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Anti-racism Submission by the Chinese Association of South
Australia (CASA)
10th May, 2012.
1. What can we learn from how Australia has dealt with racism in the past?
What achievements should we build on? What mistakes should we learn
from?
* CASA learns from the past that any racist incidents such as 1984 Professor
Geoffrey Blainney’s anti-Asian outburst and 1996 Pauline Hanson’s anti-Asian
onslaught had to be dealt with at their early stages. As the Chinese and other
Asians in Australia were the victims of these racist movements, CASA
suggests that a special unit in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
or other relevant departments to be established to monitor the activities of
the extremist groups in the society, and the Asian ethnic organizations be
warned of any possible racist outbursts. Therefore Asian ethnic organizations
can take precautionary measures to minimise the impact on their
communities.
2. What information would be useful to include in a campaign to prevent and
reduce racism?
* Information on how migrants are contributing to the wider community.
There is a perception that migrants are draining the economy, only here to
accept handouts and be cared for. Our members are generally
industrious, independent and caring towards others. The contributions of
migrants should be acknowledged in any campaign to reduce racism. This will
promote diversity.
3. How could we better acknowledge the contributions to Australia of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically
diverse communities?
* Videos of their activities and their achievements.
4. What are the priority areas in which we should be addressing racism (for
example: employment, education, sport, the media, cyber-racism?)
* We believe that employment and education, especially higher education,
should be given the priority. Ethnic names especially Asian names are the
targets for discrimination when Asians send in their applications or having
interviews. In higher education sector, there are two different levels:
academic staff and students. CASA is aware that in the last decade, at least
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several Asian academic staff were targeted for redundancy at the University
of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. No adequate reasons were
given for their sacking that gave rise suspicion of racial discrimination at
work. At the level of students, CASA is also aware that some bright Chinese
students failed to get into courses they wished to do though they had perfect
scores at the matriculation examinations. They are also complains among
overseas full-fee paying students that they suffered verbal abuses from
Australian students.
* Employment is particularly important. As migrants, we have all faced
discrimination at some stage. Those of us who migrated in the 1970s were
grateful to Australia which provided us freedom and an opportunity to work.
The ability to provide for ourselves, rather than depending handouts, gives us,
the migrants, the confidence to deal with discrimination. The work place also
provides the opportunity to exchange cultural experience between different
groups.
The lack of employment opportunities can result in the breeding of extremist
groups We only need a small number of people with their extremist views
to change society as we know it. A vocal minority can take control of the
silent majority.
5. What measures should governments at all levels take to address racism?
* To educate public servants at all levels not to hold any racist views when
they discharge their duties.
* public servants, in particular those who are in contact with the public,
should be well versed in their duties. This will eliminate the fear and possibly
a rude response, when a difficult question arises. A rude response may then
be regarded as a racist response if the client is an Asian.
6. What role can business, the arts, sporting organisations, community
groups, service organisations and the media play in addressing racism?
* Racist attitudes should be exposed and not tolerated. In particular, high
profile racist should face disciplinary action. Everyone should be treated
equally, regardless of colour or beliefs. A single rule for all should apply in
businesses, the arts, etc. When exceptions are made, it breeds
resentment. Resentment can only lead to greater intolerance and possibly
the growth of the extreme right. That in itself will have tragic consequences
(as in Norway).
7. How can we involve young people in addressing racism?
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* To engage young people in multi-cultural activities.
* the youth generally do not spend sufficient time on sporting, outdoor or
team activities. Encouraging them in group activities will give them the
opportunity to meet and work as a team with a more diverse group of people.
8. Can you give examples of strategies that you have seen used or been part
of that have been successful in preventing or reducing racism? Why were
they effective?
* To teach children of ethnic groups to be self-confident, more assertive and
to confront racism.
* Some children will pick on those who are different or are weak whether
they are different in colour or not. The perpetrators have too much time on
their hands or are trying to prove themselves to their peers. They then seek
out to amuse themselves by picking on someone weaker than themselves.
Children should be kept busy in sports, music or other activities to keep
themselves from mischief or engage in what may be perceived as racist
activities.
Then there is the victim. A victim who responds either by crying or running to
an adult will be teased even more. We have a situation of 2 Chinese boys in
the same class at school. One was teased more than the other. It turns out
that the one who was no longer teased, joined in teasing himself- there was
no fun victimizing him so they didn't. Eg. When he was called a "Ching Chong
Chinaman" he said "yes, my father is Chinese and my mother is Japanese and
I am in between" pulling one eye up, the other down and then pulling them
horizontal.
Racism is a result of ignorance. The more we learn of other cultures, the
lessor the barriers. People from ethnic groups sometime lack the confidence
in associating with people outside their own group. Its security in numbers.
This breeds suspicion. Several years back, a family we know only mixed with
Asians. They regarded themselves as second rate citizens. Their children only
mixed with Chinese and were not confident in the wider community. They
were encouraged to include non Asians to their child's birthday. They did and
non Asians were invited for a sleepover. There was a good outcome and the
boys had an easier time at school.
9. What tools or resources do we have at the community level which could
be better utilised in the fight against racism?
* To encourage ethnic organizations to open their doors to all people. For
instance, CASA accepts people other than ethnic Chinese that they are
interested in Chinese cultures as members, and involve them in CASA’s
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regular activities.
10. How could these experiences be shared to help promote good
practice? (For example: a best practice website, clearing house, seeding
funding for pilot programs, changing criteria for Government grants
programs?)
* To assist community organizations to establish websites
11. What strategies or approaches can be used to help individuals and
communities who experience racism to speak up or take action? If you have
experienced racism, what would have helped you to speak up or take action?
* Individuals and communities need to be educated on their rights and
responsibilities.
*it is just as important to emphasize their responsibilities as their rights.
Without the right balance, unrealistic demands may be made by more vocal
groups, creating resentment in the rest of the community.
12. What strategies or approaches can be used to help bystanders address
racism where and when it occurs?
* In our society, bystanders who interfere in any altercation can face physical
danger. So bystanders can only report the incident to the authorities.
Names: Professor Ching-hwang Yen; Mrs Geok Siew Lim
Organization: Chinese Association of South Australia(CASA)