“Are you sure?” I asked my eldest brother, Joe while suspiciously inspecting the glass of water he offered.
Tired, hungry and mostly thirsty, my mother, my other brother and I had just arrived in Canberra, Australia after a long overseas flight.
Joe and dad had arrived at our new home several months prior so they had had extra time to get used to the different lifestyle.
I had expected for Joe to bring out a kettle of ready boiled water because well, that was the only way I knew how to drink water.
For a 3 year old, I clearly understood that we had made a major location change. The fresh, cool air and the unfamiliar silence and lack of traffic; all the signs we were in new surroundings.
But drinking straight out of a tap?
That’s when it hit me. We’re not in the slums of Jakarta anymore, Toto.
Suddenly there was the convenience of knowing that tap water wasn’t going to lead to a nasty stomach bug or worse.
And there folks, is my first memory of this sunburnt country.
In 1975, just a year before we arrived in Australia, the government had finally abolished the White Australia Policy. For those unfamiliar with what that was, it was an immigration process that favoured applicants from certain countries.
Up until 1973, chances for non European migrants – such as myself and my family – to become Australian citizens were far more restrictive than European migrants.
How fortunate we came at the time that we did.
Then, in 1978, my family and I became Australian citizens.
However, rather than see how lucky I was, I cried and cried when my father showed me the certificate.
In my 7 year old logic, becoming an Aussie, meant that I could no longer eat rice and I would be forced, to only eat bread. Bleugh.
“How could you do this to me???!” I wailed at my parents.
It’s okay. I’ve come along way.
We all have.
This country has.
However, if you ask me if we’re still racist? Hell, YES!
It’s unfortunate but every couple of years, I’ll still encounter some filthy bogan spitting out a derogatory remark.
(Let’s not forget just last year, a French girl was verbally abused on a public bus for singing in her native language)
It’s disturbing that we still struggle to deal with such highly sensitive situations.
Like with most prejudices, we’re not aware of, or affected by racism unless we personally experience it ourselves.
No. But we have every potential to be.
And I’m adamant we’re very much on our way because the statistics tell me so.
First generation Australians (Australians who were born overseas) make up 27% of the Australian population.
Second generation Australians (Australian born with at least one overseas-born parent) make up 20% for our population.
These are still small numbers but they are significant. They tell me that my twinlets and I count in this growing culturally diverse nation.
So, while we’re not a family that will necessarily celebrate Australia Day with a traditional big BBQ, we will still be enjoying and appreciating all the wonderful aspects of what it means to be part of the beginnings of a multi-cultural country. To adopt parts of our cultural and ethnic backgrounds and making it somehow, uniquely Australian.
There might be some backyard cricket. Possibly a lamb roast. But there will always, ALWAYS be rice.
Do you think Australia’s multi-cultural?
Joining in Amanda and the gang over at A Cooker and a Looker for her special Australia Day Party Link up.
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you’re right, in that it’s hard to see/believe there is racism unless you are the one copping it. But I do think there are racists everywhere. I lived in the deep south of the US for 11 years, I’ve seen it! You want to believe it doesn’t exist any more, but I know there is certain hate that is bred and passed from generation to generation. I love my country, but there are certainly individuals within it who embarrass the crap out of me!
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..The Thing About Parenting
There was an article in the herald that said 44% had one or more parent born overseas, yet, only 1 in 10 thought multiculturalism was great and made Australia what it is (great). So do the Maths on that one (cos that’s not including first generation in the stats)
Lydia c lee recently posted..Camping for the Non-Camper – Amazement, Yarramalong
Lovely story Grace – I can imagine your disappointment at being sentenced to a lifetime of bread!
I’m afraid I’ve seen some ugly racism from fellow Australians, but I think there’s an element of racism in all cultures. I was very surprised to be on the receiving end of some when I taught English in Japan. I was spat on several times – in fact, everyone at my school had been spat on at some point. Turns out the Japanese economy wasn’t tracking so well at the time and the perception was that I was stealing a job from a Japanese national.
I think Australia is multicultural. I treasure the diverse nature of Australians. The Parap Markets in Darwin feel like a great representation of our diversity.
Happy Australia Day Grace!
Thanks for linking up,
Amanda
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker recently posted..Australia Day Party
Really enjoyed reading this, Grace. I could picture you with your glass of water. What a massive cultural shift for a three year old.
I think Australia can be multi-cultural. One of the things that I loved about living in Newtown was the way that the community interacted.
I have witnessed racism here (as well as dire sexism and homophobia) but unfortunately this is rife in many parts of the world and particularly in the UK.
Hope you have a lovely day. The girls and I are celebrating with a totally normal day at home while Dustin is off camping with his mates. Fun times! xx
Catherine Rodie Blagg recently posted..My Aussie Destiny!
This is a great description of that transition you made Grace, fascinating and well told.
