14-04-2008, 08:53 PM
Hi all,
I am considering moving to Melbourne - I have a good job lined up with a decent company, but have been hearing some frankly contradicting (and at times awful) stories about Australia and racism.
Granted, I haven't heard anything negative about Melbourne (yet - fingers crossed!), but I've heard plenty about Brisbane and the Gold Coast - anything from being spit on, to having bottles hurled at people's heads.
These are first-hand accounts that I've heard from Asian friends who've visited Brisbane or the Gold Coast; on the flip side of the coin, I have an Asian friend who graduated from a Melbourne university and said he never experienced any real racism (although he was quick to specify that if you are looking for a job, then race may play a factor in the type of job you may get).
My two children look very, very Asian, and my wife is from South America; she has fair-colored skin, with black hair. I look Asian enough (from South America, but my mother is Asian).
Realistically speaking, how much does race play a factor in the daily lives of "non-whites"? Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with racism in Melbourne (either receiving or delivering - I just want to know what to expect)? I'm not worried too much about myself, but I will be damned if my children have to ever experience any hardships due to the fact they are not "blond-haired and blue-eyed".
Please, share your experience with me! Thanks!
I am considering moving to Melbourne - I have a good job lined up with a decent company, but have been hearing some frankly contradicting (and at times awful) stories about Australia and racism.
Granted, I haven't heard anything negative about Melbourne (yet - fingers crossed!), but I've heard plenty about Brisbane and the Gold Coast - anything from being spit on, to having bottles hurled at people's heads.
These are first-hand accounts that I've heard from Asian friends who've visited Brisbane or the Gold Coast; on the flip side of the coin, I have an Asian friend who graduated from a Melbourne university and said he never experienced any real racism (although he was quick to specify that if you are looking for a job, then race may play a factor in the type of job you may get).
My two children look very, very Asian, and my wife is from South America; she has fair-colored skin, with black hair. I look Asian enough (from South America, but my mother is Asian).
Realistically speaking, how much does race play a factor in the daily lives of "non-whites"? Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with racism in Melbourne (either receiving or delivering - I just want to know what to expect)? I'm not worried too much about myself, but I will be damned if my children have to ever experience any hardships due to the fact they are not "blond-haired and blue-eyed".
Please, share your experience with me! Thanks!
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