Yet another incident of racism on public transport has been reported.
A woman on the NSW Central Coast train line started hurling racist abuse at an innocent Asian passenger. Another passenger captured it on video and what comes out of this lady’s profane mouth is beyond shocking.
We’re in disbelief that a country as “multi-cultural” as Australia still has such low levels of racial and cultural tolerance.
We’re in shock because we can’t believe that such bigoted pigs still exist in our country.
The thing is: this kind of behaviour happens all the time.
Once in a while, a similar incident might be reported, like the one that happened to the French students on a Melbourne tram or the abuse ABC presenter Jeremy Fernandez and his son experienced on a Sydney inner-west bus.
But it’s all due to coincidence these moments are captured and brought to the general public’s attention.
And in the true style of social media, a social conscious tsunami hits us. For a day or 3 we’re appalled, shaking our heads that things need fixing, people need to be educated.
But then, it all dies down again.
Only for it to rise when fate, timing and the ratio of decent people at that heinous moment exceeds the racist a-holes that cause it.
I don’t have the answers.
But during such abhorrent behaviour, I’m not sure it’s worth fighting these scumbags.
I’ve been in the middle of one of these. Because it’s a random stranger that tries to cut you down, make you feel worthless, you’re supposed to believe that it’s nothing personal. In fact, it’s ALL PERSONAL.
The anxiety levels almost send my lungs to paralysis. It takes me hours, days, even weeks to mentally and emotionally recover.
But, I don’t want hate breeding hate. Or even worse, violence.
Racism isn’t fleeting and by the looks of things, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
I do want more people – both the likes of those who have been effected and those who haven’t – talking about this more often, instead of when a random video starts going viral.
I want people to remember that while this offensive behaviour is unacceptable, let’s accept that not only does it happen, unfortunately, it’s prevalent.
shari says
Oh Grace, I was horrified by this footage. Such narrow-minded nastiness.
You are correct – it does need to be talked about more often and not only when social media sends the issue viral. At least with footage such as this, the idiocy can be seen for what it is and not ignored entirely. More than 1000 comments (and growing) condemning her vile attitude and behaviour at least gives some hope.
xxx
mamagrace71 says
I haven’t checked out the comments yet, Shari. I’m not sure whether I want to or not…just in case there are ignoramus mugs out there defending her.
Thanks so much for sharing this post. It means a lot x
Emily says
It’s disgusting. I’ve stopped ignoring racist stuff on facebook. I’ve lost a few ‘friends’ over it, but if you’re going to post racist crap, even if you’re ‘joking’ (haha it’s just so funny!), I’m going to call you on it.
We don’t like to admit we’re still a racist country, but hell to the yes we are. The shame.
Great post x
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mamagrace71 says
Yup, I hear you, Emily. Casual racism is still racism and if those friends you’ve “lost” on FB don’t realise that well who’s loss is it really? It just means they’re one of those people who don’t admit we’re still a racist country…
Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld says
There are times that I’m ashamed to be Australian, Grace. I know racism is still horribly prevalent in this country but this woman’s extreme ignorance and abusiveness is sickening. But then what can we hope for when the people running our country think that imprisoning desperate asylum seekers in inhumane conditions, separating them from their family and returning them to face persecution is acceptable?
No one in this country should have views like this woman. And no one in Australia should tolerate people with them. xx
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mamagrace71 says
It’s appalling how our politicians are treating asylum seekers. It makes me feel there is no hope for us domestically as a nation.
Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld says
I feel distressed by how we treat people as a nation but if we as individuals all do our little bit, like your sharing this, maybe just maybe the future will be brighter foe our children. xx
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Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
It makes my blood boil Grace, I feel so sorry for anyone that is treating so badly. Racism is rift in this country and it’s been quite an eye opener for me as a Kiwi, why the hell can’t everyone just get over it! It has to stop, and with us and with our kids…. And I’m with Aleney on asylum seekers, what is wrong with the heads of this country, it’s ridiculous x
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Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld says
New Zealand as a country (slight bias as daughter of a daughter of a New Zealander) is so much more together as a nation than Aus. They understand indigenous rights and are way ahead in making the right moves to correct the errors of the past and they are more accepting of individuals. This country under its current regime (and I use that word in it’s rightful context) has no heart and it’s breaking mine. 🙁
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Samantha Turnbull says
Great post – yes, we need to talk about racism more often.