I find that we Aussies can be racist, there’s genuine racism plus stupid comments for effect and there’s also a real culture of VERy vigorous language which sounds worse than it is. But for all that I do find Aus to be multicultural, we’re such a mixture and many cultures are still kept strong. Which is great for the tastebuds.
Mind you, I’m off rice…. no thanks!!
Seana Smith recently posted..Self Care Saturday – The Australia Day Edition
Great post Grace – and a great way to contribute to the Australia Day conversation. I think parts of Australia work really well in terms of cultures living side-by-side – or integrating if they so choose – but clearly it’s disastrous in other places. It’d be nice to see an end to prejudice in all its guises, but we’re a long way off from that I fear. It’s a really old fashioned notion that there is somehow one way to be a ‘true Aussie’ – it serves the interests of shock jocks and politicians to perpetuate that idea, but most of the rest of us are just getting on with doing things in our own weirdly eclectic styles! Add a rice salad to your BBQ and enjoy
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..It’s never too late … or is it?
Amazing to think about the policies that formed this nation. Not that you can tell but my Great Great Grandmother was Chinese – they were allowed to come out to work for people in gardens. A very harsh life. They choose over the years and generations to slowly ‘become’ Australian so much so that I didn’t know any of this until I was a teenager. I do wish they had some possessions or traditions that they may have kept.
Happy Australia Day
Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors recently posted..Australia Day 2013
Thank you!
I was very surprised this month by how many of the people on my friends list on Facebook were posting racist memes and other posts about “go back to where you came from” and that “we’re full.” Yet, they are all migrants from England. Just because they grew up over here they think they’re more Australian that others like me.
They post these nonsense without thinking about their friends and how hurtful those messages can get.
Rhonda – Silly Mummy recently posted..Australia Day: I’m Not Your Average Aussie
Gorgeous post Grace, thanks for sharing it. I am the first-born Australian in my family. My mother is an adult migrant English teacher. These things fascinate me. I have SO many things to say on this it’s too difficult to cover them but I do love discussion and one of them is what *does* multi-culturalism mean? I’ve read quite a few opinion pieces on this topic along the lines of: Does it mean many cultures living in a blended society (the ideal)? Does it mean cultural assimilation to a degree- ie retain a respectable amount of your home culture but please do so in an acceptable manner to the local mainstream (?!) or does it mean pockets of different cultures, living as an uprooted, traditional and self-sufficient society- with schools, businesses etc to support their own? So interesting.
I’m sorry you experienced difficulty. I don’t think your gorgeous boys will, try not to worry so much xx
Twitchy recently posted..Derailed
Hey Grace. That’s unfortunate you have received unwelcome comments in your time in Australia. The racism here really upsets me. I don’t celebrate Australia Day. I can’t see the good of nationalism. I wish people were more accepting of each other.
Zanni, Heart Mama recently posted..Jack and the Flumflum Tree ~ Julia Donaldson & David Roberts
Its such a vexed issue. I am a proud Australia. I am blessed beyond measure to have been born here in the land of plenty. However there is no doubt that racism (and homophobia and sexism as CoTB said) exists here. As an ex-Shire resident the Cronulla riots were particularly embarrassing.
Sadly I think its part of human nature to be suspicious of those who are different to ourselves. Its our responsibility to be mindful of this and to teach our kids to not judge individuals “by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” (as per the great speech).
Mumabulous recently posted..You Can’t Always Get What You Want
I’m so with you. I think we are still a very racist country. I can’t really feel comfortable celebrating Australia Day knowing that what we are celebrating is the invasion of this land by white people. I really feel for the aboriginal population in this country. They must feel pretty crap on Australia day.
I’m so glad you still eat rice! Yummo! So much better than bread too:) xx
Kim Houssenloge recently posted..nesty crumbs :: swedish apple cake
Wonderful thoughtful and insightful post, grace.
Australia is unsure of what “it” is.
Today is for some a day of mourning for others it’s a celebration of being made citizens of our country and for many it’s a time for the traditions of lamb roast, bBQ, pav. Vegemite on toast…..
Yet, there’s a part of me whilst being grateful to be born here is also saddened by the way we act as a society.
Not singling out any community but having taught in a school where kids came from many backgrounds where English is not spoken at home, it can appear to the outsider that those families are making their own versions of “back home” in Australia. In my suburb for instance there are more families from India than any other country, including Australia. This suburb is multicultural but I do not see each of the different communities accepting each other as well as they might.
More to say but too much. I always think we portray ourselves as multicultural but the reality can be different.
Glad your family did come here and keep traditions from your culture too. Happy Australia Day grace
Denyse recently posted..Starting School. My Interview With H.
