Perth V14: Racism

[dieseldawn]

It was bound to happen sometime, everyone complains about how Australians are racist, in particular, those from WA. This time, it was a young twenty something colleague of mine, who interrupted a conversation and announced - 'In Oz, they wouldn't rent to Asians because they cook and they leave the kitchens oily and disgusting'. After i told her it

Comments

[claypot]

You seem to be having a hard time in Perth. Come over to Melbourne. :) I haven't experienced any racism.

[dieseldawn]

Tell me about it!

[babyflite]

How annoying. I've never had a problem renting a place in Melbourne or Sydney before. Plus deep frying is really the only form of cooking that can leave the kitchen quite oily and both Asians and Caucasians deep fry. Stupid, ignorant girl.

[dieseldawn]

maybe this is the aussie equivalent of 'COOKING SMELLY CURRY' in singapore?

She really upset me.. :(

[babyflite]

Don't let her upset you, she was probably just jealous. Ignore her!

[kopibren]

wow and she said it to your face? blatant

[dieseldawn]

i actually think that she thinks generally, asians are like animals, and are not counted. But since i am a 'real' human being in her eyes (educated, neutral accent, in the office), i'm not really an 'Asian' and am not counted so she can discuss the animals in front of me.

It's sort of like in SIngapore, where racist people announce that Indians are 'smelly', (which is irritating by the way), but Singaporeans have at least one Indian friend who is not counted and they are not specifically racist against them so they talk about the Indians in front of them without thinking.

[snufericious]

haha good to know you're still blogging!

When I traveled in Australia I experienced racism in both Sydney and the outskirts of Melbourne. It was more passive in Sydney (salesgirl ignoring me in a store but paying attention to every other non-asian customer) but much more offensive on the great ocean road. We had to check into a tiny motel because it got late to quickly to head back. I had called prior to make a reservation and decided to use an americano accent so he could perhaps understand me better over the shitty mobile. Of course my reservation was accepted. I show up with chinese mother and brother in tow and he insists the hotel was full even when I told him I had make reservations. I see my name written down in his book and I'm like ... "Look... JOANNA SIMS, that's me. I called you 30 minutes ago, BOB". He had obviously thought I had a white last name. So he reluctantly gives us our keys and as I walk through the hallway I see empty room upon room with their curtains drawn open and an almost empty parking lot. WTF.