnicity. Other characteristics must be present which act to diminish or exclude someone from participating equally in society.

Merely cheering for your team, urging them to win at the cricket or the Olympics does not diminish the opposing team/players or exclude them from society even if they are of different nationality, culture or colour than you.

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