Being Labeled Racist

[Caesar]

Ideally they wouldn't be just one language, but like the spoken word it's not something to disallow, but it raises the obvious question of why then emigrate to Australia if you aren't willing to meet half way with Australian society?

Perhaps because they want to live in a country where they aren't told how to act?

For the life of me I cannot understand why people are so obsessed with the behaviour of complete strangers that does not affect them one iota.

 

[BomberFletch31]

Well, it's an English speaking country. I'm all for multi-culturalism but don't you think it's alarming when people move overseas and congregate to areas where they know they can blend in with people from their own background who don't intend to live by the customs of the country they moved to and learn English?

I agree to an extent: new arrivals to this country should be encouraged to meet with and socialise with locals in order to adapt to Australian culture, and I think their reluctance or even downright refusal to do so is, as you put it, alarming. However, I am not, and will not ever advocate for dictating who people can spend their time with. If they choose only to mix with people from their own ethnic background, not only are they missing out on a chance to be accepted by the locals, they are creating a barrier between themselves and the rest of the population.

I've never understood why people refer to themselves as "Chinese Australian" or "Arab Australian", or whatever the case may be. If you live here and/or you are a citizen of this country, you are a citizen of Australia. You are Australian, regardless of where you came from.

it raises the obvious question of why then emigrate to Australia if you aren't willing to meet half way with Australian society?

I agree.

Plus it's really, really hard for people to converse all the time in a second language. It's not just hard because it's tiring, it's also emotionally tough because it drags your IQ down by a good thirty points - simply because it's so difficult to articulate whatever you want to say. I can't blame people for struggling to speak English when it's not their first language.

I'm a migrant myself. I came from Hong Kong nearly 22 years ago. English is my second language, so yes, I do understand how hard it is to converse and express yourself in a second language. I understand the struggles people face when learning English as a second language, which is probably one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. But instead of putting it in the too hard basket, I made it my duty to become fluent in the language of my adopted country.

Personally, I think all migrants should have to pass an English language competency test before they are allowed in. It's very difficult to live and support oneself in this country if they aren't able to communicate to some extent in English.

 

[iameviljez]

I'm a migrant myself. I came from Hong Kong nearly 22 years ago. English is my second language, so yes, I do understand how hard it is to converse and express yourself in a second language. I understand the struggles people face when learning English as a second language, which is probably one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. But instead of putting it in the too hard basket, I made it my duty to become fluent in the language of my adopted country.

I think that does make settling in a hell of a lot easier - it's certainly a good predictor for 'success' of your children - but given the enormity of the task, I wouldn't force other people to do it.

 

[simmo41]

If there weren't negative connotations behind it then you wouldn't use it as an insult.

I'll have another go... If the negative connotations weren't as bad as they are I would still use it. "Sissy" isn't quite as biting.

 

[Fluro Boots]

I've never understood why people refer to themselves as "Chinese Australian" or "Arab Australian", or whatever the case may be. If you live here and/or you are a citizen of this country, you are a citizen of Australia. You are Australian, regardless of where you came from.

Agree totally. We're all Australian just some are more Australian than others.

 

[BALKAN]

Perhaps because they want to live in a country where they aren't told how to act?

For the life of me I cannot understand why people are so obsessed with the behaviour of complete strangers that does not affect them one iota.

This.
Come to Australia and enjoy our freedom!*

*All you have to do is speak like us, act like us and drop any ethnic labels that make us uncomfortable like 'Chinese Australian'

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

Isms are there to be abused, it's difficult to think of a single ism that hasn't been subverted in one way at some point.

Sweet, benevolent hedonism has always gone alright in my book

 

[Donners]

I've never understood why people refer to themselves as "Chinese Australian" or "Arab Australian", or whatever the case may be. If you live here and/or you are a citizen of this country, you are a citizen of Australia. You are Australian, regardless of where you came from.

Curious. I've actually heard that argument from the opposite side, with some dubbed African-Americans complaining that "hyphenated citizenship" implied they were somehow lesser citizens than those who were not so labelled.

 

[kfc1]

Curious. I've actually heard that argument from the opposite side, with some dubbed African-Americans complaining that "hyphenated citizenship" complaining that it implied they were somehow lesser citizens than those who were not so labelled.

I think strongly identifying as "African American" or "Chinese Australian" or "Aboriginal Australian" rather than just American or Australia tends to be counter-productive as it highlights differences rather than promoting inclusion. There's certainly a place for being proud of your heritage etc but not when it comes to equality.