I am quite proud of those that are using social media to expose racists, however.
Facebook/Youtube and the like can become powerful weapons, and even though it may feel like they’re bringing the issue to attention fleetingly, I figure it’s better than not at all.
Samantha Turnbull says
Great post – yes, we need to talk about racism more often.
I am quite proud of those that are using social media to expose racists, however.
Facebook/Youtube and the like can become powerful weapons, and even though it may feel like they’re bringing the issue to attention fleetingly, I figure it’s better than not at all.
mamagrace71 says
Sure, it’s better than not at all. But I feel that we always seem to start from scratch with the issue each time some racist is “exposed”. We go back to shaking our heads in disgust and don’t go any further to fix the issue.
Jody at Six Little Hearts says
You know, before we moved from the inner burbs to the edge of the outer, I used to think that for the most part, Australians were not racist!
Here I find myself in a very Caucasian neighbourhood. Oh my god Grace – white Aussies out here are SO racist!!! I am ashamed beyond measure!
We are planning selling up and moving back inner. My number one reason (besides loathing just about everything in this burb); missing the beauty of multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism is what makes our country great. I am ashamed of the prevalence of racists here. ;(
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Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
I agree. Hate breeds hate and violence and it’s sad.
It’s inconceivable that people here in such a multi cultural country still have such racist issues. I think you’re right though, it’s probably here to stay. I don’t know how we change this. Talking is probably the only way.
I’m sorry that you were at the backhand of a moment like this. How hurtful and scaring xx
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JM Peace says
I’m so pleased the woman in the most recent incident has been charged. I’m not sure it will ever change, but these days when everyone has a video camera in their pocket, at least more will be held accountable and have their turn in the lung-paralysing spotlight.
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Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
I have been taking a break from the internet/tv and missed this when it first came out. I’ve now seen the footage and the behaviour of this woman is just disgusting. I wish I had the answers to this problem which is far too common for my (or everyones) liking.
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Jen says
Its terrible and her excuse ‘I was having a bad day’…um ok. I guess thats okay then….most people go on racist rants when they’re having bad days? WTF.
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Trish says
Disgraceful behaviour , we need to teach our children acceptance and love for any differences in our community.
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Bec @ The Plumbette says
It was terrible what she did. BUT, when people are at their worst, they do their worst. I don’t condone racism, but I have experienced terrible behavior from other cultures that have made me have racist thoughts, but I’ve had to stop the bad feelings enter my heart and realize that just because one person from one culture does the wrong thing, doesn’t mean all people from that culture are like that. In relation to the woman, I don’t condone her behavior and she will be charged, which shows everyone that this kind of behavior is not acceptable but I dislike when people point the finger and say ‘shame on you’ when there is still a lot of racism happening behind closed doors.
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Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Call me naive right now, but I have NEVER been able to get my head around racism in any way! When I was a kid, I never got it, and as an adult, I’m still baffled that we as humans, can see any others as different.
We can’t be that ignorant to think that every person from any particular culture is identical in appearance, manner and beliefs. So why do we segregate, abuse and look down on any other cultures?
It breaks my heart when I think of what John went through, coming to Australia as an 8-year-old, not speaking any English and basically at the mercy of bullies. I’m hoping that Bell never has to experience any of this disgusting lowlife behaviour, that really does stem from ignorance.
I don’t care how “rotten” anyones’ day has been, there is never an excuse to treat another person as a lesser being. The more these scumbags are exposed, the better.
And now I must apologise for hijacking your comments section, gorgeous Grace xx
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Nami says
Sadly, at least you can avoid the blatantly racist jackasses. It’s the smiling, two-faced, snakes who shake your hand and deny you, who need to watched. They’re always closer than you think. That’s the next riddle: teaching your kids that people who are “politically” correct, aren’t necessarily “morally” correct.
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Sanch @ Living your Imperfect Life says
This footage was appalling and being tired and exhausted was no excuse. I think though we are all inherently racist. What will change that, I have no idea. The only thing we can do is try and change the next generation and keep teaching them good values.
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Sam Stone (@A Life on Venus) says
I can’t comprehend that in this country and this day and age that there is still racism and people that carry on like this. It is mortifying that people are subjected to this behavior.