Wonderful post Grace. I love that your first big cultural shock was tap water. There will always be narrow-minded, stupid frogspawn who can’t generate original thought but spout racist rubbish, but I live in hope that things in Australia will change with another generation of time. The Italian and Greek migrants that were outcasts after their arrival in the 50s and 6os are now embraced as part of our multicultural fabric, no longer targets. I hope you had a lovely ricey-lamby day x
Kim@Fallingfacefirst recently posted..You know you’re tired when…
Grace, what a wonderful post to get the Australia Day issues heard. I agree that as a community we are trying to incorporate multi-culturalism but there are always individuals and minority groups ready to dish out the racism & bigotry. I also realise its easy for a white, 4th generation Australian to say that the racism is minimal. There are a few angry & ignorant people out there ready to fight against change. People fear what they don’t know. Hope your family enjoyed your version of Australia Day.
Lisa recently posted..Australia Day Interview with Me, Myself and I
I completely agree, racism is still present in Australia, but it does have the potential to be very multicultural country – and I do love living here.
But originally I’m from NZ and while there are at times racial tensions, the country has accepted and acknowledge the Maori were the natives of the country, it doesn’t really appear that everyone here wants to accept the same thing here in Australia (I know I’m risking life and limb writing this) but it’s just my opinion.
As a Kiwi I am subjected to light-hearted banter on a daily basis and while it’s harmless, it gets a bit boring after awhile. Happy Oz Day
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..Because I have no shame I’m flashing – back in time that is!
Hey Grace, I think Australia is both – multicultural (ie having many cultures living here) and racist. I am so fortunate to live in a very multicultural part of Sydney. Our council area has more than 100 different cultures, speaking more than 70 different languages. I love it. I love it. I can’t express it enough. And I love the differences that would be lost if these other cultures “assimilated” (that word has racist connotation to me). I feel so lucky to have some sort of access and insight into these cultures and we are so much richer for it. I don’t notice racism on a local level, but that is probably due to the high level of multiculturalism. I’ve experienced it in workplaces though and of course see it online. What a boring old country we’d live in if we were all the same.
Australia is definitely racist. I try an live in a bubble so I don’t have to witness it, but I don’t have to go too far to see it. I am also not really into Australia Day as it neglects the people who were already here before those boats arrived all those years ago.
Much love to you and your gorgeous family. xx
Lee @ Mummy Issues recently posted..There once was a bird
Ahh, rice. Only when I experienced the many rice cultures, Basmati, Jasmine, Spanish rice, sticky rice, did I seriously contemplate chucking the fattening bowl of noodles! It’s a long and arduous road to multi-cultural, isn’t it? But I’m glad many great cities are taking it in strides.
Nami recently posted..DJ For A Day
I loved reading this personal story, a young child’s take on multiculturalism. I only recently realised that some of the founding principles of the federation of Australia, under our first prime minister, Sir Edmund Barton, were entrenched in the White Australia Policy. That disturbed me. It’s definitely not something to be proud of. Neither is the treatment of our indigenous people.
I can’t Australia, as a collective, “racist”, but I do believe we have racist pockets in society, just as we have areas that seem to comfortably embrace cultural diversity. For all our diversity, we are a very “white” looking country.
Yet the majority of us are transplants from somewhere and possibly all have “non-white” or “non-Anglo” heritage somewhere way back. I always feel it is totally ignorant for anyone to assume they are of a “pure race” and more right or validation to be superior.
I hope we will become more open, tolerant and understanding with time. Whether we will be able to define “multiculturalism” in a way accepted by most, I don’t know but I will keep living and embracing my mixed Chinese heritage whilst living as an Australian. And I will pass this on to my children and hopefully they will to theirs.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Another bend in my blogging journey
I’m thinking, or more aptly, hoping, that racism will be ‘bred out’ with the next few generations… I agree with you – we’re all a little ignorant unless we’re on the receiving end of prejudice. Enjoyed reading your post. ;o)
Robomum recently posted..Privileged
this did NOT give me the pictures that i needed. i need pictures of what the australians wear for my school project and ^^ that did not help at all.
Reuben O. Barnett recently posted..No last blog posts to return.
Interesting. As long as the beach culture in Australia is multi-racial. …. I will always cook at least 40% or more, Asian in style..and I even no longer eat much rice. It was for health reasons I had to drop white rice because it was affecting my blood sugar. Blood tests showed this, not a fanciful diet thing.
No I haven’t switched to potatoes and never will. It’s just not my palate. And I am a Canadian born. I’ve never lived anywhere else outside of Canada. Life goes on beyond racism.
I see/hear it all the time and i’m white, so i can only imagine how bad it must be for those on the receiving end. Because i’m white i think alot of aussies think i must hold the same racist attitude. I was told by a taxi driver just last week about how i can ‘discreetly’ ask for a aussie driver “otherwise you’ll get some curry c$#t that’ll drive you round the same block 10x and rip you off”.
Sorry but why in Australia do people mix the topic of race with language and birthplace as this article does?
Language is always going to divide people. It has nothing to do with race
Birthplace is meaningless.. there are so many people that are generally regarded as aussie in a social context that were not even raised in Australia let alone born here.
Sure a strong lingering South African accent may label a person “South African”… but will it infuence their circle of friends or industry they work in or what hobbies/activities they can take up? No. Only their appearance ( white / indian /black/whatever) will.
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